June 5, 2019
While cyanobacteria (blue green algae) was evident on the shore, the water quality appears to be in good shape, according to the data collected. Students commented that it was beautiful on the lake, a contrast to what was observed on shore. The water was clearer and colder out in the middle of the lake (although solids still contributed to a merky appearance). Carp were observed jumping over a foot into the air. Students observed Water was clearest and coldest water occurred at the natural spring flowing into Lake Wingra. The shoreline water looked cloudy. In addition to algae, dead fish and debri was found in the water and the shore water smelled worse to the kids compared to water from other WI lakes that students spend time on.
Mrs. Sally Griffith-Oh shared her knowledge of the history of medical drawing. Students were invited to sketch micro-organisms pulled from the lake. Unfortunately one of these organisms was blue-green algae blooming on the park shoreline. Native snails, milfoil and a variety of other organisms were also sketched by students under the guidance of Mrs. Griffith-Oh.
Mr. Orie Eilertson shared his knowledge of the Ho-Chunk Nations's history on Lake Wingra and the surrounding area. Students reported learning about the wigwam dwellings people of the Ho-Chunk Nation lived in prior to European settlement. They learned that people of the Ho-Chunk Nation harvested wild rice, grew corn that was not "yellow", hunted with bows, used hide cooking baskets to boil water with hot rocks, weaved baskets made from reeds and native plant material. Students also learned that burial mounds often contained food and tools for those buried to use in the afterlife.
