top of page

Archived News

Annual Meeting 2020

Posted on December 2, 2020 at 9:05 AM

This past year has been challenging to say the least. COVID has changed nearly everything in 2020, including how we, Friends of Vernon Marsh, have functioned as an organization. Because of COVID we cancelled all summer activities and because of this we've not had an opportunity to get together for a long time. Only recently did we conduct an outdoor event, our fall clean-up. It was nice to get active in the Marsh again. Also, because of COVID, we've put all our membership and fundraising activities on hold. And now, we need to announce that we have cancelled this year's Annual Meeting. Our Board discussed a number of options at its most recent "virtual meeting" but because of our inactivity this past year, and the fact that COVD is still very much a threat the Board decided that it would be best to cancel this year's annual meeting.

 

I've had the opportunity to be in the Marsh this past summer for solitary visits and it has been gratifying to see so many people out there. The pandemic has shown us how valuable natural areas, like the Vernon Marsh, are to all of us! When we get outdoors we're reminded of what the natural world brings to our lives. It reminds us that no matter how bad it gets, the water still flows in the Fox River, the geese still migrate, the owls still hoot at night, and yes, the mosquitos still bite! In other words nature grounds us and prepares us to better cope with the complicated pressures of the day!

 

We're hoping that soon vaccines will be distributed and life can get back to some level of "normal". But for now, please stay safe, enjoy your family and friends to the extent that you can and please get out and safely take a walk in the Marsh! You'll be glad you did.

 

Now, as I mentioned, we're not meeting formally this year for our Annual Meeting. But, I have attached a ballot, and a membership form. Please vote and renew your membership for 2021. Send in your ballot by email or US mail, the addresses are on the form. We look forward to your renewal and promise that next year we'll be back and active again. We're already planning a Spring Clean-Up and we're especially pleased to share a hold-the-date announcement for June 12, 2021 for our annual Spring Canoe/Kayak Trip!

 

As quiet as 2020 has been, we haven't stopped everything. Take a look at our website and visit our Vernon Marsh Stories page. Listen to Dick's interview to see how the Marsh has been part of his life. Watch for more interviews and videos in 2021. We are also excited to continue work with the DNR on a new trail in the Marsh. We're working on a grant proposal to help fund a number of sections of boardwalk that will be required. We'll be looking for volunteers to help build and maintain trail sections of this new trail in the future. Stay tuned!

Message From Friends of Vernon Marsh

Posted on May 15, 2020 at 8:35 AM

Dear Friend, It's been an interesting, challenging, and a bit scary few months. We hope that you and your family is safe and healthy. Thank you to any of you who are out there on the front lines during this pandemic. We really appreciate you!

 

Because of the COVID19 Threat and the Safe at Home order here in Wisconsin we have gone very quiet when usually this is a very busy time of year for Friends of Vernon Marsh. If you follow us on Facebook, you will have read that we cancelled all public events in the Marsh from January thru the end of May. And, because it takes lots of planning we are now announcing that events will also be cancelled thru the end of June. We realize that a hike or canoe or kayak trip into the Marsh might just be what people need right now. However, we can't justify bringing people together at this time in a group, even with restrictions. Later in the summer, we might be able to plan events, we'll have to see.

 

Even though all formal Friends events are on hold or cancelled, please don't stop enjoying the outdoors. Nature is healing and the Marsh is open! But please take appropriate precautions and practice appropriate social distancing. With many of us looking for safe things to do it seems that the marsh has been a most favored destination. I've personally observed more people than ever visiting the Marsh this spring. So please stay safe!!

 

During the past few months we haven't stopped working we've just been working on projects we've got in our plans. We are continuing our work with the DNR to designate and build a brand new hiking trail, including a boardwalk section, we are financing some trail maintenance on rutted trails near the Mukwonago side of the marsh, and we are looking into what it will take to improve watercraft launch sites on Hwy I and Hwy ES, outside of the Marsh. Hopefully, all these things will happen, it's just a matter of when.

 

So, please stay safe. Be kind to your family and neighbors and have faith that we will get through this.

