Founders of the East Troy Lake Association Joyce Ketchpaw Reed and Janet and Stephen Rostkowski will receive the Good Earth Award from the good Earth Church of the Divine at the Holidazzle event following the 10:30 a.m. service at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, W2493 Highway ES, East Troy.
Brunch will follow the service with the award presentation after the meal. Brunch tickets are $20 for adults, with children 10 and younger eating for free. Tickets can be purchased by calling 262-684-5193.
According to a press release from the church, the award “recognizes dedicated Earth-care work in Walworth County.” This year, the East Troy Lake Association is being recognized for offering water and woods conservation education and experiences to nearly 7,000 students and adults over the years.
“I’m the shovel and dirt guy outdoors,” Stephen Rostkowski said. “But the ongoing work would not be possible without Jan (Reed), who keeps the records, answers the phone and emails that come in with citizens’ concerns about this incredible community asset.”
While the future of East Troy Dam is uncertain, right now the dam, East Troy Lake and the creek provide three 175-year-old distinct ecosystems, each with its unique life forms. These sites have offered a natural classroom for the East Troy High School, departments of agricultural education and science education for many years, under the supervision of Steve Rostkowski, better known as “Roscoe.”
Using the lake environments, Roscoe has taught conservation and forestry, horticulture, landscaping and wildlife management, as well as biology and ecology classes, and advanced agricultural studies. Now retired, he serves as a volunteer supervisor of more young people, who secure some course credit for their work to clear and clean trails, build and set wood duck boxes, manage invasive plant growth and clear away debris left by humans.
