July On the Marsh
Along with seasonal changes, if you have driven past Collins Marsh recently you
may wonder what is going on? Where did the water go? Why has it changed so much?
These would be normal questions based on your observations. Collins Marsh contains
many diverse habitats and the water area that you are used to seeing looks quite
different this summer and there is a very good reason for the temporary changes.
According to Stephen Easterly, who manages Collins Marsh for the WDNR, the
water level changes have been made to draw down the marsh to encourage the growth
of vegetation that is beneficial to wildlife as well as to access invasive vegetation and to
eliminate that. Wetlands in nature often go through periodic dry spells. This allows the
seed in the mud to germinate during low water periods which then grow and provide a
good food source for migrating birds and other wildlife.
There is also a need for structural repair of the dam that regulates the marsh
water levels. Although we enjoy recreation on the water, the true purpose of Collins
Marsh is to serve as a migratory wildlife refuge, so the management of water levels
reflects that mission. Water levels will remain low over winter, and the water will return
to previous levels for spring migration. Just like remodeling your house, a temporary
inconvenience will yield a much-improved habitat for the creatures that live in or pass
through this wetland area.
There are still many things happening at Collins Marsh and we encourage you to
visit. Take advantage of some new walking paths that are being cleared to ease your
accessibility of other areas of Collins Marsh. Many people have expressed an interest in
exploring areas that they have never experienced before. Bird watchers, hikers and
anyone that loves to walk in nature are welcome.
Join us for lunch at our Brat Fry July 11 th at Piggly Wiggly in Kiel. We do fund
raisers like the brat fry to help keep our programming free to the public so come out and
show your support!
On Wednesday July 15 th at 6:00 PM Jason Breeggemann, fisheries biologist of
the WDNR will be giving a talk on fish stocking and regulations on local lakes and
waters. It should be very interesting and informative. Everyone is welcome to attend and
learn more about how our local fisheries are managed. Also mark your calendars for a
presentation on purple martins by Dick Nickolai Wednesday August 5 th at 6 PM.
The pollinator and butterfly garden are starting to show some blooms and we
look forward to the first new generations of monarch butterflies flying over the habitats
provided in many areas of Collins Marsh. There are large native plantings in some fields
that will definitely be blooming soon. A nice addition was added to the nature center in
the form of a bench near the garden dedicated to Rosie and Dorothy Buggs, both
master gardeners who left a generous donation to CEI, the friends group of Collins
Marsh. We hope you have a chance to visit, sit a few minutes and listen to the chatter of
purple martins and watch the osprey fly above in a very natural and peaceful setting.
Check out collinsmarsh.org for more information and news on the happenings and
current events coming up this summer.