 

Watch for more updates on our website and/or on our Facebook Page, or right here via email.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

2020 Board of Directors

Posted on December 5, 2019 at 9:35 PM

Congratulations to the following members who have won a new three year term on the Friends of Vernon Marsh Board of Directors beginning in January 2020. Thank you for volunteering to help make the Vernon March Wildlife Area a wonderful place.

 

Allen Stasiewski

Don Camping

Rachel Oemig Klien

Village Project May Impact Mukwonago River and wetlands

Posted on September 10, 2019 at 8:40 AM

In keeping with our mission of protection of the Vernon Marsh Wildlife Area and it's watershed, we are passing along this important information to our members. Please read the comments below from our partners at Friends of Mukwonago River.

This project is very close to wetlands which filter and protect our waters. There are a number of suggestions made below that would make this project more sustainable and less damaging. No matter what happens though, if this project is approved, it will impact the area negatively. It's always a matter of degrees. There will be damage to the area in the short and long term. There will be an impact from construction disruption in the short term and run-off due to lawn chemicals/poisons in the long term among other concern,

We encourage the village to do everything in its power to accurately identify and protect area wetlands and the Mukwonago River in both the short and long term!

Click on the link in the text below to learn more on the Village Website and please attend the hearing on Tuesday night to express your opinions.

Thank you to Friends of Mukwonago River for sending the notice below!

Sincerely,

Friends of Vernon Marsh

http://mailchi.mp/1261d1dde006/upcoming-events-for-your-participation-2999245?e=ca515830a7

Thank You to All Who Attended

Posted on December 21, 2018 at 2:55 PM

Thank you to all who attended our Annual Meeting on December 5th! A special thank you to Natanya and Adam from the DNR. They shared some of the amazing work being done in the Vernon Marsh. They are greatly appreciated! We also wanted to announce the results of our annual Board of Directors election. Congratulations to Tom Sherman and Lynn Preston who were both elected to a new three year term on the Board. Thank you Tom and Lynn and congratulations!

Annual Meeting December 5th

Posted on November 15, 2017 at 8:20 AM

Please see information on annual meeting, agenda and ballot HERE.

Hike Vernon Marsh

Posted on October 29, 2017 at 8:00 PM

Dear Friends of the Vernon Marsh,

 

Here are some wonderful hikes being led by our good friend Dianne Robinson. Two of them are in our very own Vernon Marsh! Fall and early winter are wonderful times for hiking. Cool with no pesky mosquitos and ticks! Can you make at least one?

 

Listed below are a number of hikes Dianne will be leading in the coming months. Please RSVP to Dianne if you are interested in attending.

Gathering of Friends on the beautiful Vernon Marsh

Posted on September 1, 2017 at 8:50 AM

Join Friends of Vernon Marsh at Pieper Porch Winery on September 9th for an impromptu Gathering of Friends on the beautiful Vernon Marsh. We will meet at one of the gazebos at the winery, reserved specifically for our group.

 

This is an informal gathering. Just come and hang out, meet old friends or make new ones. Enjoy the day! We will have renewal forms available if you would like to renew your Friends of Vernon Marsh membership for 2018.

2017 Canoe / Kayak Trip update

Posted on May 31, 2017 at 7:10 AM

Friends,

 

Well, I can't believe its here, it's just a few days until our 2017 Canoe/Kayak Trip. The response we've had is amazing. A special welcome, once again, to our friends from the Schussboomer Ski Club! If you can't make it this year, we'll miss you....but there's always other events to take advantage of this summer.

 

It looks like we will have 18 paddlers on this years trip!

 

We still have three DNR canoes available.

Planning your spring events

Posted on April 5, 2017 at 7:50 AM

Dear Friend, while planning your spring events, mark your calendar for these three spring Vernon Marsh Events! Watch for more details soon! Call 414-507-8358 or e-mail at astasiewsk@aol.com with any questions about upcoming events.

Vernon Marsh Spring Clean-Up on Saturday, April 22, 2017

1st Annual Vernon Marsh Golf Outing at Broadlands Golf Club, with former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler on Friday, June 2, 2017.

