By Topf Wells, SWTU President

We might be the only non profit which can say that.

Please consider donating anyway.

SWTU has tried to improve our performance in every way: stream conservation, education, outreach and fun.

We just completed our year of workdays. We held more on streams throughout SW Wisconsin with more volunteers to plant more oaks and remove more invasive vegetation. Streams are more accessible, stream banks more stable, and fishing more fun. Honeysuckle fears our name. We’ve helped fund two major stream restorations which are underway with a third starting in spring. We increased our support of the DNR brushing crew (they’ll work on Mt. Vernon Creek this year) and enabled the fish biologists to have full survey crews this summer. Stay tuned for an announcement of our agreement with the DNR on a cool version of the DNR’s Adopt a Fishery Area program.

We just renewed our annual support of Project Green Teen with cash, fly rods, and a promise of volunteers. We helped launch a Trout In the Classroom project in the Sun Prairie East High School. We had great field trips and tree planting with the fourth graders from Hollandale and Madison’s South Side. Our free fly tying program is going strong as is Vets on the Fly. We offered three fly fishing clinics and hosted members at a stream shocking on Black Earth Creek followed by a picnic. We’re trying to offer a variety of speakers and topics at our membership meetings.

We can only do all this and strive to improve in 2026 with your gifts of time and treasure. You are absolutely fabulous in your support.

Please consider continuing your generous support of SWTU. Direct donations can be made with a check mailed to SWTU at SWTU, PO Box 45555, Madison, WI 53744-5555. IRA distributions and donations from Donor Advised Foundations can be directed to that same address. You can also give online through Paypal at our Donation page.

If you are considering a stock donation to SWTU, please contact Topf Wells, President, at topfwells@gmail.com (608-231-3037) or Michael Westbury, Treasurer at mwestbury.swtu@gmail.com.

SWTU depends on members volunteering too. We need more volunteers to offer a full range of worthwhile and fun activities. Please contact any officer or board member if you have any interest in any Chapter activity.

Thank you.