Update on 3D Black Earth Creek Watershed Model

Michelle Harris and Mary DeVitt, BECWA Board Members

In late spring 2026 BECWA provided a foundational donation to spearhead its fundraising campaign to build a portable (4 ft. x 3.2 ft.) 3D model of our watershed. Thanks to the generous support of many watershed stakeholders (see list below), our 3D model committee was able to surpass its $15,000 fundraising goal. All funds raised will be used for the physical model and accompanying educational tools. Design and production of the 3D tabletop model is currently underway, with completion and delivery expected by mid-October.

The overwhelming support from municipalities and non-profit organizations is a positive indication of how useful a resource the model will be. We anticipate that it will serve as a springboard to a digital watershed version, which would allow in-depth analysis of factors that affect the health of the Black Earth Creek Watershed.

Thank you to the following contributors:

• Friends of Black Earth Library

• Friends of Mazomanie Free Library

• Friends of Rosemary Garfoot Public Library

• Gateway to the Driftless

• Town of Black Earth

• Town of Cross Plains

• Town of Middleton

• Trout Unlimited

• Vermont Lutheran Church Legacy Prairie & Woodland

• Village of Black Earth

• Village of Cross Plains

• Wolf Run Association