Calendar Events

Posted on March 20, 2017 at 11:40 PM

Dear Friend of the Vernon Marsh, isn't nice to see the weather warm up again? It may not have been the snowiest winter on record. It might not have been the coldest winter on record. However it does seem to have been one of the dreariest! So here's your chance to walk off the winter doldrums. Get spring started this Saturday with a refreshing hike in the Vernon Marsh.

 

Dianne Robinson, DNR Wildlife Educator, will be leading a Spring Thaw Hike in the Vernon Marsh this ...

June 2 Golf Outing - Dinner - Auction

Posted on February 18, 2017 at 6:05 PM

Win a change to golf with former Packer player Leroy Butler.

 

 Broadlands Golf Club, 18 Augusta Way, North Prairie, WI, United States

 

Sign up here: https://www.picatic.com/event14713651536702

 

LeRoy Butler, inventor of the Lambeau Leap, will be golfing with us, having dinner, and helping us auction items to raise funds for the Friends of the Vernon Marsh (A Friends group dedicated towards the preservation and education.

2017 Membership dues

Posted on January 2, 2017 at 3:25 PM

Thank you for all your past support of our Waukesha-based Friends group. Our mission is to protect our very special Vernon Marsh! We do this through education, action, and advocacy. However, we can't do this without your membership.

Board of Directors Election Results

Posted on January 2, 2017 at 10:45 AM

2016 Board of Directors Election results. The following individuals were elected to a new 3 year (2017 thru 2019) term on the Friends of Vernon Marsh Board of Directors;

 

Rachel Oemig Klein

Don Camplin

Allen Stasiewski

 

Thank you to all members who voted and to those who attended the Annual Meeting on November 9th 2016.

 

 

Allen

 

Annual Meeting Invitation

Posted on October 29, 2016 at 7:25 PM

 

We hope you will be able to join us at our annual meeting this year on November 9th at 7:00 pm at the Clarke Hotel in downtown Waukesha. We have planned a great presentation on creating Oral Histories. This presentation by Anita Hecht, Life History Services, will introduce you to the "why" behind our next Friend's project - the Vernon Marsh Oral History Project.

 

We will also be accepting memberships and renewals for 2017 at the meeting. Your membership hel...

Wales Main Street Green Market October 1st 2016

Posted on September 24, 2016 at 8:30 PM

 

Wales Main Street Green Market – October 1, 2016

 

The Waukesha County Green Team will host another Green Market on Saturday, October 1st from 9am to 1pm on Main Street in Wales. This event is free and open to the public.

 

The Main Street Green Market provides a venue for local vendors and community organizations to showcase their green products and services, and serves as a gathering place where neighbors come together.

Join this year's Vernon Marsh Fall Hike

Posted on September 18, 2016 at 5:30 PM

 

Here's what might be your last chance to "Get into the Marsh" before the cold weather arrives. Don't miss this year's hike! Why not join us!

 

Event: Hike the Vernon Marsh

Date: Saturday, September 24, 2016

Time: Promptly at 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Place: Meet at the upper Observation Area Parking at the end of Frog Alley Rd of Hwy 83.

 

Fee: There is no charge for this event and members of the public are welcome.

Happenings in the Vernon Marsh Newsletter: Fall 2016 Edition

Posted on September 10, 2016 at 8:05 AM

Every once and a while we ask our partners at the DNR to send us an overview of what's happening on the Marsh. Here is the latest on things going on in the Vernon Marsh this fall! Watch for information on our Fall Hike scheduled for the morning of September 24th. Details coming soon!

 

Frog Alley

 

a. The long awaited channel dredging project was finally completed last week.

Great Grasslands Excursion

Posted on August 25, 2016 at 6:45 AM

Greetings! This is to inform you that the Sauk Prairie Conservation Alliance still has a few seats available for the "Great Grasslands" Excursion planned for Saturday, September 10th. Please join us for this exciting all-day field trip to see two large restored grasslands in Illinois, Nachusa Grasslands and Nygren Wetland Preserve. Both sites are vast restored prairies on undultaing landscapes.

Fundraiser at Pieper Porch Winery This Saturday

Posted on August 25, 2016 at 6:40 AM

The Vernon Marsh is a 5000 acre nature preserve right in our back yards. Its there for all of us to enjoy! Help protect it!

