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 right in their backyard.

Whether you're walking along the Milwaukee River with your kids or enjoying a family beach day, the health of these waters directly impacts your daily life. From the drinking water flowing from your tap to the fish swimming in local rivers, every action we take on land eventually finds its way to our waterways.

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. Also, see our 2025 event list attached.

Shorewood sits at the mouth of several small watersheds; 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. (We're not at the mouth of any waterways). 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:

July 19: Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s Adopt-A-River Cleanup from 9:00 am to 11 am. Join us for a cleanup in Estabrook Park to Hubbard Park with the Shorewood Waters Project and Conservation Committee to clean up our beautiful parks and riverway. Registration is required.

July 29: Native Plant and MMSD Rain Barrel Workshop from 6:00 to 7:30 pm @ Hubbard Park River Club. Join Shorewood’s Horticulturalist, Ben Habanek, on a journey to learn how to create beautiful and thriving gardens that support pollinators with the best native plants for this area. The MMSD will also host a mini-rain barrel workshop. Free native plant and rain barrel give aways. Registration is required.

August 5: National Night Out @ Atwater School from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Visit booths of local organizations and the Shorewood Police and Fire Departments with Police dog demos and the Shorewood DPW. Stop by the Shorewood Waters and Catch the Wave booth for goodies and solutions to reduce plastic use.

September 23: Shorewood Waters Walking Tour from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Village DPW yard. Get a glimpse up close of the Village's native plantings and innovative green infrastructure installations to keep water where it falls and beautify the Village. Learn ideas for planting thriving natives in your yard. Registration is required: email kaemdonlevy@gmail.com.