Bike Tour of Nine Springs E-Way Wetlands
Dane County
Saturday, June 3, 10:00 am - 12 noon
In partnership with Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Field trip leaders: Darren Marsh, Dave Taylor, Bruce Moore, and Tom Boos
Bring your own bicycle
Call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
Participants will gather with bicycles at Olin Park and then head south on the bike path towards Capital Springs State Recreation Area that includes the Nine Springs E-Way, MMSD and the Capital City State Trail. We will make several stops to discuss the value and functions of these urban wetlands, threats to these wetlands from the surrounding urban areas, and management efforts led by Dane County. At Lussier Heritage Center, participants will have the option of continuing on the path or riding back to Olin Park. Bring your own bicycle and water; bring lunch if you’d like to picnic afterwards.
Directions
From downtown Madison, take John Nolen suth across Lake Monona causeway. At stoplight intersection with Lakeside St., turn left and follow Olin-Turville Ct. as it bends to the right. The parking lot will be on your left after you cross Wingra Creek.
Turtle Valley Wetland Restoration Tour
Rock/Walworth County
Sunday, June 11, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Field trip leader: Jim Jackley, WDNR
Call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
Visit an extensive wetland and grassland restoration project taking place on more than 2,200 acres that WDNR purchased in partnership with the USDA-Wetland Reserve Program. Learn about restoration efforts at the site, which have focused on returning hydrology and vegetation to a natural state (shallow marsh, sedge and wet meadow, mud flats) and improving wildlife habitat in a once intensively farmed area. Twelve wetlands ranging in size from 12 acres to more than 225 acres and totaling more than 850 acres have been restored, with more than 600 acres planted to grassland prairie species for nesting cover. Wildlife species benefiting from the restoration include three whooping cranes that spent more than a month there during May/June of last year and a day during October; sandhill cranes; northern harrier; great blue heron; great egret; bitterns; rails; mallard, blue-winged teal, redhead, and ruddy ducks; sedge and marsh wrens; Forster’s and black terns; yellow-headed blackbirds; and numerous grassland species.
More project details on WDNR’s website.
Directions to meeting location: N6078 County Rd. in Elkhorn, WI:
From Madison: Take I-39 south and take exit for Hwy. 14 on the north side of Janesville. Go about 2 miles and take Cty. A east about 11-12 miles and then turn right (south) on Cty. O. Go about 1.5 miles and look for a large property sign for the property's gravel entrance road. Take this road about 0.5 miles and meet at the building on the east side of the gravel road.
From Milwaukee: Take I-43 south and just before East Troy take exit for Hwy. 20 west. Go about 9-10 miles west and turn left (south) on Hwy. 12/67. Go about 4 miles and turn right (west) on Cty. A. Take Cty. A for about 8 miles and turn left (south) on Cty. O. Go about 1.5 miles and look for a large property sign for the property's gravel entrance road. Take this road about 0.5 miles and meet at the building on the east side of the gravel road.
Beulah Bog State Natural Area
Walworth County
Saturday, June 17, 10:00 am - 1 pm
Field trip leader: Neil Sawyer
Call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
"Unusual" is perhaps the best word to describe this bog both because it is virtually undisturbed and features many unusual plants more typical of northern bogs including cotton grass, cranberry, six species of insectivorous plants and small bladderwort. Beulah Bog lies in a series of four kettle holes and classical stages of ecological succession are exhibited at the site including a shallow bog lake dominated by watershield with white and yellow water-lilies and extensive floating mud flats; an advancing, quaking sedge and sphagnum mat; northern wet forest of tamarack and bog shrubs and a wet open moat surrounding the main bog, dominated by wild calla and cat-tails.
A 0.3 mile walk with some hills is required to get from the parking area to the bog. Wear sturdy shoes; waterproof not necessary as your feet will stay dry on the boardwalk. Bring rain gear if needed and a bag lunch if you would like to picnic at the end of the trip.
Directions
From downtown Whitewater, take Hwy 12 east to the intersection with Hwy 20. Continue east on Hwy 20, which becomes Cty J. Take J for several miles past Booth Lake Rd and turn right on Stringers Bridge Rd. Go 0.7 miles and look for the Beulah Bog parking area on the left as the road curves to the right. Click here for map.
Invasion of Phragmites, the Giant Reed
Brown County
Thursday, June 22, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Field trip leaders: Gary Fewless and Pat Robinson
Call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
In recent years, Phragmites (Phragmites australis, known by the common names "common reed grass" and "giant reed grass") has overtaken many Green Bay coastal wetlands. These once diverse wetlands are becoming ecologically-degraded, monotypic stands with diminished wildlife value. Field trip participants will tour Ken Euers Waterfowl Preserve on the south shore of Green Bay. This small, diked marsh is a remnant of the once great wetlands that covered lower Green Bay near the mouth of the Fox River. A rich diversity of migrating shorebirds, waterfowl, and wetland-dependent birds can be found in this area. Unfortunately, the quality of this habitat has been greatly compromised by common reed grass. Participants will learn about the history of Ken Euers, view the threats posed by common reed grass, and learn about the current management options being used in the Green Bay area.