 

Join Friends of Vernon Marsh at our Annual Fundraiser at Pieper Porch Winery in Waukesha on the beautiful Vernon Marsh. All the details are listed on the attached flyer.

 

We're expecting a nice turnout this year so why not join us for an evening on the Vernon Marsh at the wonderful Piper Porch Winery!

3rd Annual Fundraiser at Pieper Porch Winery

Posted on August 19, 2016 at 6:30 AM

Please join Friends of Vernon Marsh at our Annual Fundraiser at Pieper Porch Winery in Waukesha on the beautiful Vernon Marsh. All the details are listed on the attached flyer.

 

 We're expecting a nice turnout this year so why not join us for an evening on the Vernon Marsh at the wonderful Piper Porch Winery!

 

 All money raised at this year's event will go toward our Vernon Marsh Land Purchase Fund. Your attendance will help protect the Vernon Marsh.

Fox River Canoe/Kayak Trip: FinalTrip Details

Posted on June 10, 2016 at 7:25 AM

Friends,

 

Well, I can't believe its here, we're just two days away from our 2016 Canoe/Kayak Trip. The response we've had is amazing. Thank you all for talking the trip up! A special welcome, once again, to our friends from the Schussboomer Ski Club! If you can't make it this year, we'll miss you....but there's always next summer!

 

It looks like we will have 28 paddlers in this years trip! That's the biggest group yet!

Canoe/Kayak Trip Update: Only one DNR Canoe Left

Posted on June 6, 2016 at 8:30 AM

 

 

  • Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

 

  • This event is free, however, we do appreciate if you would renew your membership or consider becoming a member of Friends of Vernon Marsh.

  • You can renew or join the day of the event.

  • Family memberships are $30 and individual memberships are $20. Cash or check OK.

Annual Vernon Marsh Spring Litter Clean-Up April 23rd 2016

Posted on April 16, 2016 at 8:35 PM

Friends of Vernon Marsh will once again sponsor our annual Vernon Marsh Spring Litter Clean-up this Saturday at 9:00 am. We'll be cleaning up the perimeter parking areas and wildlife viewing areas surrounding the marsh.

 

When your done with your assigned area, you are done. Just leave your filled garbage bag(s) and your vest at your assigned area and be on your way. Or, if you have more time, move on to a 2nd area. Donate as much or as little time as you desire.

2016 Activities

Posted on March 22, 2016 at 10:15 PM

Non-members may RSVP for an event however members receive preferential treatment if space is limited. Individual memberships are $20 and family memberships are $30.

 Please reserve these date on your calendar. More information will be sent later.

 

Vernon Marsh Spring Cleanup

  •  Saturday, April 23, 2016

  • 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

  Guided Canoe/Kayak Trip

  •  Saturday, June 11, 2016

Election Announcement

Posted on January 10, 2016 at 3:20 PM

Congratulations to Laurie Longtine and Lynn Preston. Both were elected to a new 3-year term on the Friends of Vernon Marsh Board of Directors at out Annual Meeting in December. Thanks to Laurie and Lynn for serving!

2016 Tax-decuctible membership due now

Posted on January 10, 2016 at 1:15 PM

Thank you for all your past support of our Waukesha-based Friends group. Our mission is to protect our very special Vernon Marsh! We do this through education, action, and advocacy. However, to be honest, we can't do this without your membership.

 Your 2016 tax-deductible membership is now due.

 And, we have another announcement. All funds raised in 2016, including memberships, will be 100% dedicated to our Vernon Marsh Land Purchase Fund. 

December 10th Annual Meeting

Posted on November 16, 2015 at 8:20 AM

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2015
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Place: Citizen's Bank of Mukwonago; Waukesha Office (Hwy 59 & Center Rd)
(2109 Corporate Dr. Waukesha, WI 53187)

Landscaping for Birds Presentation November 19th 2015

Posted on October 26, 2015 at 8:05 AM

Here's a great program that might be of interest to all Friends of Vernon Marsh members. Thank you for the Benjamin Goss Bird Club for sending our way! Note that you must RSVP to attend.

  A meeting of interest to us as birders.

