Protecting Our Waters: Shorewood Waters Project

Living along Lake Michigan's shoreline comes with both incredible beauty and important responsibility. For over 25 years, Kae DonLevy has been at the forefront of Great Lakes education, and since 2011, she's been leading the Shorewood Waters Project—a community initiative that connects residents to the waterways. This year, the organization is celebrating 15 years.

In this conversation, Kae shares practical ways families can make a difference, highlights upcoming community events, and explains why Shorewood's unique position between river and lake makes it the perfect place to learn about water stewardship. If you've ever wondered how to get your kids excited about environmental science or wanted simple steps to protect local water quality, this interview offers both inspiration and actionable advice.

What first sparked your passion for protecting Lake Michigan and its connected waterways, and how did that lead you to the Shorewood Waters Project?

I have been working in freshwater and Great Lakes education for students and adults for over 25 years in the state and have collaborated with many organizations - this is another project of mine. I was hired in Shorewood in 2011 to create the Shorewood Waters Project (see article on page 18 of Shorewood Today.)

For readers who are new to the initiative, what’s the Shorewood Waters Project’s core mission in a nutshell?

The mission of the Shorewood Waters Project is to connect residents to their local waterways thorugh fun and engaing events, workshops and presentations. We also work with educating local students thorugh supporting teachers with content - see Water Tools for Teachers. The Fish & Feather Festival is our largest event in fall and brings over 700 people out to the Milwaukee River.

Shorewood is bordered by important waterways with the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. How does that unique geography influence the projects you prioritize?

Shorewood is bordered by the mightly Milwaukee River and shores of Lake Michigan and is part of both of their watersheds. This is a perfect positioning to explain how we are impacted by and impact the health of these waters. Lake Michigan is the source of our drinking water and the Milwaukee River feeds into our drinking water, so keeping the land free of checmicals (fertilizers and pesticides), dog waste and litter, that runs into our river and eventaully end up in our drinking water source is critical to protect.

Can you describe a recent success story large or small that shows the difference community action can make for local water quality?

Compared to 20 years ago the Milwaukee River's water quality has drastically improved. In the 1990's there were very few fish species in the river and now there are over 40, including Lake Sturgeon that we have been stocking for 20 year.

Many of our readers have young children. What’s one easy, tangible step a family can take this weekend to reduce runoff or pollution at home?

Great question! They can check-out our Simple Solutions Guide for over 50 ways to ehlp protect these precious water.

Can you share more about your Eco Plastic Mosaics Workshop?

Eco Art Workshop at the Shorewood Village Center is a creative and educational evening to learn about the impact of single-use plastics and discover practical ways to reduce waste—while making vibrant, eco-friendly mosaics. All materials provided, along with inspiring solutions to help tackle plastic pollution.

Milwaukee’s North Shore loves its parks and beaches. What's your favorite or underappreciated element of a local beach?

The wildlife and serenity.

Volunteers are the engine of many environmental programs. What kinds of help are you looking for right now in skills, time commitments, or specific roles?

We could use volnteers at several events and some fall invasive species cleanups. No skills needed.

Looking five years ahead, what’s one ambitious goal you’d love to see the Shorewood Waters Project achieve, and how can local families be part of that story?

We just launched the Catch the Wave Shorewood - Reduce Single-Use Plastic project. It would be amazing if we can make an impact to reducing single-use plastic and have residents share their journey with friends and family to further that impact.

Finally, for kids who are curious about science and the outdoors, what resources or youth programs would you recommend to nurture that curiosity close to home?

The Urban Ecology Center, Schlitz Audubon Nature Cetner and Riveredge Nature Center.

Upcoming events with the Shorewood Waters Project:

To mark the anniversary, Shorewood Waters is planning a season of events focused on water, conservation, native plants and family-friendly outdoor fun. From kayak adventures on the Milwaukee River to cleanups, gardening workshops and a Fresh Coast Beach Party at Atwater Beach, there are several ways for families and neighbors to get involved.