USDA NRCS State Office - Wisconsin
For immediate release June 7, 2007
Contacts: Renae Anderson, USDA NRCS 608-662-4422 x 227 or
renae.anderson@wi.usda.gov
For RRC monitoring either Jerry Matzelle 920-648-3380 or wetlands@rockrivercoalition.org
or Ed Grunden RRC Monitoring Director 920-253-9673 or
ed@rockrivercoalition.org
A new gem for public recreation, the Zeloski Marsh, will be
dedicated on Thursday, June 14, starting at 10:00, followed by lunch
and tours of the 1,500 acre restored wetland. The celebration will
recognize the joint efforts that allowed this wetland jewel to be
restored and opened for public recreation and hunting. The Glacial
Drumlin Bicycle Trail crosses through the marsh, offering cyclists
unique wildlife viewing.
This collaborative effort of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service, the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources and Madison Audubon Society began a number of years ago
with the dream of turning 1,500 acres of marginal farmland into an
area rich in diversity through the development of a complex of
wetlands, prairies, an oak opening, tamarack woods and a remnant
bog. Specifically, during the past 18 months, 286 acres were planted
to prairie, 270 acres of sedge meadow were developed along with 112
acres of emergent wetland habitat and 64 acres of shorebird habitat.
This restoration forms the core of the Lake Mills Wildlife Area, now
owned and operated by the Wisconsin DNR. Grants from the
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program allowed Madison Audubon Society
to purchase the property and also assisted in the restoration
efforts. During the dedication the DNR will also announce the names
of the new Management Units, named in honor of local
conservationists.
The Rock River Coalition (RRC) has been utilizing volunteers to
monitor the property starting when it was still being farmed,
through the restoration and will continue into the future to
document the return of wildlife and plants. The RRC continues to
look for volunteers to monitor birds, dragonflies, damselflies,
butterflies, frogs and toads, water quality, plants and mammals. If
interested in the monitoring effort, contact Jerry at 920-648-3380
or at wetlands@rockrivercoalition.org.
The Dedication will start at the London Road parking area, north of
Cambridge and west of Lake Mills, just west of Cty A at 10:00. Look
for signs. Please RSVP to Judy Pulvermacher, 608-662-4422 x 241 or
judy.pulvermacher@wi.usda.gov if interested in attending.
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