Events
Public Lands
Regulations
Preserving and Restoring Watersheds and Wetlands
Friends of Cherokee Marsh
Cherokee Marsh is an extensive peat deposit along the Yahara River and Token Creek, north of Lake Mendota in Dane County, Wisconsin. Covering over five square miles, Cherokee marsh is the largest wetland in Dane County and the major wetland in Lake Mendota’s watershed.
The name derives from the Cherokee Hunting Club, which was established in about 1887 and had a clubhouse in the area. (Dane County Place-Names, 1968, Frederic G. Cassidy.)
About the Friends
The Friends of Cherokee Marsh formed in 2006 to protect, preserve, and restore the beauty, value, and health of the Cherokee Marsh and upper Yahara River watershed.
Join, renew your membership, or donate
Keep in touch with our:
Contact us: directors and advisors
The Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Inc. is a Wisconsin non-profit corporation and a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Events
Enjoy Wildflowers and Other Signs of Spring
May 6 (Sunday), 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North Unit
Cherokee Marsh naturalist Ami Rupnow and Friends Director Dana Erlandsen will lead a walk to look for wildflowers and other signs of spring. Sponsored by the Friends of Cherokee Marsh.
Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean Up
Saturday, June 9, 10 am – noon
Meet at the corner of Wheeler Rd. and Comanche Way.
We’ll head out to pick up trash wherever needed. Participants get a free Take a Stake in the Lakes T-shirt. Sponsored by the Friends of Cherokee Marsh as part of Dane County’s Take a Stake in the Lakes.
Warbler Walk
Wednesday, May 9, 6 am - 8 am
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North Unit
Look for warblers and other spring arrivals.
In partnership with Madison Audubon.
Butterfly Walk
Saturday, June 30, 10 am - noon
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North Unit
Observe a variety of butterflies as they take nectar from wildflowers. Bring binoculars if you have them - close-focusing ones work best. A few pairs of binoculars will be available for loan. Wear long pants and a hat for protection from the sun. This is a joint trip with Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association and Madison Audubon.
Save the Dates
Details to come on these tours in partnership with Madison Audubon.
August 4 (Sat.)
Cherokee Marsh, Upper Yahara River Tour
October 10 (Wed.)
Cherokee Marsh, North Unit
Common Locations
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North Unit
6098 North
Sherman Ave.
Follow North Sherman Ave north to the parking lot at the end of the gravel road.
Directions
Yahara Heights County Park
Caton Lane entrance: heading north on HWY 113/Northport Dr., just past HWY M, turn right on River Rd., then right on Riverview Dr., and right on Caton Ln. From the end of Caton Ln., drive into the park. Directions.
Public Lands
Cherokee Marsh and nearby Public Lands. Map with major trailheads marked.
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park (City of Madison).
North Unit map. Hiking, snowshoeing, skiing (ungroomed).
South Unit map. Hiking when trails not snow-covered, skiing (groomed).
Mendota Unit. Access the trails from Westport Meadows Park on Beilfuss Dr. or from Sauthoff Rd. (hiking, snowshoeing, skiing (ungroomed).
Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area (WDNR). Map.
Cherokee Marsh Public Access site (WDNR).
Yahara Heights/Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Site (Dane County). Map.
State Natural Areas
A portion of Cherokee Marsh is the Cherokee Marsh State Natural Area.
Also in the Cherokee Marsh watershed is the Westport Drumlin Prairie Unit of the Empire Prairies State Natural Area.
Cherokee Park is a Madison city park adjacent to the marsh (map).
For Paddlers
Cherokee Marsh is included in the Yahara Waterways Water Trail Guide.
The Yahara Headwaters water trail travels through the marsh. From Capitol Water Trails.
Watershed Maps
The upper Yahara River watershed
The Yahara River and Lake Mendota watershed boundary and planned growth areas. From Dane County Planning and Development.
Satellite view. The north end of Lake Mendota is in the bottom left corner.
Field Studies for Students
The Cherokee Marsh Naturalist Program provides skilled naturalists to lead field studies for students of all ages. For students from the Madison School District and elsewhere. More information.
Regulations
Slow, No-wake Zone
The Yahara River is slow, no-wake from Hwy 113 upstream to the mouth of Token Creek. Red-and-white, striped buoys mark the river boundary with Cherokee Lake adjacent to the Cherokee Park neighborhood. The slow, no-wake restriction was enacted by local ordinances and approved by the Department of Natural Resources in 1995. During times of high water, Dane County also declares Cherokee Lake as no wake to protect the shoreline from erosion. Informational signs are at the School Rd. boat landing and the Hwy 113 bridge.
Slow, no-wake means the speed at which a boat moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control.
Dane County's slow, no-wake page includes any current emergency slow, no-wake orders.
Dogs
Yahara Heights County Park has a dog exercise area and allows leashed dogs in the rest of the park. Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area allows dogs, but may require leashing during nesting season. (Check the signs where you enter.) Dogs are not allowed in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park.
Bikes
Bicycling is not allowed in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park or Yahara Heights County Park.
Hunting
Deer, waterfowl, and other game hunting are allowed in the Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area. Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the upper Yahara River including the DNR Cherokee Marsh Public Access site. A portion of Yahara Heights County Park is open by permit to archery hunting for deer and turkey.
Wisconsin hunting and trapping regulations