Muir Woods and the portion of the Lakeshore Path running between the Center for Limnology and Willow Creek are the site of a new, exciting enhancement project run by the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve Committee. This project is funded by the Academic Fund and gifts from the Class of 1963 and Drs. Eleanor and Peter Blitzer. We anticipate that this project will serve as a model for future restoration efforts in the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve.
Current Conditions
Muir Woods occupies seven acres on the steep north-facing slope of Bascom Hill, extending from Observatory Drive to the Lakeshore Path and the Limnology Laboratory. The current trail system is poorly defined, which has resulted in the trampling of vegetation and also the compaction of soil. There are extensive invasions by non-native plants such as buckthorn, honeysuckle, and garlic mustard.
The Howard Temin Lakeshore Path runs from the Limnology Laboratory to the entrance of Picnic Point. The Lakeshore Path is more than the road that connects the Memorial Union with other parts of campus and beyond, it is also a fragile strip of shoreline that must be protected. Currently the shoreline is covered by a patchwork of large willows and cottonwoods, invasive shrubs, and barren patches that lead to the water's edge.
Muir Woods and the Lakeshore Path are important as patches of habitat and spaces for teaching, contemplation, and quiet walks. The Lakeshore Path provides opportunities for leisurely bike rides and serves as a commuting route. They both suffer from erosion, invasive species, and unauthorized trails.
Spring in Muir Woods (G Denniston )
Plan of Action
Rebecca Kagle, a graduate student studying restoration ecology, has been hired for 19 months to generate a restoration and monitoring plan and begin implementing the plan with the help of volunteers and students. Since starting work on June 1 st , she has been creating infrastructure to guide the restoration over the long term and to serve as a model for the future restoration of other parts of the Preserve. She has been setting up a grid system that allows all of the trees to be mapped, planning a new trail system, and developing partnerships with various groups to aid in the stewardship of these areas.
Rebecca Kagle Inspects Muir Woods Tree ( G Denniston )
Rebecca will be finalizing the new trail system, defining trails with woodchips and log edging, removing invasive plants, and installing new plants and coconut fiber mats to begin the restoration of the heavily eroded portions of the hillside. Later, she will focus on the problems in the strip between the Lakeshore Path and Lake Mendota , especially on finding ways to remove the invasive honeysuckle and buckthorn while stabilizing the steep slope and preserving the treasured views of the water.
Rebecca is working closely with the Preserve Committee, the Friends of the Campus Natural Areas (FCNA), and others who use this land. She welcomes questions, insights, and offers to volunteer from any member of the FCNA. Please contact her at kagle@wisc.edu.
Rebecca Kagle is a graduate student in the Land Resources Program working with Dr. Evelyn Howell. Prior to starting this project she was involved with urban forest restorations in New York City and Philadelphia. |
