Horicon Marsh Naturalist Program Schedule

Each spring and fall, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers a series of public naturalist programs to introduce visitors and interested persons to the geology, history, wildlife and management of the Horicon Marsh ecosystem. Programs will be conducted at the DNR Field Office, located on the north end of Palmatory Street, in the City of Horicon. All programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Marsh Melodies

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area will be host to Marsh Melodies once again in 2008. Marsh Melodies, which began in 2000, is a way of introducing visitors from far and wide to the marsh and all that the marsh and the surrounding communities have to offer. This spring Marsh Melodies will include our two annual festivals; the ever growing Horicon Marsh Bird Festival, put on by the Horicon Marsh Bird Club, and the Rock River Archeological Society’s Archeological Fair. There will also be a total of four volunteer days aimed at getting members of local communities involved with the upkeep and care of the Marsh.

The following is the 2008 Marsh Melodies Schedule:

April 19th - Bluebird Restoration Volunteer Day - This day will be dedicated to continuing to improve our bluebird nest box program and new bluebird boxes will be built and erected. This will also be the first day we collect data on the existing nest boxes.

April 26th - Clean up Horicon Marsh Volunteer Day - This will be our spring clean up day. We will be cleaning up our public use areas and parking lots in order to have them looking well for up coming spring season.

April 27th - Trail Improvement Volunteer Day - The trails of the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife area need annual upkeep. Come help fill holes in our dike system, and spread woodchips on our forest trails to make our trails attractive and more enjoyable.

May 3rd – 4th - Archeological Fair - The Rock River Archeological Society host this historical event each year. The Fair consists of a variety of exhibits, activities and tours focusing on the area's Native American Indian history. Experts will provide presentations, stories and insights into the local cultural history, along with museum quality display of local artifact collections. Children's programs, an authentic buck skinners camp, various activities and tours of the prehistoric effigy mounds in the area provide something for the entire family.

May 9th – 12th - 11th Annual Horicon Marsh Bird Fest - With more that 290 species of birds having been sighted at Horicon Marsh over the years, the Bird Festival offers numerous opportunities to see the abundant diversity of birds and wildlife of the area. This event offers expert led walking and bus tours of the marsh, bird banding demonstrations, a live raptor presentation with real live hawks and owls, and introduction to bird watching classes. For a detailed list of events visit www.horiconmarshbirdclub.com [Exit DNR].

May 18th - Garlic Mustard Volunteer Day - The invasive plant known as Garlic Mustard or Alliaria petiolata is a species of plants that threatens to displace our native plant and animal communities. We do have some infestations on the property and want to get them under control. On this day we will visit, pick and destroy Garlic Mustard in three main areas.

Look for more information in your local papers in regards to event times. To participate in one of the volunteer days please confirm your participation with the DNR’s Assistant Naturalist Andrew Rothman (920-485-3029). Please forward other questions or concerns to Bill Volkert (920-384-7877).

For questions or comments about Horicon Marsh, e-mail: Horicon Marsh

Questions for Wildlife Management