 Here's a link to a clearer flyer: http://chenequa.org/wp-content/themes/Chenequa/Documents/Mariette%20Nowak.pdf

 

Please let us know if you plan on attending this Saturday's hike

Posted on September 25, 2015 at 7:25 AM

We'd like to know how many people plan on attending this Saturday's hike.  Please email me at: astasiewsk@aol.com

Here's what might be your last chance to "Get into the Marsh" before the cold weather arrives. Don't miss this year's hike! Please join us!

 

Event: Hike the Vernon Marsh

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2015

Time: 8:00 am to 10:00 am

Place: Meet at the Observation Area Parking at the end of Frog Alley Rd of Hwy 83.

.Vernon Marsh DNR Led Hike This Saturday

Posted on September 21, 2015 at 11:35 AM

Here's what might be your last chance to "Get into the Marsh" before the cold weather arrives. Don't miss this year's hike! Please join us!

 

Event: Hike the Vernon Marsh

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2015

Time: 8:00 am to 10:00 am

Place: Meet at the Observation Area Parking at the end of Frog Alley Rd of Hwy 83.

Fee: There is no charge for this event and members of the public are welcome.

Weather: Rain or Shine

We Can't Say It Enough

Posted on September 3, 2015 at 7:40 AM

We Can't Say It Enough!

 

Thank you to all who came out for our 2nd Annual Wine and Music On The Marsh fundraiser in August. It was a smashing success! We earned $370 that will go towards purchasing land in and around the Vernon Marsh to help protect this precious environmental resource!

 

A special thank you to Pieper Porch Winery and to our wonderful musicians, the Crossroads Quartet! You are wonderful!

 

 

Wine and Music on the Marsh Fundraiser

Posted on August 2, 2015 at 2:05 PM

Please join us for fun evening of Wine and Music on the Marsh at Piper Porch Winery on the Vernon Marsh. This fundraiser will support the Friends of Vernon Marsh Land Purchase Fund. 

FOVM Summer Fundraiser at Piper Porch Winery and Vineyard

Posted on June 10, 2015 at 7:45 AM

Announcement! Please reserve the evening of Saturday August 15th, 2015 for this year's Friends of Vernon Marsh Summer Fundraiser at Piper Porch Winery and Vineyard. The event will begin at 5:30 pm. Watch your e-mail for more information!

Friends of Vernon Marsh

Board of Directors

June 13 Vernon Marsh Canoe / Kayak Trip

Posted on June 8, 2015 at 7:45 AM

It's hard to believe but our annual Friends of Vernon Marsh Canoe/Kayak Trip is almost here. We have a record 28 individu als joining the trip this year in 15 watercraft! Here are the details of next Saturday's Canoe/Kayak Tri p. The extended weather forecast is perfect; 75 degrees, AM clouds, PM sun, 9 mph wind.

 Date & Time

  •  Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 9:30 am to appproximately 1:00 pm

 Location

  •  This year...

Friends of Vernon Marsh Annual DNR Guided Spring Canoe/Kayak Trip into the Vernon Marsh

Posted on May 14, 2015 at 11:20 PM

Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

This event is free, but we do appreciate if you renew your membership or consider becoming a member of Friends of Vernon Marsh.

You can renew or join the day of the event.

Family memberships are $30 and individual memberships are $20. Cash or check OK.

Bring your own canoe or kayak. All participants must wear a Life Vest, so if you have one please bring it.

Vernon Marsh Cleanup this Saturday - Can You Help?

Posted on May 8, 2015 at 7:05 AM

Friends of Vernon Marsh will once again sponsor our annual Vernon Marsh Spring Litter Clean-up this Saturday at 9:00 am. We'll be cleaning up the perimeter parking areas and wildlife viewing areas surrounding the marsh.

 

When your done with your assigned area, you are done. Just leave your filled garbage bag(s) and your vest at your assigned area and be on your way. Or, if you have more time, move on to a 2nd area. Donate as much or as little time as you desire.

Do you know of any interesting birds in the Vernon Marsh for the Ben Goss Bird Club?

Posted on May 4, 2015 at 11:05 PM

Our friends at the Ben Goss Bird Club will be doing their annual Spring Bird Count this Saturday and have asked us for help. Please see below.

