River Revelry

event focuses on Chippewa conservation, recreation

Tom Giffey, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

PADDLE PERFECT. A kayak trip downriver will be part of the Celebrate the Lower Chippewa River Conference.
PADDLE PERFECT. A kayak trip downriver will be part of the Celebrate the Lower Chippewa River Conference.

Pop quiz: What’s the most essential element that makes the Chippewa Valley the Chippewa Valley? Why, the Chippewa River, of course – a dynamic, elemental feature that has shaped our landscape, literally and figuratively, for untold millennia. On Aug. 28-29, river lovers will gather for the second annual Celebrate the Lower Chippewa River Conference, which is billed as “a chance to learn, share experiences, and celebrate the Chippewa River.”

“The river is right in their community and it’s a huge part of what makes the Chippewa Valley the Chippewa Valley.” – Emily Lind, Beaver Creek Reserve, on why the general public should be interested in the Celebrate the Lower Chippewa River Conference

And while parts of the conference will focus on the ecological issues of interest to natural resources professionals and advocates, it’s not aimed at them alone, says Emily Lind, citizen science technician at Beaver Creek Reserve, one of the conference’s sponsors. In fact, it’s also for everyday river appreciators: “The river is right in their community and it’s a huge part of what makes the Chippewa Valley the Chippewa Valley, so it will be directed at them as well,” Lind explains.

Day one of the conference will be 1-9pm Friday, Aug. 28, at the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls. In addition to attending breakout sessions on topics ranging from prairie restoration to invasive species, attendees will enjoy a catered dinner, live music, and a keynote address from former Wisconsin lawmaker and current national Sierra Club Vice President Spencer Black.

While the first day of the conference will cost $20 per attendee, the second day’s activities will be free – and fun. Beginning at 8am Saturday, Aug. 29, participants will gather at Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire where they will be able to take part in a guided canoe and kayak paddle to Porterville Landing, 6.5 miles downriver; a guided bike ride; or a river paddle to identify invasive species. The Department of Natural Resources will also be on hand to shock fish.

It’s no coincidence that the conference melds river conservation with recreation. While the river’s quality is currently great, Lind says, “It might not be great forever. Invasive species are still a threat to the Chippewa River. Water quality is still an issue.” Hopefully, the celebration will inspire all of us to ensure that the river remains strong for many more millennia.

Registration and payment for the first day of the conference are required by Aug. 21. To learn more, contact Emily Lind at (715) 877-2212, ext. 118, or emily@beavercreekreserve.org.