On July 18, youth and their families from La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, Crawford and Richland counties and visitors of all ages are invited to join Valley Stewardship Network to explore the wonders of the West Fork of the Kickapoo River.

From 10 a.m.-2 p.m, “Family Fun on the River Day” will feature hands-on discoveries, with riverside stations for learning about aquatic insects, trout, birds, turtles and more. Workshops throughout the day will illustrate the dynamic ecology of the our region’s rivers and provide opportunities to learn about the science behind healthy water quality. Other events will include guided hikes, bird watching, kayaking and swimming.

Thanks to generous support from Associated Bank in the Seven Rivers Region (La Crosse, Holmen, Onalaska and Viroqua), this event will be free of charge. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring life jackets and a sack lunch. Interested individuals may contact Valley Stewardship Network at info@kickapoovsn.org or call 608-637-3615.

Workshop activities will be led by Valley Stewardship Network staff and board members, including Tom Lukens, Rice Spann, Shelly Brenneman and Vicki Ramsay. Family Fun on the River Day will take place at Nature Nooks Retreat, located on the west fork of the Kickapoo River between Viroqua and La Farge.

Valley Stewardship Network thanks Associated Bank, Organic Valley, Gundersen Health System and Viroqua Area Foundation for their generous support of the 2015 Stewardship Activities and Workshops series.