Friends of Starkweather Creek is a volunteer organization of citizen stewards, advocates, explorers and educators dedicated to the enhancement of the watershed’s environmental quality. We hold monthly board meetings and outings along the creek on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We also host restoration events at key locations around the creek. All are welcome to join us.
The 24 square mile Starkweather watershed covers half the east side of Madison (watershed map). Its many wetlands, springs, meandering streams and teeming wildlife were critical components to cleanse and balance the eco-system. Urbanization and low awareness filled and drained the wetlands, straightened and polluted the channels and replaced native species of plants and wildlife with aggressive and unbalanced invasives, especially humans.
In 2003, a passionate group of citizens formed friends of Starkweather Creek (bylaws) to revitalize the watershed. In 2006, the UW Nelson Institute published this extensive study of the watershed. By 2019, the watershed and stakeholder synergy reached truly inspiring levels in this annual meeting presentation.
The Friends now explore win-win ways to transform people and place, for more information on current issues, view our current Spring 2024 Newsletter! If you wish to co-create this exciting adventure, contact us to learn more and join as a member.
- Visit our Friends of Starkweather Creek Facebook page to get up to date information on our activities and outings.
- Sample this Starkweather Paddling Adventures video to get a flavor of our outings.
- NEW: View our printable recreation map.