 

Contact Spence Stehno if you have any interesting information for them.

414-940-2020

pensacola634@gmail.com

 

 

As you know, the Spring Bird Count for the Ben Goss Bird Count is this weekend on Saturday May 9, and we’ll be out and about not only at Vernon Marsh...

Clarification: Marsh Cleanup is on May 9th

Posted on April 21, 2015 at 10:25 PM

Can you donate a couple of hours to the Vernon Marsh!

 

Friends of Vernon Marsh will once again sponsor their annual Vernon Marsh Spring Litter Clean-up on March 9th at 9:00 am. We'll be cleaning up the perimeter parking areas and wildlife viewing areas surrounding the marsh. Meet at the Frog Alley Upper Parking Area, off of Hwy 83. When you arrive you will be assigned an area to police, bags, and an orange vest. When your done with your assigned area, you are done. 

Vernon Marsh Spring Litter Clean Up

Posted on April 19, 2015 at 5:05 PM

Can you donate a couple of hours to the Vernon Marsh!

 

Friends of Vernon Marsh will once again sponsor their annual Vernon Marsh Spring Litter Clean-up this Saturday at 9:00 am. We'll be cleaning up the perimeter parking areas and wildlife viewing areas surrounding the marsh. Meet at the Frog Alley Upper Parking Area, off of Hwy 83. When you arrive you will be assigned an area to police, bags, and an orange vest. When your done with your assigned area, you are done.

Friends of Vernon March 2015 Activities: Save These Dates

Posted on March 19, 2015 at 6:40 AM

Friends of Vernon Marsh Inc.

2015 Activities

 Non-members may RSVP for an event however members receive preferential treatment if space is limited. Individual memberships are $20 and family memberships are $30.

 

 Vernon Marsh Spring Cleanup

 • Saturday, May 9, 2015

• 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

• Meet at Frog Alley parking area

• Orange Vests 

Learn more about Tracking January 24 2015

Posted on January 8, 2015 at 11:40 PM

 

Well, the snow has arrived! And the deep freeze is moving out this weekend. All these things are coming together to make this event one of the best opportunities we'll have to see the Vernon Marsh at its winter finest!

Click  HERE and contact  Dianne Robinson if you are interested in joining her for Tracks, Scat & Sign.

Help Protect Waukesha County's Vernon Marsh With Your Membership Today

Posted on December 21, 2014 at 10:50 PM

Won't you consider making the Friends of Vernon Marsh one of your 2014 charitable organizations? By joining Friends of Vernon Marsh or renewing you help protect this important Waukesha natural resource Just complete the application. Your membership fee is tax deductible!

 

Friends of Vernon Marsh is dedicated to protecting the 5000 acre Vernon Marsh

2015 Membership Notice

Posted on November 13, 2014 at 7:30 AM

Its that time of the year again. Please consider renewing your membership to Friends of Vernon Marsh. An application is HERE.

 

Friends of Vernon Marsh is dedicated to protecting the 5000 acre Vernon Marsh Wildlife Area, right here in Waukesha County through advocacy and education! But we can't do it without our great members!

Provide Your Ideas about fish and wildlife conservation and management in WI

Posted on October 29, 2014 at 8:10 PM

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is currently revising two key conservation plans – the Wildlife Action Plan and Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Management Plan. Through completion of an online questionnaire, Wisconsin citizens can give the department valuable input.

Hike the Vernon Marsh September 27th

Posted on September 16, 2014 at 8:10 PM

Here's what might be your last chance to "Get into the Marsh" before the cold weather arrives. Don't miss this year's hike! Please join us!

 

Event: Hike the Vernon Marsh

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2014

Time: 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Place: Meet at the Observation Area Parking at the end of Frog Alley Rd of Hwy 83.

Fee: There is no charge for this event and members of the public are welcome.

Weather: Rain or Shine

Geocaching Event September 9th

Posted on August 17, 2014 at 7:30 PM

Join us at the beautiful Frog Alley Observation Area (end of Frog Alley Road) on the Vernon Marsh and learn about a growing activity known as Geocaching!

