Events
Public Lands
Regulations
Preserving and Restoring Watersheds and Wetlands
Friends of Cherokee Marsh
Cherokee Marsh is an extensive peat deposit along the Yahara River and Token Creek, north of Lake Mendota in Dane County, Wisconsin. Covering over five square miles, Cherokee marsh is the largest wetland in Dane County and the major wetland in Lake Mendota’s watershed.
Cherokee Marsh contains a large expanse of open wet sedge meadow, varying to fen, prairie, bog, and shallow marsh in places. The less accessible central areas probably retain the condition and appearance of many of the Yahara basin marshes a century ago. Islands of upland support oak forest or open fields, while small depressions have high quality ponds or springs. (Source: The Wetlands of Dane County, Wisconsin, 1974, Barbara L. Bedford, Elizabeth H. Zimmerman, and James H. Zimmerman.)
About the Friends
The Friends of Cherokee Marsh formed in 2006 to protect, preserve, and restore the beauty, value, and health of the Cherokee Marsh and Upper Yahara river watershed.
Join us on Facebook.
Join the cherokeemarsh email group.
Contact us: directors and advisors
The Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Inc. is a Wisconsin non-profit corporation and a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Events Calendar
September 7 (Wednesday). 9:30 am - noon
Summer Prairie Seed Collecting at Yahara Heights County Park
Meet on Caton Lane. Heading north on HWY 113, just past HWY M, turn right onto River Rd., then right on Riverview Dr., and right on Caton Lane. Drive into the park. Get directions.
Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt, bring drinking water, gloves, & pruning shears if available; be prepared for mosquitoes. Contact Rhea at 224 3601.
September 12 (Sunday), 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cherokee Marsh Day at the Northside Farmers Market
Enjoy the Knotty Pines folk trio, see live snakes and other critters, and chat with members of the Friends of Cherokee Marsh. In the Northside Town Center at the corner of N. Sherman Ave. and Northport Drive. Northside Farmers Market info.
October 23 (Saturday),
7 pm - 9 pm
Full moon walk followed by a campfire and hot cocoa.
Meet in the parking lot of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, North Unit, 6098 North Sherman Ave.
Sponsored by the Friends of Cherokee Marsh and Madison Parks.
Public Lands
Cherokee Marsh and nearby Public Lands. Map with major trailheads marked.
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park (City of Madison).
North Unit map. Hiking, snowshoeing, skiing (ungroomed).
South Unit map. Hiking when trails not snow-covered, skiing (groomed).
Mendota Unit. Access the trails from Westport Meadows Park on Beilfuss Dr. or from Sauthoff Rd. (hiking, snowshoeing, skiing (ungroomed).
Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area (WDNR). Map.
Cherokee Marsh Public Access site (WDNR).
Yahara Heights/Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Site (Dane County). Map.
State Natural Areas
A portion of Cherokee Marsh is the Cherokee Marsh State Natural Area.
Also in the Cherokee Marsh watershed is the Westport Drumlin Prairie Unit of the Empire Prairies State Natural Area.
Cherokee Park is a Madison city park adjacent to the marsh (map).
For Paddlers
Cherokee Marsh is included in the Yahara Waterways Water Trail Guide.
The Yahara Headwaters water trail travels through the marsh. From Capitol Water Trails.
Watershed Maps
The upper Yahara River watershed
The Yahara River and Lake Mendota watershed boundary and planned growth areas. From Dane County Planning and Development.
Satellite view. The north end of Lake Mendota is in the bottom left corner.
Field Studies for Students
The Cherokee Marsh Naturalist Program provides skilled naturalists to lead field studies for students of all ages. For students from the Madison School District and elsewhere. More information.
Regulations
Slow, No-wake Zone
The Yahara River is slow, no-wake from Hwy 113 upstream to the mouth of Token Creek. Red-and-white, striped buoys mark the river boundary with Cherokee Lake adjacent to the Cherokee Park neighborhood. The slow, no-wake restriction was enacted by local ordinances and approved by the Department of Natural Resources in 1995. During times of high water, Dane County also declares Cherokee Lake as no wake to protect the shoreline from erosion. Informational signs are at the School Rd. boat landing and the Hwy 113 bridge.
Slow, no-wake means the speed at which a boat moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control.
Dane County's slow, no-wake page includes any current emergency slow, no-wake orders.
Dogs
Yahara Heights County Park has a dog exercise area and allows leashed dogs in the rest of the park. Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area allows dogs, but some areas require leashing during nesting season. (Check the signs where you enter.) Dogs are not allowed in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park.
Bikes
Bicycling is not allowed in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park or Yahara Heights County Park.
Hunting
Deer, waterfowl, and other game hunting are allowed in the Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area and the DNR Cherokee Marsh Public Access site. Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the upper Yahara River. A portion of Yahara Heights County Park is open to archery hunting for deer and turkey.
Wisconsin Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Cherokee Marsh is a Wetland Gem
The Wisconsin Wetlands Association has declared Cherokee Marsh a wetland gem.
Cherokee Marsh Photo Book 
Photographer and MATC instructor Mario Quintana spent a recent sabbatical photographing Cherokee Marsh. The photo book that resulted is available now with all profits donated to the Friends of Cherokee Marsh. Thanks to Mario for this beautiful book!
About the book
The magic and the mystery of one of Wisconsin's greatest wetlands treasures comes alive in this book of photographs taken from all seasons in the Cherokee Marsh, by award winning nature photographer Mario Quintana. Also featured in the book is a signature page featuring signatures from some of Wisconsin's most influential political leaders, and a beautiful map of the Marsh.