Wisconsin Roots Embraced Through Wild Rice Seeding

Nearly 2,000 lbs. of wild rice to be seeded in the bay of Green Bay, Nov. 12-17

GREEN BAY – In an attempt to restore the historical aquatic ecosystem, a team of conservation professionals and volunteers from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, UW-Extension, Ducks Unlimited, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and others, are joining together to seed nearly 2,000 lbs. of wild rice in the bay of Green Bay during the week of November 13-17, 2017.

Wild rice has both an ecological importance as a food source for migrating waterfowl and ecological diversity in coastal wetlands and cultural value for native tribes associated with harvest, preparation and nutrition. Historical records suggest wild rice grew in large expanses throughout Green Bay, but has been uncommon to the bay in recent history. Rice re-establishment is part of a series of restoration projects in lower Green Bay and along the Green Bay west shore to enhance coastal wetland habitat for fish and wildlife and to improve the health of the bay itself.

Participants will hand seed the rice at six sites in lower Green Bay and along the Green Bay west shore on the following dates:

• Monday 11/13 – Longtail Point and Dead Horse Bay
• Tuesday 11/14 – Lower Green Bay: Duck Creek and Peters Marsh
• Wednesday 11/15 – Seagull Bar and Peshtigo River (Marinette County)
• Thursday 11/16 – Oconto Sportsmen’s Club (Oconto County)
• Friday 11/17 – Point au Sable

Also, arrangements will be made for a media observation point on land, Nov. 14 if interested in footage without a boat ride.

Media members are welcome to join on the boats. Please check in ahead of time to ensure space is reserved for everyone. To reserve a space or to get more information about the project, contact Green Bay Restoration Project Coordinator, Amy Carrozzino-Lyon, at carrozza@uwgb.edu or 920-465-5029.

About the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a comprehensive public institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs to 7,158 students. The University transforms lives and communities through exceptional and award-winning teaching and research, innovative learning opportunities, and a problem-solving approach to education. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.

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