The annual sight of people in blue shirts at boat launches in Wisconsin has become a big part of keeping lakes free of aquatic invasive species. The Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program has been impactful and supported over the years - and it was started by 7th graders.
If you're curious about the unexpected origin of the program, you're not the only one. Folks from Wisconsin Sea Grant looked back recently and detailed their discoveries on the podcast Introduced. "Me and the Executive Producer Bonnie Willison decided to dig into this a little more," says Jenna Mertz of Wisconsin Sea Grant. "Three seventh graders from Minocqua (WI) first thought of this idea back in 2001."
Maree, Luke and Janelle were barely teenagers when they kickstarted the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program after identifying a need in their area. With vacationing families descending on northern waters in the summertime, messaging the importance of inspecting and cleaning boats prior to launching became a priority. The youth ultimately garnered $25,000 to get the program off the ground.
Presently, there are many events surrounding this issue. Activities for families, kids, and community members will be happening through the summer. More information can be found on the Wisconsin Sea Grant website, the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point website, and the Wisconsin DNR website.
You can hear Green Visions at 8:20am every Wednesday on Northland Morning.
