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City of Madison Parks Find a Park Cherokee Marsh - South Unit (School Road)

Cherokee Marsh - South Unit (School Road)

Cherokee Marsh - South Unit (School Road)
Address: 802 Wheeler Road
Hours: 4:00am - dusk
Park Type: Conservation
Acres: 261.27
Restroom: No
Drinking Water: No
Shoreline On: Yahara River

Park Details

Strategically located at the head of Madison's lakes, Cherokee Marsh acts as a living sponge.  It filters upland runoff, using excess fertilizer to grow marsh plants, and slowly releasing cleaner water to the lakes below.  Cherokee Marsh is the largest wetlands in Dane County.  It is used by thousands of students each year for environmental education.  The School Road/South Unit has 3.1 miles of trails for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Friends of Cherokee Marsh

Land Management

The City of Madison has lost approximately one square mile of wetlands in Cherokee Marsh, along the Yahara River, since 1849. In 2003 the Madison Parks Division received a $10,000 Lake Protection Grant from the Wisconsin DNR to fund experimental wetland restoration techniques.
These wetlands "floated up" and were lost when the water level of nearby Lake Mendota rose about four feet in 1849 due to the construction of a dam at nearby Tenney Park. Another dam, rebuilt shortly after 1900, raised the level of the lake another  foot. So today Lake Mendota 's water level is five feet higher than the pre-dam conditions.  Often, these sedge mats, or bogs, that have floated up break off and float away.
After comparing aerial photos of the upper Yahara River from 1937 with current photos of the area, it was determined that approximately 275 acres of high quality wetlands have been destroyed since 1937. Using the Public Land Survey Records from 1834, which documented the width of the Yahara River at several points, Parks staff were able to calculate that the combined wetland losses since 1849 are 640 acres (one square mile).
Volunteers and staff  installed mitigation techniques to establish submergent and emergent wetland plants in the Yahara River which help protect the fragile, floating shoreline. The plants  help buffer the effects of erosion on the floating shoreline, and will create a vegetation breakwater. Foraging carp and wind-generated waves are the two most destructive erosive forces to these fragile wetlands.  Recently the Wisconsin DNR worked with a private contractor to harvest carp in Cherokee Lake to reduce their population in the river.
Another project focused on restoring the hydrology to the wetlands at Cherokee Marsh North Unit, east of North Sherman Avenue and north of the Dane County Regional Airport. Madison Parks worked with the airport on a mitigation project that filled two miles of ditches north of the airport in 2000. In the last three years, Parks worked with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to fill drainage ditches on the eastside of North Sherman Avenue.
 
In 2012, two storm water ponds were constructed at Cherokee Marsh South Unit along Wheeler Road. This project has provided benefits to both the wildlife and the water, by improving the quality of the water before if flows into Lake Mendota.
To create the ponds, two large storm water ditches that cut through a peat wetland were filled in. After pipes were places in them to provide outlets for storm water ponds, the ditches were filled. This helped restore local hydrology by preventing artificial drainage and eliminated flooding caused by storm water.
 
Substantial progress has been made in the Upper Yahara River Project by establishing native plants in the river bed. TheAmerican Lotus water lily has been the most successful plant introduction, as it covers 80 acres and provides food and cover for wildlife. The population of submergent plats has also significantly increased as a result. The increase in plant cover benefits the fish populations, and in turn provides a food source for resident birds.
 
By filling in ditches, using peat from nearby areas, the plant diversity in the marsh has increased. Throughout 2014 and 2015, plans have been made to fill all of the drainage ditches along the eastside of North Sherman Ave. There are also plans to cut the remaining trees in the ditches, which would not naturally be present in a habitat like Cherokee Marsh. Removing the trees will create a more open area, making the habitat more suitable for wildlife like marsh hawks and short-eared owls.
 
The restoration project in South Cherokee ponds has been very successful. Native aquatic plants have grown from seeds, plants, or tubers planted in the storm water ponds. The ponds are being used by migrating waterfowl and resident birds, like Great Blue Heron, are seen often.

At this Park

  • End of Boating Season (update 11/18/19)

    Staff are removing piers on Lake Monona beginning at Olin boat launch on Tuesday, November 19 and will continue around the lake and then onto Lake Mendota beginning at Warner. The process is anticipated to be completed next week. 
     

    Launch your watercraft or ATV!

    Surrounded by over 15,000 acres of lakes, accessing the water is easy in Madison and surrounding communities with your Lake Access Permit.  A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is required year-round for launching a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV from a designated lake access parking lots (see locations below). Piers are in place early/mid-spring through fall. 

    LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215):
    • A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is required year-round for launching a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV from a designated lake access parking lot.
    • The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year at designated launch sites in Madison, Monona and Dane County (see brochure map).
    • The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield 

    DESIGNATED CITY OF MADISON LAUNCH LOCATIONS BY LAKE

    LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin 
    LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner

    LAUNCH AREA PARKING RULES AND TIPS (Ordinance 8.16):

    • Long stalls are for parking vehicles with trailers only. 
    • Regular-size stalls are for parking vehicles with no trailer only. 
    • Parking on the grass is prohibited.
    • When the launch parking lot is full, you must find an alternative launch site
    • Violators are subject to a citation. 

