Educational Kiosk Grant Gives Recognition to the Tamarack Preserve

The Tamarack Swamp Preserve, the Village of Menomonee Falls’
highly valuable natural resource is one of the Village’s under-recognized gem
and as a result of a matching grant from the C.D. Besadny Conservation Grant
Program through the Natural Resources Foundation; The Tamarack Preserve can be
re-recognized and treasured. 

The Tamarack Swamp Preserve, a forested wetland, is located
north and south of Good Hope Road centered geographically in the center of the
Village of Menomonee Falls’ boundaries straddling the sub-continental divide
and generally fed through groundwater. 
The northern portion of the Tamarack Swamp drains to the north into the
Menomonee River and the southern portion of the Tamarack Swamp drains to the
Fox River. 

The Tamarack Preserve, noted for once containing many Tamarack
trees, has a unique history, geology and wildlife.  Bob Kleppin, a nature photographer has been
photographing the wildlife in the Tamarack Swamp for over 30 years.  Before the area surrounding the swamp was
developed, he would see the Sandhill Cranes bring their young ones into his
yard to teach them how to fly.  They
would use the long areas of low grass to get a running start.  “It was an awesome sight to watch!” Bob
reminisced.

The Village of Menomonee Falls has been awarded a grant to
build an educational kiosk in the Tamarack Preserve from the C.D. Besadny
Conservation Grant Program.  This is an
opportunity for Menomonee Falls to showcase one of our most outstanding natural
resources, the Tamarack Swamp Preserve and the entire animal, bird and plant
life that is unique to the Tamarack Swamp. 

The kiosk has been recently built at the location of the old
elbow bend of Custer Lane and Shady Lane. 
There is an informal parking lot to stop and enjoy nature and even take
a walk or bike along the 3 mile path partially around the Tamarack Preserve. 

The kiosk will display information regarding the Tamarack
Preserve include an aerial photograph, information about the geology of the
swamp and environmental information about the mammals, birds, trees and
plants.  Information about invasive
species will also be included on the panels. 
There will also be two metal panels that will be permanent on the
structure with other information interchanged throughout time.   

The kiosk will recognize the many varieties of wildlife that
have been found in the Tamarack Preserve, described as a “Birder’s Heaven”,
which include species such as Ruby -throated Hummingbirds, Turkeys, Indigo
Buntings, Blue Jays, Red-winged Blackbirds, Robins, Red -tailed Hawks,
Chickadees, Nuthatches, Sandhill Cranes, and Great Horned Owls.  Other animals found in the Tamarack Preserve
include the White-tailed Deer, Coyotes, Red Fox, the rare Grey Fox and the
recently delisted threatened Butler’s Garter Snake.

A new Dogipot disposal system will be also installed at the kiosk.  Come join us on July 26^th, at
10:00 AM to celebrate the opening of the kiosk and participate in our first annual
International Migratory Bird Day which is one of the first steps for Menomonee
Falls to become certified as a Bird City Wisconsin.  

To help continue the success and vitality of the Tamarack
Preserve, please email the Village at stormwater@menomonee-falls.org  if you are interested in being a part of the Friends of the Tamarack Preserve
group. 

At the celebration, the Resolution for the International
Migratory Bird Day will be read and a ribbon cutting of the new kiosk will
occur at 10 AM.  A representative from
Bird City Wisconsin will be present to answer any of your birding
questions.  You will also be able to Take
the Paws Pledge and receive a doggy bone poop bag holder for your dog’s leash.  A walking tours will also take place for
anyone interested led by Gail Epping-Overholt of the UW-Extension to describe
the natural resources that are unique to the Tamarack Preserve and why it is so
important for us to protect our gem!

For further information, go to www.Menomonee-Falls.org/stormwater

Tamarack Preserve
Kiosk Grand Opening Celebration and the

Recognition of

International
Migratory Bird Day

Thursday, July 26,
2012

10:00 AM

Tamarack Preserve
Parking Lot

On

Shady Lane and Custer
Lane