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About the Marsh and Watershed

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Lake and Watershed Preservation

Scenes from the Marsh

Preserving and Restoring Watersheds and Wetlands

Articles and Books
Mapping and Monitoring
Carp Barriers
Related Organizations
Elected Representatives

 

Friends of the Upper Yahara and Cherokee Marsh Watershed
Friends of Cherokee Marsh

Preserving and Restoring Watersheds and Wetlands

Resources for learning about and becoming involved with watershed preservation and restoration.

Groundwater and Stormwater

  • The Effects of Large-Scale Pumping and Diversion on the Water Resources of Dane County, Wisconsin. All about ground-water flow into and around the Yahara Lakes and the effects of development and increased water use. From USGS.
  • Responses to Urbanization. Changes in ground water, stream flow, and lake levels in response to development in the Yahara Lakes basin. This article is from LakeLine, a publication of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS). The Winter 2005 issue contains this article and several more about Madison's lakes.

    Landscaping for Waterfront Property

  • Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality. A book about how to plan and plant a diverse waterfront landscape. From the Minnesota DNR.

    Mapping and Monitoring

    Carp Barriers

    Every spring, large numbers of carp swim into the marsh from Lake Mendota to spawn. Their feeding and spawning uproot aquatic plants and sediments, cause erosion, and cloud the water. Some locations have successfully used carp barriers to keep carp out of sensitive waters. Would a carp barrier at the north end of Lake Mendota help the marsh?

    • Effect of Common Carp on Aquatic Restorations. Natural history of carp and descriptions of control methods, including carp barriers. From the University of Minnesota's Department of Horticultural Science.
    • Electric Fences for Fish? Describes an electric carp barrier in Lake Seminole, Florida. The barrier allows boats to pass through. From Auburn University's Department of Agriculture.

    Pervious Concrete Pavement

    Pervious concrete pavement, also known as porous concrete, captures stormwater and allows it to seep into the ground, recharging groundwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and meeting EPA stormwater regulations. Using pervious pavement can lower overall project costs and results in more efficient land use by eliminating the need for retention ponds, swales, and other stormwater management devices.

    Should new developments near the marsh use pervious concrete paving? More information.

    Eco-corridors

    Home on the Range: A Corridor for Wildlife. Eco-corridors can provide passage for wildlife between habitats that are otherwise disconnected. From The New York Times. Requires a subscription or 1-time payment.

    Smart Growth to Protect Water Resources

    Publications from the EPA.

    Invasive Species

    Information about garlic mustard and why the Madison Area Weed Warriors and others are removing it in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park and elsewhere.

    Future Wetland Invaders: Plants to Watch for. From the Wisconsin Wetlands Association.

    Related Organizations

    Local

  • Dane County Conservation League. One of Wisconsin’s oldest volunteer organizations dedicated to conservation.
  • Madison Audubon Society. Sponsors birding trips in the marsh and works to save and restore natural habitat. Owns Goose Pond Sanctuary north of the marsh.
  • Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin supports public conservation priorities throughtout Wisconsin.
  • River Alliance of Wisconsin. The web site includes a Watershed Advocate Toolkit.
  • Wisconsin Wetlands Association. A statewide organization focused on wetland protection.
  • Yahara Fishing Club. Supports habitat improvement and protection projects.

    National/International

  • The International Crane Foundation is based in Baraboo and helps to sustain habitat for cranes worldwide. Sandhill cranes nest in the marsh.
  • The Land Trust Alliance promotes voluntary private land conservation to benefit communities and natural systems.

    Elected Representatives for the Watershed Area

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