Limnology Lake Tour
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Registration deadline is Monday, August 24
Registration will open August 4
Helen Schlimm, Research Specialist & Outreach Coordinator for the UW-Madison Center For Limnology, will be joining us on MSCR's pontoon boat for our limnology lake tour.
We will navigate to different points around Lake Mendota from University Bay, around Picnic and Frautschi Points, out to the middle of the lake at the CFL research buoy, and back along the southern shore. Topics of conversation will include: history of the Madison lakes and area, history of limnology, ecology of the lakes, past and current research efforts. There will be plenty of time for questions. Helen will have some limnological sampling tools on board so participants can gain hands-on experience with lake science.
Helen Schlimm assists in the regular operations and research endeavors of the Wilkinson Lab, in addition to leading outreach efforts. Her work combines her interests in limnological study and inclusive community science. She received a BS in Environmental Science from Dickinson College in 2017.
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The talk will given on an MSCR Pontoon boat while we are travelling Lake Mendota. You will be required to sign a Pontoon Program Liability Waiver before boarding. There are Porta Potties at the departure point. Bring your own water and snacks and dress appropriately for the weather. It is often windier and cooler on the lake.
Note that this is a 3-hour trip and there will be a bathroom break.
Timetable:
5:00 - Depart Tenney Park dock and go through Tenney Park locks
5:40 - Pick up Helen at the Limnology dock
5:40 - 7:00 - On the lake with Helen
7:00 - 7:30 - Tour of the Hasler Laboratory of Limnology (and bathroom break)
8:00 - Disembark at Tenney Park dock
Meeting Point: Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman Ave
The boat trip to Lake Mendota will depart from the Tenney Park Boat House and will go through the lock at Tenney Park.
Cost: $30 per person.
Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Mail-In Registration Form: Print, Fill-in and Mail this Form for those who wish to register off-line and by check
Refund Policy: PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.
PLATO Membership: PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1.
For further information, contact PLATO trip coordinators, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 or Liz Coleman, liz_coleman@msn.com, 608-320-4480
