Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Work Day

media release: Joint Workday – SWTU & Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter

May 30, 2026 – Big Spring Branch, Iowa County, 5465 Big Spring Road, Town of Highland

Special Note: The Nohr Chapter will be providing lunch!

If you are interested in carpooling to the workday, contact Dyan Lesnik (dmlgriffin@gmail.com) and she will try to find a contact for you.

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: This work site is located in a beautiful wooded valley near Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery. Perhaps the prettiest area we have worked in. And yes, there is a Big Spring, a short walk from where we meet. Unless you know this area, it may be difficult to find. The Fire Code is 5465 Big Spring Road, Town of Highland, which can be entered into your phone or the Google Map Link is https://maps.app.goo.gl/WabkPHPkFyWHqj6c8

And for those that prefer written directions: Go to Cobb, then north on STH 80 to Highland, at Highland take County Rd Q west for about 2 miles, then turn right on Big Spring Rd and go 1 mile to our worksite.

What: This will be a joint workday with the Nohr Chapter, assisting the DNR with removing invasive willows and box elders. With enough volunteers we should be able to complete our work on Big Spring. Justin Haglund, DNR Fish Biologist, and Lloyd Meng, Fisheries Technician, will be directing and assisting us, along with some other DNR staff. If you are spraying herbicide, be sure to where the rubber gloves we provide.

It is absolutely critical that all willow cuttings are treated. If you are using loppers or a chainsaw, it is probably best to do your own treating. Not sure if we will be using our brush cutter, but someone should follow you with herbicide if we use it. There are some young red oaks and some other trees that need to be left alone. When in doubt, check with someone to make sure before cutting.

Bring: Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, and eye and ear protection. And it is always a good idea to bring rubber boots, if you have them. Also bring reusable water bottles that can be filled from our 5-gal water jug. Stay hydrated.

Parking: There are two DNR parking lots and you can park along Big Spring Creek Road. Traffic is light on this road, but we all should park on the west side of the road to allow for safety.