Hard to Believe

The Big Rock marked a shallow part of the
river which could be forded safely by early
settlers.  6/18/2021 dwm photo

   40 years ago when my high school class graduated, I believe there were two things we would have found impossible.

    1. The Monterey Dam would be removed from the Rock River making it easier to access the Big Rock.

    2.  Bald Eagles would live on the Rock River.

   Both things happened.

Experts with the state Department of Natural Resources recommended the river flow unfettered by a dam.  

After debate it was removed in 2018, dropping the water nearly two feet exposing land that was previously a bay in front of the Big Rock.  It wasn't a good look, but on my most recent visit it looks much better.  A path allows visitors to see inside the cave safely (it used to require climbing down the rock face) and lets those walking the Ice Age Trail see a part of history.

A Bald Eagle's
nest on the Rock
River. 6/18/21
(dwm)

The eagles are an even bigger surprise for me.

The river through town used to be overrun with carp and looked bad as it flowed through town.

It's cleaner now than I remember and the presence of our national symbol above it is the best evidence to date.

In 1981 there were only a few eagles in Wisconsin, now they can be found in every county.  That's an amazing comeback.

A mature Bald Eagle surveys the river from a
perch near the nest. 6/18/2021 (dwm)

   For decades the river ran through town, but was far from its heart as the view was covered by businesses and parking lots.

   Now the Rock River flows free and is welcoming home to birds that used to fly right past Janesville.  In addition to the eagles, I've also been regularly seeing Pelicans gathered on the river near Monterey Stadium.

   Those are upsets worthy of celebration at the reunion.