 

Date: Tuesday September 9th

 

Time: 6:00 pm

 

Where: Frog Alley Observation Area Parking

 

Wildlife Biologist Kelly VanBeek will give a brief overview on the basics of geocaching and help you find a few

 

Wine and Music on the Marsh

Posted on July 15, 2014 at 11:05 PM

Please join us for fun evening of Wine and Music on the Marsh at Piper Porch Winery on the Vernon Marsh. This fundraiser will help support the Friends of Vernon Marsh Land Purchase Fund. See the attached flyer for more details.

 Here's some of the info you'll need to join us for this great evening!

Saturday July 26, 2014 5:30 pm to 8 pm at Piper Porch Winery on Hwy I

Music by The Crossroads Quartet

$15 at the door. Includes 10 tasting tickets and snacks

Wildlife staff to fill flowage

Posted on July 4, 2014 at 7:20 AM

Wildlife staff recently set up a portable diesel pumping system at Vernon Wildlife Area to fill two flowage units northeast of the Frog Alley parking lot: https://goo.gl/maps/zlDy8

 

This pump was originally donated to WDNR by Ducks Unlimited. It has seen limited use the past several years, but an effective burn at this unit leant itself to filling the flowages to help control invasive plants.

Wine and Music on the Marsh

Posted on May 26, 2014 at 11:10 PM

Friends of Vernon Marsh is very pleased to announce a very special event at Piper's Porch Winery on July 26th 2014 at 5:30 pm. 

Hold this date for a special evening of Wine and Music on the Marsh!

Watch your e-mail for more information!

Sincerely,

Friends of Vernon Marsh Board of Directors

Update on Vernon Marsh Area Burn May 6th 2014

Posted on May 17, 2014 at 11:00 PM

Wildlife staff recently burned approximately 430 acres of wetland/upland habitat on Vernon Wildlife Area with goals of controlling invasive vegetation and knocking back encroachment of woody vegetation in open habitats. We conducted the burn Tuesday, May 6th to take advantage of East winds blowing smoke away from the adjacent railroad tracks. A crew of 10 staff began lighting the fire at 11 AM,

Prairie Burn for May 13th cancelled

Posted on May 12, 2014 at 10:45 PM

Well, the rain has managed to interfere with our plans for our Educational Prairie Burn once again!  Because of the extraordinary rain events of today the Burn has been canceled for tomorrow night.  It's just to darn wet. 

We are not giving up and we will try again.  Perhaps this fall. 

Educational Prairie Burn April 18

Posted on April 17, 2014 at 8:35 PM

As you know we've been attempting to schedule an educational Prairie Burn for our members for several years.  Every time we've scheduled this event the weather has intervened and we've had to cancel. So, we're trying something new.  A last minute Prairie Burn event scheduled to take the weather out of the equation!  It's not in the Vernon Marsh  this time but it's close.

 

2014 Members Event Schedule

Posted on March 23, 2014 at 10:25 PM

We're pleased to announce our 2014 event schedule.  The tentative list of events and dates is attached.  Please hold these dates!  We'll send more information as details for events are finalized. 

Note that all events are for members only this year....

Read Full Post »

2013 Annual Board Elections Announcement

Posted on December 22, 2013 at 10:15 AM

The following individuals were elected to a 3-year term at this year's Annual Meeting on December 5, 2013.  Congratulations!
Allen Stasiewski
Tom Coopman
Rachel Oemig Kline
Don Camplin

Dec. 5th Annual Meeting / Speaker; Marlin Johnson "Geology of Waukesha County"

Posted on November 10, 2013 at 11:15 PM

We are pleased to announce that Marlin Johnson, Associate Professor Emeritus, department of Biological Sciences, UW Waukesha and current Manager of the UWW Field Station, here in Waukesha County, will speaking with us on the Geology of Waukesha County.

 

Friends of Vernon Marsh Annual Meeting

Thursday December 5, 2014

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Citizen's Bank of Mukwonago; Waukesha Office, Hwy 59 and Center Rd.

 

 

Get into the Marsh 'Hike'

Posted on September 26, 2013 at 7:05 AM

Here's what might be your last chance to "Get into the Marsh" before the cold weather arrives. Don't miss this year's hike! Please join us!

