New bench in South Unit honors Russ Hefty

The rain ceased right on time for our dedication of a memorial bench in the South Unit of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, honoring the late Russ Hefty. Numerous members of the Friends of Cherokee Marsh donated to support the memorial bench.

Madison Parks superintendent Eric Knepp sent this remembrance:

“Russ, along with his team of Charlotte and David, were instrumental in changing the trajectory of the Parks system and how it is maintained and invested in. When I started in Parks in 2009, those were the only 3 people who were primarily dedicated to ecological restoration and natural area management. Their dedication and impact was significant and helped inform me of the impact we could have across the system with more professionals in this area. We now have 8 permanent positions focused in this area and have increased hourly seasonal staff and contractual funding significantly as well. That ecological work is also a part of many other staff’s annual work plans as well, even in the recreational parks. (And Charlotte continues as a leader on this front every day.) That was made possible by Russ and his team’s demonstrable impact in making the world better and improving our land management standards. Russ was also instrumental in creating a vision that led to the expansion of Cherokee Marsh by over 30 acres and other key additions of natural areas as well. Sorry I am going to miss this. I miss Russ.”

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