For the City Times

The Central Wisconsin Nature Foundation (CWNF) is sponsoring the Central Sands Water Walk on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 6:40 a.m. at Lake Camelot in the Town of Rome.

The “Mother Earth Water Walk” was created by two Anishinawbe Grandmothers who started taking  action regarding water issues by walking the perimeter of the Great Lakes.  Since 2003, they, along with many others, have walked around all four Great Lakes, along the St Lawrence Seaway, around Lakes Monona & Winnebago in Wisconsin, and many other waters.

The only goal is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving our water quality and quantity and helping people recognize that water is life; it is not an infinite resource, and when it’s gone, so are we.  Central Wisconsin, with its many water resources and pressures, is obviously an area where this goal is of utmost importance.

People from waters throughout Central Wisconsin will walk 10 miles from the dam between Lake Sherwood and Lake Camelot in Adams County to Barnum Bay on Lake Petenwell.  Women will carry traditional copper buckets of waters from the lakes and streams, and men are encouraged to walk beside them carrying the Eagle staff.  People of all ages, races, and sexes are welcome to participate.  A vehicle will be available for those too infirm to walk.

The walk will begin with a sunrise ceremony led by Ojibwe Medicine women. Registration will be held after the opening ceremony.  Then people will walk 5 miles to the beach of Lake Arrowhead.  At Arrowhead, local Girl Scouts will distribute trail mix and cranberry juice provided by Ocean Spray.  After a brief respite, the group will continue on to Lake Petenwell where a closing ceremony  is planned to include singing, & drumming.   People can choose to walk the entire way (about 10 miles), part of the way, or in relay teams.

The first 100 participants will receive free t-shirts courtesy of the Central Wisconsin Nature Foundation.

After the walk, at 2PM, the Ho Chunk Nation will host a free traditional Native American dinner, and the Strawberry Moon Singers will give a concert.

People interested in participating, may contact the CWNF at [email protected] and give us the size of shirt you will require.

CWNF is also requesting donations of vegetables and/or game meats for the dinner.  If you need further information, or have food items to donate, contact event coordinator, Patt Pisellini at 715-325-1972.