By Paul Noeldner
Madison Friends of Urban Nature

Spring is in the air. Redwing blackbirds are singing and sandhill cranes are back. April and May are wonderful months to be outside enjoying the birds and nature around us. The Northside is blessed to have Cherokee Marsh (North, South and Mendota units), Warner Park, Tenney Park and Lake View Hill Park. Due to current health advisories, the annual Bird and Nature Festival is being postponed to June and upcoming naturalist-led Madison Friends of Urban Nature (FUN) bird and nature outings for groups are canceled. However, Madison parks and other natural areas and trails are currently still open for public access. Taking a walk in nature with safe social distancing of at least 6 feet from others is recommended by health advisories for individuals for both physical health and mental well-being. Enjoy a healthy nature walk on your own and look for all the signs of spring. Please follow health advisories to maintain safe social distancing. See the Northside News calendar and cityofmadison.com/parks/events/bird-nature.cfm for self-guided walk suggestions.

Urban natural areas are important for the birds and nature we love and for enjoying free nature recreation close to home, which benefits our physical and mental health and creates a sense of community and social bonding. The Hartmeyer Natural Area historic wetland and upland between North Sherman Avenue and the Oscar Mayer property is a wonderful opportunity to keep a large intact natural area with a vibrant ecosystem of cranes, foxes, frogs and pollinators right in our neighborhood where we can all enjoy it. Thanks to community support from many individuals, businesses, neighborhood groups and our local alders, we have a chance to convince the City of Madison to preserve all 30 acres as a nature park and shared community open space. See the related article in this issue of the Northside News. Let your alder and the mayor know you support saving all 30 acres.