Opportunity Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s outdoor water activities are endless. In addition to the Great Lakes there are countless rivers, lakes and streams where you can enjoy endless hours of fun such as year round fishing, boating, swimming or even scuba diving. But the waters need to be protected to ensure future generations can enjoy the same past times. Southeast Wisconsin is a leader in protecting the state’s water resources, from the research that goes on in area universities, educational programs that are fun for the whole family to businesses working together to keep our water clean and usable.

Dean Amhaus, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Water Council explains the council’s work.

Meghan Forseth, Discovery World demonstrates hunting for Louisiana crayfish in the Milwaukee River.

Henry Hebert at Sweet Water Organics explains how fish waste and recycled water can grow veggies in an urban warehouse.

Rob Zimmerman of Kohler Co. talks about a water business's role in protecting our water.

Wisconsin offers visitors and residents alike an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. People love to fish, scuba dive, play in the water parks, go boating or cross country skiing in winter. But who knew some the equipment we use to do those things is made by companies based here in Wisconsin? We’ll introduce you to Johnson Outdoors (boats, kayaks and scuba gear), Frabill (fishing gear and apparel) Neuman Pools (swimming pools and water parks) and Wisconsin Knitwear (woolen knit hats for winter activities) – companies that are examples of the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and proud to call Wisconsin home.

Wisconsin is fast becoming a bicycling mecca with its “Rails to Trails” program and other individual bike trails across the state. But a lot of that biking activity can be found in southeast Wisconsin whether you race at the Kenosha Velodrome, take a leisurely ride along Lake Michigan in Racine or go mountain biking in Sheboygan and other locations in the region. Wisconsin is not only home to several tour races but some of the leading makers of bicycles and bicycle parts are based in the state. That bike you’re riding just may have been built for you here in southeast Wisconsin.

Learn the ins and outs of Olympic style cycle racing.

What you’ll find at the John Muir Trails in the Kettle Moraine Park.

The back story on one of the world’s premier bicycle makers.

Wisconsin may be known as America’s Dairyland but there are many individual farmers across the state who grow or raise other products that are vital to the state’s agri-economy. Southwest Wisconsin is particularly known for its organic farms especially in the Kickapoo Valley region. There’s the farmer who raises beef cattle who supplies local restaurants so they can serve some of the tastiest burgers around. Or the local hops grower who sells his produce to local micro-breweries for that homegrown flavor. And there are the apple orchards that have been picking locally grown apples for decades and selling them all over the Midwest. We salute the farmers who grow local-sell local to keep the economy fresh and growing.

Picking, cleaning and sorting apples isn’t what it used to be.

Tom Porter of Lake Louie Brewing teaches a lesson in how beer is made.

Brother and Sister farmers describe how a Community Supported Agriculture group works.

Mike and Lois talk about direct marketing saving farms