Enter stage right, the muskrat, a resident of Cherokee Marsh. The muskrat, the not-often-thought-about rodent. O muskrat! O you, the poor man’s beaver! Ondatra zibethicus is its scientific name, and it is found almost everywhere in Canada and the United States. Yet, how often do we think about it? How often are muskrats championed?

Cherokee Marsh is not yet a dazzle of blossoms, but it is on its way. Bellworts are ringing their yellow bells. Mayapples hide their blossoms beneath green umbrellas. Shooting stars glitter in the thickets. Daisies dance. These are wild geranium days.

60 third-graders from Sandburg Elementary School visited the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, North Unit for activities.

Results of the Spring 2025 Snake Survey at the North Unit of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park

UPDATES: American Family Insurance golf championship & Cherokee Marsh North Unit

Sometimes I can be done with work early enough to glimpse the last gleams of daybreak at the marsh. Glorious days, those.

The PGA Tour Champions American Family Insurance Championship will take place June 6–8, 2025, at the TPC Wisconsin golf course.

The marsh in rainy weather has a different feel. The soft susurrus of the rain over trees and fields, ponds and riverbanks, pulls me in.

American White Pelicans in the "Cherokee Lake" area of the Yahara River

The trained and certified staff of both Madison Parks and Dane County Parks are busy when conditions are optimal for prescribed burns.

One of the most valuable tools in restoring Wisconsin’s native communities is prescribed fire, and this is especially true in a wetland.

On a frigid winter’s day, it did happen. I saw a coyote on the trail.

We have lots to report about conservation projects on Madison’s portion of the Cherokee Marsh public lands.

February is a quiet month here at the marsh. That is, until a wind comes.

The marsh is a snowy wasteland. Or is it? I hear Canada geese with their rapturous calls on the Yahara. Even in winter, life abounds.

The funds donated to the city were used to support 260 hours from seasonal staffers.

It's Time to Renew Your Membership. All memberships expire on December 31.

The holidays are upon us and the marsh is quieted by the soft wind and softer snow flurries.

For more than 12,000 years, people have lived and died here.

A beautiful October Saturday for our annual Hayrides & Hikes event.