August on the Marsh
Although Collins Marsh has a different look this summer without the large water
area because of the draw down, this is only one aspect of the many different ecological
areas that are contained within the borders of the Collins Marsh acreage. The property
contains woodlands and grasslands that protect and nurture a vast array of non-
waterfowl species. If you noticed there are fields with native plantings, some grassy
areas are managed and some areas are just wild with a mix of vegetation between
shrubs and trees. All these unique areas give opportunity to different species that
require their own type of habitat.
Collins Marsh is very fortunate to host a good variety of grassland birds including
meadow larks, bobolinks, dickcissels and many kinds of finches and sparrows. Have
you ever heard a meadow lark sing? They are quite common in some areas of Collins
Marsh. Bobolinks nest there as well and although they were once a very common bird in
our area, found near the cow pastures of not so long ago when the smaller dairy farms
each had a fenced area for their cows to wander and graze, they are not very
widespread any longer. If you hear a distinct call from a bird perched on a fence or
power line above the edge of a field it may be a dickcissel, another inhabitant of our
grasslands. The changes to agriculture have in fact transformed much of the habitat that
used to be so widespread in our part of the state. In the years since settlement began in
Wisconsin, grasslands have decreased at an alarming rate and so have the birds and
insects that depend on them.
Just what are grasslands and why are they so important? They host a variety of
native grasses and sedges as well as some flowering plants and shrubs. There might
also be a few trees dotting the landscape. They are areas that provide cover for nesting
birds, a variety of seeds and reservoirs of many insect species that are beneficial for
pollination, insects that help break down organic matter that enriches the soil and insect
species that make up the base of the food web in in the ecosystem. Birds, reptiles,
amphibians, mammals and plants depend on insects for food or pollination. Grasslands
are declining nationwide due to increasing use of land for agriculture and various
development including residential areas. Insect populations are also on the decline
possibly caused by several factors including global warming. That is not good news for
any of us or the creatures that depend on them for food.
On a positive note, there are many groups in our state that work tirelessly to
develop and protect these very important spaces. Through learning about and
acknowledgement of threats to our biodiversity we have taken the first step and that is
recognizing that a problem exists. Let’s all work together to add native plantings to our
yards, support funding of research and habitat preservation in any way that we can.
Utilize our public spaces. Go bird watching, hiking and exploring with our young people.
Join a conservation group. Working together is the best way to keep our public lands
healthy and open for the next generation to enjoy.
To find out more about activities and upcoming events at Collins Marsh, visit the
website at collinsmarsh.org or find Neustadter Nature Center on Facebook. Our board
members have been working on developing more walking paths to help you access
areas of Collins Marsh that you probably have never experienced before. There are
various parking lots around the property with a map on the website. Pick a nice day and
head out for a walk. Sometimes it’s just fun to explore a new area. Better yet, become a
member of CEI the friends group of Collins Marsh, all are welcome!
