Yahara Heights County Park
@ Cherokee Marsh
Free to PLATO Members and Guests
Introducing Walk Leaders
Jan Axelson is the President of the Friends of Cherokee Marsh.
Mary Binkley has always been amazed and fascinated by the wonderful details of nature. She’s worked as a naturalist, nature guide, is recently retired, loves improving the land she lives on, makes pottery, and is on the board of the Friends of Cherokee marsh.
The Walk
Take a walk in the 141 acre Yahara Heights County Park at Cherokee Marsh, the largest remaining wetland in Dane County. Yahara Heights County Park consists of over 3,000 feet of water frontage within the upper Yahara basin. We will walk along a 40-acre prairie and a woodland with two effigy mounds, including a 208-ft water spirit. You will be able to enjoy views of the upper Yahara River and Cherokee Marsh wetlands.
This will be a three mile walk along several trails through mixed flat and rolling terrain at a moderate pace with stops for information.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
We will follow Dane County COVID-19 safety protocols in place at the time of the walk. By registering for this event, you:
- Agree to wear a mask if you are unvaccinated. Fully vaccinated participants do not need to wear masks unless they feel more comfortable doing so.
- Acknowledge that going on the walk is voluntary and a personal decision. PLATO recommends full compliance with safety standards: masks, social distancing, and handwashing. We are not responsible for enforcing public health orders.
Microphone
Our leaders will have directional microphones to assist in delivering the message clearly as possible. The microphones have added greatly to the quality of the conversations as we walk and make informational stops along the way.
Length, Difficulty & Pace of Walk
A two to three mile walk along wide trails recently mowed through mixed flat and rolling terrain at a moderate pace with informational stops. The walk will take about 2.5 hours,
On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is very steep, the trails are rated 2.0.
Handicap Accessibility?
The trails are not particularly handicap accessible. They may be manageable with someone to assist you. Please call me at 608 257-9164 to further evaluate the trails.
Driving and Parking Information
Meet at Yahara Heights County Park, Catfish Ct, Waunakee WI 53597.
From central Madison, take HWY 113 /Northport Dr north. About 1/3 mile north of HWY M, at the stoplight, turn right onto River Rd, then immediate right onto Catfish Ct.
Just past the farm field on the left, there is a small parking area with a kiosk. Park in this parking area or along Catfish Ct.
To find how to get to Catfish Ct. from your location, click on Google Maps and enter your beginning location with Catfish Ct. the ending location.
Portable Toilet
There is a portable toilet at the dog park
entrance at the end of Catfish Ct. HWY M has gas stations with
restrooms.
General Guidance
PLATO has the right to cancel any event if it is apparent that the activity itself does not comply with the current guidelines. PLATO can also cancel any activity if there is an increase in COVID cases (or hospitalizations or deaths), which would increase an infection risk for the participants.
Questions? Contact trip leader Mike Dilorio at mdiiorio1234@gmail.com