    View all Boat Launches

    • Cherokee Marsh - South Unit (School Road) - Boat Launch

      Lake Access Permit Required: No

      Notes: The Upper Yahara River above Hwy 113 is a designated slow/no-wake at all times. Launch is best for canoe/kayak access.
  • Madison Parks offers various locations to launch a canoe or kayak and is allowed at all of Madison Parks motorboat launch sites. Additionally, the parks listed below have a specially designated area for launch.

    If you are looking to store your kayak or canoe in a park, please visit the storage webpage.

    James Madison Park pier update (07/31/19): The pier at James Madison Parks sustained significant damaged during the flood of 2018 and was removed. Due to FEMA regulations and approvals, the replacement of this pier has been delayed. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeline for its replacement.  View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites

  • New Watercraft Spaces Available (07/30/19)

    We have new watercraft storage spaces available at Vilas, Warner, and Olin. Call (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL to reserve yours!

    Watercraft Storage Spaces 

    Explore Madison's beautiful lakes, rivers, and creeks by paddle and store your canoe, kayak or paddleboard on the shores of your favorite park. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered. The annual storage period begins each year on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following year.
     
    How to Reserve:
    • You may be placed on our waitlist at no charge by call (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. 
    • Current users will be able to renew their boat storage for 2019 beginning in February 2019. All current users must renew or vacate before April 1, 2019. 
    • As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and given the opportunity to reserve a space.  
    2019 Storage costs (tax included):
    $110 Madison Resident
    $200 Non-Resident

    Watercraft storage rules include:
    • Watercraft must not exceed 80 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
    • Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property.
    • Only one watercraft is allowed in each space.
    • Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. Owner accepts all liability for theft or damage to their property.
    • Parks Staff reserves the right to cut any lock and remove any watercraft, under any condition it deems necessary for the function of the boat storage program.
    • See agreement for complete rules.
    If you believe your watercraft has been stolen or removed by Parks staff: Call a Park Ranger to report at (608) 235-0448.

    Additional storage may be available at the following: View all Canoe & Kayak Storage

  • More than 22 miles of signed and groomed trails await cross-country skiers in 7 locations. A PERMIT is required at three of the locations:  Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills. All other trails are free to use. 
     

    2020 FEES

    Odana Hills
    Odana Hills by Sonya Hollenthoner
    Daily $7
    Annual $30
    Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
    Replacement $12





     

     
    • 2019 permit valid through December 31, 2019 
    • 2020 permit available online beginning November 15 & valid for use in 2019
    • Permit is also valid for Dane County Park trails 

    TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
    • GROOMED = trail is open and recently groomed (date listed on the individual page) 
    • OPEN = trail is snow covered, skiable but not recently groomed
    • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted

    ** To stay updated on the ski trail conditions, subscribe to email updates in My Account **


    TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
    • Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
    • Fee-based trails are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
    • Free ski trails are tracked or roll groomed for classic cross-country skiing. 
    • We may not be able to groom or we may need to close a trail to preserve the trail condition. This website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
    • Permit fees are non-refundable

    TRAIL TIPS & RESPONSIBILITIES
    • Follow directional arrows. Some trails are marked for one-way use
    • Trails are rated for difficulty at the trailhead
    • Skiers stay on groomed trails only
    • No dogs, horses, snowboards, motor vehicles, hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails
    • Slower skiers please stay to the right

    View all Cross-Country Skiing

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    12/05/19: A portion of the Elver machine-made snow loop is open for skate skiing. Restrooms and warming shelter are open until 9pm. No staff, rentals or concessions available. See Elver Skiing page for trail map. https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/facilities/skiTrail.cfm?id=2 **All other cross-country ski trails are closed.**
  • Wisconsin residents aged 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Nonresidents aged 16 years old or older need a nonresident fishing license to fish in Wisconsin waters with hook and line. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.
     
    Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June and the third Saturday and Sunday in January, are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days.  Visit WI DNR
    View all Fishing
  • Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering woodsy trails and open fields. Hike on a path through a conservation park where we focus on native plant restoration and animal communities. Or take a walk in one of our many neighborhood parks providing a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features.

    Post your photos on social media using #madisonparks
     
    door creek
      View all Hiking
  • Parking lots are available in these parks for the programs or events in these parks.  Parking lots are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Overnight parking is not allowed.  Parking regulations specific to that park are posted at the entrance of the park. View all Parking Lots

About This Park

Get to This Park

Conservation Park Rules

Conservation Parks are uniquely managed to further protect native species and wildlife. The following rules apply to all conservation designated parks.

  • Bicycles & Motor Vehicles

    Bicycles and motor vehicles are restricted to entrance roads and parking lots.

  • Dogs

    Dogs and horses are not allowed.

  • Fire

    Fires and picnics are prohibited.

  • Firearms

    No firearms or weapons are permitted in the restrooms or shelters. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.

  • Glass

    Glass is not allowed.

  • Hunting & Trapping

    Hunting and trapping are prohibited.

  • Open Hours

    Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset.

  • Plants

    All plants and animals are protected. Disturbance or removal requires written permission.

  • Trails

    Stay on and use designated trails only.

  • Trash & Recycling

    Place trash in container provided. Please take recyclable material home for proper disposal.