Water health will be focus of Friends of Cherokee Marsh 2026 membership meeting, January 24

by Sheila Leary

The Friends of Cherokee Marsh invite all Friends members and the general public to our 2026 annual membership meeting on Saturday, January 24, at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Doors open at 9 a.m, and the program will begin at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will end around 11:30, followed by social time until noon.

The morning will include updates from representatives of Madison Parks and Dane County Parks, the Friends’ year in review, and election of Friends board members, followed by our featured presentation on water quality issues.

Water quality and surface plants in the Yahara River at Cherokee Marsh were a particular concern in the summer of 2025. Becca Dymzarov, executive director of the Rock River Coalition (RRC), will share insights into the organization’s mission and ongoing work to protect and improve water quality across the Rock River Basin, of which Cherokee Marsh is a part. She will highlight RRC’s activities within the Yahara Watershed, including community-based water monitoring efforts that track the health of local streams and rivers.

Dymzarov’s talk will include recent and historical findings from water monitoring at Cherokee Marsh and the Upper Yahara River, shedding light on trends, challenges, and successes in these vital ecosystems.

Light refreshments will be available at the meeting.