Shorewood Waters Celebrates 15 Years With a Beach Party

The Shorewood Waters Project is celebrating a big milestone this year: 15 years of helping connect the community to the Milwaukee River, Lake Michigan and the natural spaces that make Shorewood such a special place to live, play and explore.

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.

Milwaukee River Kayak Adventures

The next kayak adventure is planned for July 22, giving residents another chance to experience the Milwaukee River from the water.

These guided paddles are a great way to see the river from a new perspective, learn more about the local watershed and enjoy one of Shorewood’s most beautiful natural resources.

Registration is available through Shorewood Waters’ event form.

Getting Started With Native Gardening Workshop

For anyone thinking about adding more native plants at home, Shorewood Waters will host a Getting Started with Native Gardening Workshop on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Village Center.

Experienced presenters will share gardening basics, native plant recommendations for this area and design ideas that can work in local yards and gardens. It’s a helpful starting point for anyone interested in supporting pollinators, improving soil health or creating a more sustainable landscape.

A registration link is expected soon.

Adopt-A-River Cleanups: Estabrook to Hubbard Park

Shorewood Waters is also inviting the community to help care for the Milwaukee River through upcoming Milwaukee Riverkeeper cleanups.

The cleanup dates are:

June 27
October 17

Participants can sign up for one or both cleanups along the stretch from Estabrook to Hubbard Park. It’s a hands-on way to make an immediate difference for the river while spending time outside with neighbors and fellow volunteers.

Save the Date: Fresh Coast Beach Party

The anniversary celebration continues later this summer with the Fresh Coast Beach Party at Atwater Beach on Saturday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The beach party will feature music, food, surf lessons, a drum booth, face painting, art activities and water resource partners. It sounds like a full day of family-friendly fun along the lakefront, with plenty of opportunities to learn more about protecting and enjoying our local waters.

Celebrate 15 Years of Shorewood Waters

For 15 years, Shorewood Waters has helped residents better understand, appreciate and protect the water resources that shape daily life in the village. This anniversary season is a great reminder that the Milwaukee River, Lake Michigan and local green spaces are not just scenery — they are part of the community.

Whether you join a river cleanup, start a native garden, paddle the Milwaukee River or spend the day at Atwater Beach, this summer offers plenty of ways to celebrate Shorewood Waters and support its work for the next 15 years.