July on the Marsh

July on the marsh illustrates summer in full swing. There is activity everywhere,
from our colorful migrant birds, flowering plants, croaking frogs to butterflies and
dragonflies flitting here and there, too many things to see and experience in such a
short time. Summer in Wisconsin doesn’t seem to last that long, there are so many
places to visit and things to do. If you enjoy fishing, summer can be a great time for that
as well. Dig some worms and sit beside almost any water body and watch for
movement in that bobber.

There are fish that live in the waters of Collins Marsh but some of them are not
native game fish. The common carp is often found here. It is not a native species and
does not benefit the ecosystem. Carp were introduced into the United States in the mid
1800’s because immigrants thought the fish was an excellent food source from their
homeland and found none in the waters here. It was imported and stocked, spreading
rapidly in the waters of the state.

Common carp, a rough fish, reproduce easily and can tolerate heavily polluted
waters. They feed on the bottom, rooting their way along the floor and edges of a water
body causing increased turbidity and often uprooting aquatic plants as they search for
food. This muddy water decreases the amount of sunlight that can reach aquatic
vegetation and reduces the oxygen in the water that gamefish require. They can also
damage spawning beds of native fish. If you catch a carp, don’t put it back. Take it with
you and dispose of it properly.

CEI, the friends group of Collins Marsh, invites you to the Collins Marsh Fun Fest
and Treasure Hunt on Saturday, July 12 th (rain date July 13 th ) from 11AM to 3PM at the
Neustadter Nature Center. It is a free family event. Make a craft to take home in the
nature center. Join the Treasure Hunt by picking up a treasure map and following the
map to designated parking areas around the marsh. Learn fun facts and pick up a token
at each location. Return with your tokens and redeem them for treasure (prizes) You
might be surprised to find that Collins Marsh is large and has a lot more than just
wetland areas.

The Rough Fish Assassins will be set up with an interactive display trailer where
children as well as adults can learn how to shoot a bow and more about the sport of
bowfishing. Climb the tower, visit the butterfly and pollinator gardens. Kayak and canoe
rentals are available. There will be food and refreshments for sale on the grounds.
Explore some of the treasures of Collins Marsh with the whole family and enjoy a
summer day at the marsh.