Sunset Lake is a stained glass piece created with glass, copper foil and 60/40 solder. The varying blue geometric ellipses near the bottom of the piece are representative of how the ideas and management taking place at Sunset Lake at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station are spanning out and influencing the management of lakes elsewhere in Wisconsin, much like how just a drop of water can produce a ripple that spans far and wide. There is important work being done against invasive aquatic plants at Sunset Lake that brings the community together. The triangle sun and rays represent a past, present and future moto. The red and white pine are prevalent at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station and I wanted to pay homage to them as well.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

I’m a senior at UW-Stevens Point studying Environmental Science and Management. Combining my hobby of creating stained glass art and my love of the natural resources really got me excited to participate in this project. Sam DeRoche offered a great deal of support while making this piece. Thank you so much.

ABOUT THE Water Partner

Sam De Roche is the Program Manager for the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Sam teaches the practical capstone course for Environmental Education and Interpretation majors and minors, as well as facilitates the professional development of graduate students earning their Master of Science in Nature Resources. As a developer of programming, Sam leans into the creative process of innovation. Listening to the needs of the community around Sunset Lake, Sam put into motion the creation of the Sunset Lake Conservation Program (SLCP). With the support of many, the SLCP is providing education, planning for management of aquatic invasion species, and updating the management plan for Sunset Lake. This community effort lives through the shared legacy of love for the lake, the memories made there, and a strong desire to protect the health of the waters for the future. Contributors to the program range from Water Quality Specialists to sixth grade students to residents on the water and all interested citizens in between.