Directions
Meet at Ken Euers Waterfowl Preserve on the south shore of Green Bay and east of Hwy 43 and Hwy 41 interchange (see pg. 67 of WI Atlas and Gazetteer).
In Green Bay, take I-43 to Atkinson's Drive (exit 189). Proceed north to Hurlbut Street; turn west on Hurlbut Street to Military Avenue. Turn right on Military and proceed until you reach the parking area.
Paddling Trip at Dwight's Point & Pokegama Wetlands
Douglas County
Saturday, June 24, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
In partnership with: WI Natural Resources Foundation and Friends of the Forest (FOF)
Field trip leaders: Frank Koshere (WDNR) and Bob Cragin (FOF)
Bring your own canoe or kayak
Space limited; call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
Experience Lake Superior’s St. Louis River Estuary and learn about the region’s unique natural and cultural history, the efforts made over the years to restore this river system and current threats that still plague the area. The canoe and kayaking paddle will start at Dwight’s Point and Pokegama Wetlands SNA in the Superior Municipal Forest. This State Natural Area lies at the confluence of the Pokegama and St. Louis Rivers and was designated Wisconsin’s 300th State Natural Area. Dwight’s Point and Pokegama Wetlands SNA features boreal forest, emergent marsh, and wet clay flats supporting shrub swamp and wet meadow (WDNR).
This paddle will feature the unique resources of the State Natural Area and the St. Louis River generally. The wetland system found along the St. Louis River is the most extensive system along the shores of Lake Superior. Learn how important the region is for nesting and migratory birds, the walleye fishery for the western half of Lake Superior, and the region’s biological diversity. The put in will be along the Pokegama River within the Superior Municipal Forest. Bring a lunch, a beverage(s), life jacket, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. You must provide your own canoe or kayak. This trip will cover a good bit of distance, so attendees must be prepared to do some paddling!
Directions
From Madison: Take I-94 toward WIS DELLS; merge onto US-53 N via EXIT 70 toward EAU CLAIRE/CHIPPEWA FALLS; turn RIGHT onto US-53 N/CR-OO E; merge onto US-53 N; merge onto HWY 2 to SUPERIOR; Take Left on BELKNAP (Also HWY 2); go to TOWER AVE (roughly 15 blocks), take left on TOWER (15th and Tower); go S to 61st and TOWER, turn RIGHT on 61st (Also HWY 105); go ~ ¼ mile to BILLINGS DR (likely not marked; if you cross the Pokegama River you’ve gone too far). Take a RIGHT on BILLINGS; after about 5/8 mile you will see an unimproved boat landing -- park here.
Dragonflies and Damselflies
Columbia County
Saturday, July 8, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
In partnership with: Madison Audubon Society
Field trip leader: Mike Reese
Free and open to the public; call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
Damselflies are smaller, more slender, relatives of dragonflies. Many are marked with striking blue patterns. On this joint trip with Madison Audubon Society we will meet at the MacKenzie Environmental Center for a 30 minute Powerpoint presentation on Dragonflies and Damselflies by Mike Reese. Then we will go to the nearby west section of Rocky Run Creek Fishery Area in Columbia County for a 2 1/2 hour morning walk. We will observe both dragonflies and damselflies and learn about the identification, biology, behavior, beauty, and life-style of the various species we encounter. Leader will be Mike Reese. Mike has an excellent website devoted to butterflies and damselflies of Wisconsin (wisconsinbutterflies.org) and he took most of the photographs for the new book Damselflies of the North Woods.
Bring binoculars if you have them (close-focusing ones work best) or just get close! It's best to wear long pants and a hat for protection from the sun. Bring mosquito repellent for the shady areas. Call Mike Reese at (920) 787-2341 (Wautoma) or email mikereese@wisconsinbutterflies.org only if you have a question about the trip.
Directions
Meet at 9:00 am at MacKenzie Environmental Center in Columbia County. From Madison go north on Highway 51. In Poynette turn right onto Q and CS and go east for nearly 2 miles. Turn right (south) into the Center. Stop at the Spruce-lined main parking lot on the right. The trip will finish by 12:30 pm.
Fall Shorebirds
Dane County
Saturday, August 5, 7:00 am - 10:00 am
In partnership with: Madison Audubon Society
Field trip leader: Aaron Stutz
Call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
Late summer is prime shorebird season in Wisconsin, as numerous species make the journey from arctic breeding grounds to more southerly wintering areas. At this time, an excursion to the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Wildlife Observation Area can yield unexpected rarities among the Sandpipers, Plovers, swallows, waders, waterfowl, rails, and raptors typically found here at Madison's premiere shorebird stopover site.The trip will last roughly 3 hours, and conditions may require sunblock, hats, insect repellent, and plenty of water. Bring a scope if you have one. If you have questions, please call Aaron Stutz at 608-294-9618 or email him at agstutz@chorus.net.
