May on the Marsh
May on the marsh is a very special time of year, some of our most colorful bird
species have arrived from their wintering locations and they are wearing their brightest
and most attractive colors for mating season. It is a time of nesting for some, feeding
hungry young for others and the first offspring of Canada geese are often following
parents faithfully on the water. The marsh bursts with color as leaves unfurl in a bright
green and shrubs start to bloom, wooded wet areas host marsh marigolds and other
spring flowers open for a brief time. These early blooms are critical for bumble bee
queens and other native bees coming out of winter hibernation.
Collins Marsh is a very special place because of the various habitats that are
present here offering a diverse area for biodiversity to thrive. According to the
Wisconsin Wetland Association, we are losing wetlands at an alarming rate. Did you
know that only 15% of Wisconsin is currently classified as a wetland area and that 75%
of Wisconsin wildlife species depend on wetlands? Since the 1800’s, 50% of wetlands
in the state have been lost. Just think about those statistics for a moment, that is half of
all wetlands, gone forever. The fact that people had the foresight to restore and protect
areas like Collins Marsh is a wonderful thing for wildlife as well as the enjoyment of
future generations.
What makes wetlands so important? Not only are they instrumental in providing
habitat for so many species, but these areas also provide many benefits to people as
well. They provide flood control, surface areas of recharge for our groundwater which
provide clean drinking water, habitat for wildlife and recreation areas for hunting, fishing,
hiking and other outdoor activities. Wetlands occur in many different forms but often
involve underground springs or seasonal drainage of land in a watershed. They may not
be wet during some parts of the year or every year, but they still host much life while the
water is present.
Every wetland is part of a bigger watershed area. Manitowoc County is part of
the Lakeshore Basin so anything that enters the watershed has the potential to reach
Lake Michigan. Water like everything else on Earth is ruled by gravity so water moves
from high to low areas draining into ditches, creeks, rivers and on to Lake Michigan.
What we do in that watershed impacts all the freshwater present as well as groundwater
and drainage. Wetlands act as a filtration unit slowing run off, filtering and allowing
sediments to settle out, which is important to keeping our rivers and lakes clean.
May is a lovely month at Collins Marsh and we encourage you to visit! Join us for
a variety of activities inside and out. Our education series, May 20 th at 6PM will feature a
presentation on invasive species by Valerie O’Conner from Glacierland RC&D titled Hot
Topics 2026. The public is welcome to attend. If you are interested in bird watching or
just learning more about the birds that live or visit Collins Marsh, the next Bird Club
meeting will be on Tuesday May 12 at 10 AM. We welcome new members!
If gardening is your passion, we could sure use some help working in our native
flower bed or butterfly garden. Garden clean up days will be May 4 th from 9-11 AM and
May 18 th from 4-6 PM. Our May trail walk is scheduled for May 30 th from 9-11 weather
permitting. As we plan more activities for the season, we welcome you to visit the marsh
and experience this wonderful place that deserves our efforts in appreciation and
protection. Let’s keep Collins Marsh growing with opportunity for wildlife, environmental
education and public recreation, being a state wildlife area, it does belong to you.
