justnorth posted on September 18, 2007 14:40 :: 1515 Views
HORICON, Wis. – The up to 200,000 Canada geese that migrate through Horicon Marsh each fall attract an estimated half a million visitors, but these migratory geese are just one of the attractions that have earned the marsh designation as both a “Wetland of International Importance” and a “Globally Important Bird Area.”
Horicon Marsh, located mostly in Dodge County in southeastern Wisconsin, is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. The marsh is managed and protected as both a state wildlife area and a national wildlife refuge. Each fall Horicon sees the world’s largest concentrations of migrating waterfowl, according to Bill Volkert, wildlife educator and naturalist for the state Department of Natural Resources at Horicon Marsh.
But Horicon Marsh is much more than just a stopping over point for migrating waterfowl.
“More than 290 species of birds have been sighted at Horicon Marsh over the years,” Volkert says, “plus many other species of wildlife inhabit the area.”
To help people better understand the marsh, the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area sponsors a series of naturalist programs on weekends each fall, when the marsh experiences the highest number of visitors.
“These programs are an effort to get visitors more familiar with Horicon Marsh, its wildlife, history and management,” Volker says. “Many visitors aren't aware of where and when to see animals, how to properly identify them, or how to distinguish among the many similar species. There are also many people who would like information on wildlife abundance, habits, behavior, ecology or management needs.”
Programs are conducted twice a day Saturday and Sunday from mid-September through the end of October and generally run for about one hour. All programs are free and open to the public. The Horicon Marsh Fall Naturalist Programs schedule is available on the DNR Web site.
Some of the naturalist programs are conducted as outdoor talks, in particular an overview of the human history, while others are hikes that take visitors to the marsh for a closer look and understanding of the wildlife of the area.
Additionally, the wildlife area will accept groups on a reservation basis. Teachers, educators and group leaders are encouraged to contact the Horicon DNR Service Center at (920) 387-7860 for more information or to make arrangements for education programs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Volkert – (920) 387-7877
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