Visiting Wisconsin Wetlands

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• More Than Just Marsh, Cattails? Group Compiles List Of Wisconsin Wetlands Worth A Visit

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  When most people think about wetlands in Wisconsin, they might think of the Horicon Marsh, with its flat expanses of cattails and water.

  But according to the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, there are many more types of wetlands across the state. There are wetlands that have no visible water or are dry part of the year. There are swamps, bogs, fens and others. All considered wetlands and many are open to visitors.

  Spring and summer are wonderful times to visit wetlands, according to Katie Beilfuss, outreach programs director of the WWA.

  “Everything is waking up, the birds are back, wildlife is getting back, there’s babies everywhere and plants are coming up. It’s a gorgeous time to be in a wetland,” she said.

  To help people find all those diverse wetlands, the WWA has created a list of 100 high-quality wetlands around the state of Wisconsin called Wetland Gems.

  “Each of the sites has its own fact sheet that provides a bunch of information including where to find info on how to visit,” said Beilfuss.

  The fact sheets are a free download from the organizations site, Wisconsinwetlands.org.

  “It’s a good place to go when you’re going to be visiting a certain area of the state. You can go to the site, find the wetlands you want to visit and print the fact sheets,” she said.

  The sheets list the property owner, access details, flora and fauna of the location, its significance and ecology and if there are threats to the wetland.

  WWA officials said the Wetland Gems list isn’t every wetland in the stare, but represents important, high-quality wetlands.

  Beulfuss said wetlands are a great place for families to visit.

  “It’s a great place for kids. Kids just love connecting with nature and the more we can do that the better for all of us,” she said.

  If people visit a wetland, WWA officials urge visitors to follow the “take only pictures, leave only footprints” philosophy. They offer these guidelines:

  • Stay on trails. (If available) and observe all regulations about trail usage.
  • Be aware of private property. Don’t trespass.
  • Don’t bring invaders with you. Prevent transporting invasive plant seeds by removing mud and soil from your shoes/boots and checking your clothing (including cuffs and pockets) to make sure there are no “hitchhikers.”
  • Don’t pick flowers or harvest any plants.
  • Resist the temptation to take home souvenirs. Leave items like stones, feathers, artifacts, wood, etc. so that others may enjoy them. State and federal laws prohibit removal of certain objects at some sites.
  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Avoid nest areas and other areas where wildlife may be disrupted. Don’t feed wildlife.
  • Pack out what you pack in. Please pick up any trash you find.