The Odana infiltration project

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...A complicated way of doing a simple thing

The “Rube Goldberg” machine is an impossibly complicated device that does a simple task. Rube himself was an engineer, who celebrated the spirit of invention with his cartoons. There was always some implausible step that guaranteed failure in the real world.

Cartoon by Rube Goldberg.  He was an engineer.

In Madison, we are honored to have one of the largest Rube Goldberg machines in the state, hidden away in an out-of-the way corner of Odana Golf Course.  But this complex machine sends its strings, pipes, wells, and band aids all over the City and beyond.

Key watershed processes

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In a previous post, I identified key watershed areas.  This posting covers important processes that happen at many locations in the watershed.   Each instance may be small, but together they add up to a significant concern or opportunity in the watershed.

All of these would make good volunteer projects.  Look for ones that apply to your neighborhood, find a few people to help, and get started!  Let the Friends of Lake Wingra know about your project-they may be able to help.  Click on the photo examples below, to enlarge them.

Priority areas in the Lake Wingra watershed

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At their June 7, 2012 meeting, the Friends of Lake Wingra decided to assemble a list of key or priority areas within the watershed.  The purpose is to focus attention for improvements in management, or for volunteer work.  They also need to keep abreast of news, and of City or neighborhood plans for these areas.

Severe erosion at Nakoma Park

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As the City begins its study of the Lake Wingra Watershed,* citizens need to begin thinking about creative approaches to the watershed's management.  Input from citizens can encourage the study to be more creative and comprehensive.

Caving bank on north side of creek in Nakoma Park.

I've been spending days exploring the watershed.  Of all the problems found, Nakoma Park erosion jumps to the top of my list for action in the near future.

How well do schools demonstrate "watershed awareness?"

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Click on photos to enlarge  

The situation at Randall School--nearly the entire grounds paved with impervious pavement--prompted a survey of other schools.

I looked at all 16 public and private schools in (and just beyond) the Wingra watershed.  The method was to walk completely around each school and take photos, looking for evidence that the school was employing good watershed management practices, and for evidence that children had examples of sustainability on the school grounds.  Specifically, I looked for...

• Rain gardens--4-5 schools (25-31% had a functioning rain garden)
• Potential locations for rain gardens (all except Randall have many excellent locations, Randall has a few)
• Gardens for vegetables or native plants: 11-14 (69-88%). Some are small or far from children.  More info
• Prairies, forests, or other naturalistic groupings of plants: 6 (38%)
• Composting: 7-9 (44-56%)
• Erosion or escape of sediment: 7 (44%)  2-3 schools have severe erosion
• Sanitation of garbage dumpsters: at least 7 (44%) schools had leakage stains or open lids or both