A Water Journey (A Four Part Series) | Sean Harnett and Ken Szymanski

Join us for a special program relating to the library’s art exhibit, The Art of Water. The show features six area artists. Hmong story cloths will also be on display.

A Geographic Overview of the Lower Chippewa River from Eau Claire and the Mississippi

Presenter: Sean Harnett, PhD, Professor Emeritus, UW–Eau Claire Geography Dept. | A map and video tour shows the distinctive and defining features of the Chippewa River. There are few river towns and bridges along the way, but many natural features mark the journey. There is plenty to see when you head downriver: the 19 big bends in the river, the 35 tributaries that flow into the river, or the countless gravel rapids, sand bars, and eagle nests.

Three Rivers, Two Kayaks, and One Mission: Two Summers Spent Traveling from Eau Claire to the Mighty Mississippi

Presenter: Ken Szymanski, Eau Claire Writer-in-Residence | After obtaining a couple of used kayaks, Ken Szymanski started short, amateur trips down the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, taking along a rotating cast of companions. At the end of each trip, he longed to venture further downstream–which he continued to do until he finally reached the Mississippi River. Szymanski will read from his story and and offer tips for those looking to get started on their own trips.