Lake Mendota Boat Trip – June 14, 2019

John Magnuson explaining and Captain Dave Harring

Dave Harring, aka Captain Dave, helped lead the not-quite-three-hour tour with emeritus professor John Magnuson, former director of the UW Center for Limnology, using two boats for the group of twelve.  Both were tremendous hosts with an outpouring of joy and sharing their love of the lake with us. As in previous years, they surveyed the entire lake edge of the Preserve. Magnuson discussed the history, geology, flora and fauna observed along the shore, as well as writings about Lake Mendota, research and many more subjects.

• Main stops: about 100 yards offshore from the Limnology building, Wally Bauman Woods, Frautschi Point, north shore of picnic point, south shore of picnic point, and back at the Limnology building for a quick dissection microscope session to get a closer look at the Daphnia

• Sampling activities: a small dredging from the former sandy beaches (the 'ring of gold'), macro-invertebrate (video of very active Daphnia), macroflora raking (Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel captured in photo)

The group of participants was lucky enough to see pelicans and also one adult Bald eagle flying over the lake. Bank swallows were nesting in one of the cliffs. It was a privilege and of great interest to view the Preserve from the perspective of the water. We are fortunate that John, Dave and the Center for Limnology are sharing expertise and resources so generously with the public. Tom Bryan, Friends, host, and Glenda Denniston of the Friends provided the report and the photos.

John Magnuson lifting a sample dredged from the bottom of the lake.

Video of very active Daphnia. Tom Bryan

Eurasian watermilfoil and Zebra mussel