 

Event: Hike the Vernon Marsh

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2012

Time: 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Place: Meet at the DNR parking lot on the south side of Cty. Hwy I, 1.3 miles east of Hwy 83.

Fee: There is no charge for this event and members of the public are welcome.

Weather: Rain or Shine

De...

Read Full Post »

DNR Guided Nature Hike into the Vernon Marsh

Posted on September 18, 2013 at 11:05 PM

Here's what might be your last chance to "Get into the Marsh" before the cold weather arrives. Don't miss this year's hike! Please join us!

 

Event: Hike the Vernon Marsh

 

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2012

 

Time: 8:30 am to 10:30 am

 

Place: Meet at the DNR parking lot on the south side of Cty. Hwy I, 1.3 miles east of Hwy 83.

 

Fee: There is no charge for this event and members of the public are welcome.

An opportunity from our sister organization, Friends of Mukwonago River

Posted on September 17, 2013 at 11:30 PM

On October 12th and 13th, Friends of the Mukwonago River is offering a community education event - Watershed Weekend. On Saturday the 12th, the Watershed Weekend will be hosted by the Alice Chester Girl Scout Camp where Friends will be hosting a series of workshops. Details are being finalized but our aim is to have the event running from 10am to 3pm with 4 50-minute sessions and a lunch break.

 

On Sunday the 13th, the Mukwonago River Unit of KMSF will host the event from ...

Read Full Post »

Benson Avenue flowage closed to repair dike

Posted on August 20, 2013 at 11:20 PM

News Release Published: August 14, 2013 by the Southeast Region

 

Contact(s): Tim Lizotte, DNR wildlife management,262-574-2120; Marcus Smith, DNR communications, 414-263-8516

 

MUKWONAGO-The Benson Avenue flowage within the Vernon Wildlife Area in Waukesha County has been closed until October 18 for reconstruction of the dike.

 

The flowage is closed to ...

Read Full Post »

Hike The Berm Event: How Many Marsh Miles did you earn!

Posted on August 18, 2013 at 11:00 PM

Friends of Vernon Marsh "Hike the Berm" event.  Tell us how many Marsh Miles did you hike on August 24th?

The impact of High Capacity Wells. Can this happen in Waukesha County?

Posted on July 24, 2013 at 9:40 PM

 

The impact of High Capacity Wells.  Can this happen in Waukesha County?

 

Article on the water conflict in the Central Sands. (link below)

 

Read Full Post »

Mukwonago River July Paddle

Posted on June 28, 2013 at 7:20 AM

 

Since our very own Canoe/Kayak Trip has been delayed due to rainy and stormy weather we thought we'd share this opportunity with you!  We're still hoping to take our trip through the Vernon Marsh on the Fox River. We are working with the DNR to borrow canoes so that those without one can join the group.  Stay Tuned!

 

Mukwonago River Paddle July 14, 2...

Read Full Post »

Project Red Training on Invasives @ LuLu Lake

Posted on June 12, 2013 at 10:05 PM

 

From time tp time we pass on interesting and issue related e-mails to our Friends of Vernon Marsh Members.  Here's  one of those!

Don't Miss This Award Winning Film 'Chasing Ice'

Posted on April 18, 2013 at 7:45 AM

From time to time we like to pass along information that you might find interesting or useful. 

Don't Miss This Award Winning Film 'Chasing Ice'

http://weal.givezooks.com/events/chasing-ice-screening

2012 Board of Directors Election Results

Posted on February 18, 2013 at 12:00 AM

Laurie Longtine and Mike Kelenic were both elected to the Friends of Vernon Marsh Board of Directors at the 2012 Annual Meeting.  Both will serve a new 3-year term beginning on January 1st 2013.  Congratulations to Laurie and Mike!

Videos and Photos of Vernon Marsh

Posted on December 25, 2012 at 9:40 AM

Victor Trapp has posted several videos of Vernon Marsh on  Youtube.com for your viewing enjoyment.

You can view them here.  He also has many high quality photos of Vernon Marsh on his website and several of them are in the Photo Gallery.

bottom of page