Directions
Meet trip leader Aaron Stutz and the rest of the group at 7:00 a.m. in the Moorland Road parking lot of the Nine Springs E-Way. To reach this site, take the Beltline to South Towne Drive; go south past the sewerage treatment plant; in the curve, take a left onto Moorland and the parking lot will be on the right.
Paddling Tour of Cherokee Marsh Restoration
Dane County
Saturday, August 19, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Field trip leader: Russ Hefty
Bring your own canoe or kayak
Limited to 15 boats; call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
View wetland restoration efforts at Cherokee Marsh, where more than 640 acres of wetland habitat have been lost in the past 150 years due to artificially high water levels on the Yahara River due to the dame at Tenney Park. The sedge meadows along the river provide a unique habitat for a myriad of wildlife species including sandhill cranes, herons and a wide variety of waterfowl. We’ll start at the School Rd. boat launch and tour a different route than last year - repeat paddlers are welcome! Recommended items to bring include insect repellent, shoes that can get wet, binoculars, field guides, life vests, canoe or kayak (required).
Directions
Take Sherman Ave. north to stoplight at Northport (Hwy 113) and turn left (west). Go ~1 mile and turn right (north) on School Rd. Go ~3/4 mile and turn left on gravel road where School Rd bends to the right (becoming Wheeler Rd). Take gravel road to parking lot by a pier. We'll meet and launch boats here. See map showing turn off from School Rd here.
Train Ride into Tiffany Wildlife Area
Buffalo County (near Durand, WI)
Saturday, September 9, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Leaders: Nate Moldrem, Karen Voss, Ted Johnson, Randy Hoffman, Evan Weiher, Brian Brezinski and others
Registration fees:
WWA Members: $12
Non-members: $22 (click here for information on membership)
12 and under: $8
Space limited. Download registration form here or call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
Take a ride in an antique open-air train approximately eight miles into Tiffany Bottoms State Natural Area’s extensive lowland hardwood wetlands and open wet prairies near the mouth of the Chippewa River.Participants can expect to see expansive lowland hardwood forests, sloughs of the Chippewa River and open wet prairie meadows with blooming flowers and grasses exceeding six feet in height. Tiffany Wildlife Area and Tiffany Bottoms State Natural Area offer excellent birding opportunities. The trip will be led by several naturalists and biologists from the WI Department of Natural Resources and UW-Eau Claire. Two to three hikes (0.25 - 0.5 miles each) are planned to access various wetland and prairie habitats. There will be a lunch stop during the day; participants should bring a bag lunch.
Directions
Durand is about 15 miles northeast of the Mississippi River, on the banks of the Chippewa River in Pepin County, WI. Durand is about 3.5 hours (200 miles) from Madison and 45 minutes (30 miles) from Eau Claire.
From Durand, take State Highway 25 south approximately 4 miles. As you travel south from Durand, you will notice that Hwy. 25 parallels an old railroad track. Approximately 4 miles south of Durand, Thibodeau Road "T's" with Hwy. 25, on the east (left) side of Hwy. 25. To the west (right) look for a small Tiffany Wildlife Area parking lot. Park here; we will depart on the train from here. If you see a dozen or so railroad cars "in storage" along a track, about 200 feet to the west of the road, you have gone a bit too far south on Hwy 25.
Canoe the Confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers
Wyalusing State Park area, Crawford County
Saturday, September 16, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Field trip leader: Mike Mossman
Bring your own canoe or kayak
Limited to 10 boats; call WWA to register: 608-250-9971
Join us on this paddling trip to enjoy the beauty of the Wyalusing area and observe migrant songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds, reptiles, amphibians, plants, flotsam and jetsam, fishermen and whatever else we happen upon. We’ll canoe down the Wisconsin, stopping at two state natural areas at the base of the Wyalusing bluffs, work our way onto the Mighty Mississippi, then wend through the narrower channels of floodplain forest. We’ll end at the Wyalusing canoe landing around noon. Expect another hour to shuttle back to the origin and return in your vehicles to pick up your canoes.
Bring your canoe or kayak, personal flotation device, footwear (tennies or waterproof boots) to explore floodplain forest, binoculars, water, and snacks.
Those wishing to camp Friday at the park are welcome to gather at one of the sites for a campfire sing and idle discourse. Park sticker required ($7 daily pass, $25 annual, in-state). Wyalusing State Park has campgrounds and many beautiful hiking trails and overlooks to enjoy, and there are many other recreational and historical sites within an hour’s drive along the Mississippi.
Local links:
Wyalusing Hardwood Forest State Natural Area
Walnut Forest State Natural Area
Wyalusing State Park
Villa Louis and Stonefield Village
Directions:
Meet at landing along Hwy 18/35, on southern channel of Wisconsin River just above the park (north of junction with Hwy C) at 8:00am.
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2006 FIELD TRIP SERIES:
Get your feet wet!