06/16/2026
Happy Tuesday! Today weโre looking at Cherokee Marsh, the largest wetland in Dane County. Spanning over 2,000 acres of protected natural landscape, this ecosystem is located along the Yahara River, just upstream from Lake Mendota. Portions of the wetland are designated as City of Madison Conservation Parks and divided into three distinct territories: the North Unit, South Unit and Mendota Unit. Alongside natural resource areas and other parks, each location offers its own unique vantage point of Wisconsin's natural beauty.
The marsh serves a vital role in local ecological processes, including water quality protection and flood attenuation to the City of Madison. The land absorbs excess water and reduces flooding in residential areas downstream. Cherokee Marsh also hosts a wide range of wildlife. Many enjoy observing the diversity of bird species nesting and migrating through the area. While visiting, you may spot the northern harrier, short-eared owl, great horned owl, American egret, great blue heron, green heron, sandhill crane, and many more!
The vast land offers recreational and educational opportunities used by thousands of community members and students each year for environmental education.
๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐:
๐ฆ Birding and other kinds of wildlife obervation
๐ฃโโ๏ธ Canoeing down Yahara River
๐ฃ Fishing alongside peaceful shorelines
๐ฃ Hiking on one of the many trails
๐ Foraging for fruits, berries, and nuts where permissible
Visit cherokeemarsh.org for additional resources and information on how to plan your first trip to Cherokee Marsh!
