Friends of the La Crosse Marsh

08/20/2026

Friends:

Weather permitting we’ll continue our trail maintenance volunteer work outing Monday morning (Aug. 24) from 8:00 - 11:00 am. Picking up where we left off this week we’ll begin on a middle section of the Cottonwood Trail. Willow is our primary concern right now, we’re not clear cutting it, just trimming it back from the edge of the trail enough so that it does not lean in and crowd passage for pedestrians and bikers.

Willow is a valuable member of a biodiverse wetland community. It provides habitat for nesting birds: Bells Vireo, an endangered species in Wisconsin and resident of the marsh, prefers to nest in willow thickets. Viceroy butterfly cocoons overwinter in willow leaves. Beaver feed through the winter on willow (The November full moon is called “The Beaver Moon” due to this being their especially active month getting ready for winter.) And willow provides needed shade for the trails. So much going on here.

So come out and help maintain this valuable resource. Meet at the Cottonwood Trail trailhead at 8:00. Dress for conditions (long pants, long-sleeve shirts, a hat and gloves are good ideas). If you have a pair of hand clippers or loppers please bring them along. We have some to loan. Bring water.

Chuck Lee

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05/19/2026

Friends,

Weather permitting we’ll get out to conduct a chorus survey of frogs and toads in the marsh on Tuesday May 26th. Everyone is welcome. This is always a fascinating visit with marsh inhabitants. We’ll supply all the equipment, organize everyone into teams, and review survey locations and methods. Wear walking shoes. Bug spray is a good idea. Long pants and long-sleeve shirts are smart. And bring a flash light.

Meet outside The Nature Place at 8:30 pm on the 26th.

These links will give you a quick tutorial on frog and toad calls — this survey os conducted entirely by ear. Chorus, Leopard, Cricket, and Grey Tree frogs are likely ones we’ll hear.

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04/20/2026

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION -- RICHARD FROST
FRIENDS OF THE LA CROSSE RIVER MARSH
APRIL 2026
This Earth Day, Friends of the Marsh is pleased to honor Richard Frost for his years of volunteer contributions to the La Crosse River Marsh. As an educator, crew leader, public speaker, and advocate Richard is a model of energy and commitment.
When he moved to La Crosse Richard visited the marsh on his first day in town and has rarely missed a day since. His students at Longfellow Middle School studied the marsh and pitched in to maintain the Wood Duck Trail. In the Environmental Studies Department Richard has introduced UWL students to the history, ecology, habitat, politics, and challenges of this urban wetland. Last but not least, he has recruited UWL students to pitch in on the annual marsh clean-up.
Richard Frost is a true friend of the marsh.

04/13/2026

04/13/2026

Marsh Clean-up

Saturday, April 25, 2026
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The annual community marsh clean-up is scheduled for Saturday morning, April 25th, the day before Earth Fair. It's a weekend to pitch in and improve and celebrate our environment -- a little work and celebration are a good combination.

The clean-up this year is a community-wide event, featuring the help of Friends of the Marsh, The Nature Place, the Sustainability Institute's Green Goose Chase, the UWL Sustainability, UWL Athletes Student Advisory Committee, Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA), and, of course, you, your family, neighbors, and friends.

This is a family friendly event. Everyone is welcome. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, sturdy shoes or boots are a good idea, as are gloves. We'll provide trash bags, some grabbers and assorted tools. The county is providing a dumpster which will be near the Cottonwood Trail trailhead.

We'll have someone to help you get started in Myrick Park, at the Gun Club Shelter, at Lueth Park, and at the foot bridge where the Veterans and Asfoor trails meet.

(There is a chance the Grand Crossing Trail will still be closed due to the trail resurfacing project -- we'll update you on that and if necessary adjust our plans accordingly when you check in before getting to work.)

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