SWTU Spring Workday on Upper Yahara River

 SWTU Workday

April 11, 2026

Upper Yahara River, DeForest

Yes, there’s trout in the Upper Yahara River! The DNR has determined that the trout population in the Upper Yahara River, as it flows through De Forest, is healthy enough to be classified as a trout stream. With this news the Village of DeForest has decided to restore this stream and SWTU has made a significant donation to the Village toward this goal. It’s not often you find a new trout stream. We will be working with the village staff clearing honeysuckles and other invasive woodies. We need a big turnout to show our support for this project.

When: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Time: 9 am to 12 noon (Sawyers that have completed a chainsaw safety course, please arrive at 8:30. If needed we can provide the equipment).

Where:  We will meet at River’s Turn Park, 4601 Innovation Drive. The work site is on the Upper Yahara River Trail, so only official vehicles are allowed on the trail. Village staff will provide transportation to and from the worksite. So be there on time, otherwise listen for our chainsaws. It is about a 100-yard walk south along the trail.

Here is a Google Maps link to this location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/4601+Innovation+Dr,+DeForest,+WI+53532/@43.2258567,-89.3528687,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8806feee0959f555:0xd317a650358a1159!8m2!3d43.2258528!4d-89.3502884!16s%2Fg%2F11kl5lp3vf?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAxNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

The map below shows the parking area and the location of the work site.

What:  We will be working with Greg Hall, Deputy Director of Public Services, and some of his staff clearing honeysuckles and other invasive woodies, and creating burn piles. The honeysuckles are quite numerous and large, similar to what we encountered at Kittleson Branch at our last workday. So, get a good night rest.

Bring: Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, and eye and ear protection. Also bring reusable water bottles that can be filled from our 5-gal water jug. Stay hydrated. 

Parking:  As indicated above, we will be parking at 4601 Innovation Drive and Village staff will drive us to the work site. Park on the southside of the road to allow for safe traffic flow.

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Next Workdays:

Saturday, April 25 – Garfoot Creek – clearing invasives, 9050 County Rd KP, Dane County

Saturday, May 16 – Smith Conley Creek – planting trees, 2800 Cty Rd H, Barneveld

Saturday, May 30 – Big Spring Branch – clearing invasives, 5465 Big Spring Rd, Town of Highland

Tuesday, June 9 – Duerst Property – working with professional STIHL sawyers clearing large box elders, 7309 Riverside Rd

Visit our website for more information: Workdays – Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited