Friends of Hartmeyer Natural Area

Friends of Hartmeyer Natural Area Friends of Hartmeyer Natural Area are helping preserve this nature gem. Wood Ducks and Red Fox make their home here. So far 16 acres has been zoned as city park.

Hartmeyer Natural Area is a historic wetland area on Madison's North Side with ponds, marsh, oak openings and upland prairie providing an urban sanctuary for birds and wildlife. Even small areas of urban wetland, upland, and wooded habitat are critical to local populations of birds, turtles and other wildlife, and to birds that migrate through every spring and fall. Located between the North Sherm

an Avenue railroad tracks and the Kraft Foods Oscar Mayer Plant, this historic wetland remnant and surrounding upland habitat is almost 30 acres in size. The Hartmeyer Pond (affectionately called 'Dental Pond' because it is located behind a dental clinic) has in years past been seasonally dry but since the food plant quit pumping large wells in the area, the water has returned to historic wetland levels and remain higher year round. Families of Mallards, Northern Shovelers, and Pied-billed Grebes nest and raise their young. Currently this area is owned and managed by the food plant that previously held the land lease. The Friends of Hartmeyer Natural Area would like to see it become an official Madison City Park or conserved through other means to be sustained as a natural area for birds and wildlife with low-impact public enjoyment for nature recreation, nature education, and natural health, adding value to northside livability and neighborhoods.

We thank Elizabeth and Violet for the fun evening where we learned about native bees!
07/17/2026

We thank Elizabeth and Violet for the fun evening where we learned about native bees!

Due to the high heat, humidity and poor air quality (phew!) predicted for tomorrow, the Bee Walk with Elizabeth Braatz w...
07/15/2026

Due to the high heat, humidity and poor air quality (phew!) predicted for tomorrow, the Bee Walk with Elizabeth Braatz was moved to the indoors. There will be a presentation at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center by Elizabeth that is all about bees and pollinators. Join us!! 5:15 pm at the WPCRC in the community room on July 16th, Thursday.

Please join us at our next meeting to learn about pollinators in the park.
07/09/2026

Please join us at our next meeting to learn about pollinators in the park.

https://oneshotathistory.com/1776-two-revolutions-what-was-happening-in-wisconsin-while-the-declaration-was-signed/?fbcl...
06/30/2026

https://oneshotathistory.com/1776-two-revolutions-what-was-happening-in-wisconsin-while-the-declaration-was-signed/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSwsMdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeJZchBRL4hVw0aeVdbkvbUghHHixokJBZUP5G0J34PqwdkIsOv7NhS7eqXFM_aem_vw8dHXwUXJZi9XCsxbQXLA

As we learn about the Indigenous history of this land, this story was interesting and thought we'd share it.

1776- Two Revolutionary Changes One Summer: What Was Happening in Wisconsin While the Declaration Was SignedIn July 1776, as a new nation was being born in Philadelphia, an entirely different kind of sovereignty was being lived out across the waters and prairies of Wisconsin. Long before the modern....

The public is invited to join Friends of Hartmeyer Natural Area Thursday June 18, 5-6pm for an educational public meetin...
06/14/2026

The public is invited to join Friends of Hartmeyer Natural Area Thursday June 18, 5-6pm for an educational public meeting outdoors at 1725 Roth Street behind the Esquire Club on North Sherman Avenue by the wetland. Bring a camp chair, repellant and something to drink. We may take a short walk. If rain we will meet at Warner Park Center.

Come see and learn about the importance of saving the whole wetland ecological boundary including remaining adjacent upland prairie and woodland habitat areas required for frogs and other wetland species, not just the official wetland hydric soils boundary.

Mary Campbell with Hua Labs plans to join us to talk about frog research and citizen science and the importance of preserving a sustainable intact wetland including the adjacent upland prairie and woodland ecosystem where frogs and other wetland species spend major parts of their lives.

Please support Friends of Hartmeyer Natural Area Park Planning Option 3 - Conservation Park to fully preserve, protect and honor the Native American cultural history and natural history, by preserving the still living historic wetland and upland ecosystem that was an integral part of their natural heritage and still important to all of us today.

05/25/2026

"A big stop." That is what Commissioner Carmella Glenn said in response to the findings of the ground penetrating radar survey.Commissioner Lieberman agreed (District 14 Alder).

FHNA wants the Indigenous cultural resources to be honored and respected and the natural area should be a calm place of reflection and contemplation of those who lie in repose. We want the entire site to be investigated. Acknowledge and take action to honor and protect this heritage site.

Send a message to learn more

Please join us on Thursday, May 21 for our monthly meeting to discuss park options and to learn about the burial mound i...
05/16/2026

Please join us on Thursday, May 21 for our monthly meeting to discuss park options and to learn about the burial mound identified on the property. 5 pm, Warner Park Recreation Center.

Address

952 Huxley Street
Madison, WI
53704

Telephone

+16086980104

Website

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