By Jan Axelson
Friends of Cherokee Marsh

There’s plenty to see and do if you venture out to the Northside’s natural areas this winter. 

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park has three units that offer something for everyone. 

In the North Unit, you’ll find over 3 miles of ungroomed trails open for skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking. Some of the trails also serve as maintenance roads and might be scraped to a thin snow cover. Access these trails from the parking area at the north end of North Sherman Avenue.

The South Unit has 3 miles of trails groomed for classic skiing when snow covered. Unlike many of the groomed trails in city parks, these trails have no user fee. Access the trails from the corner of Wheeler Road and School Road.

The Mendota Unit has a half mile of trails for skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking. Access the trails from Westport Meadows Park on Beilfuss Drive.

In conservation parks, please stay on the trails and leave pets at home. Don’t walk or snowshoe on trails that are groomed for skiing.

If you would like to join others for naturalist-led walks, here are two opportunities: meet at Cherokee Marsh’s North Unit on the first Sunday of every month at 1:30 pm, or the colorful shelter in Warner Park, 2930 N. Sherman Ave., on the third Sunday of every month at 1:30 pm. These walks are sponsored by the Friends of Cherokee Marsh and Wild Warner and occur every month, year-round.

Don’t miss out. Dress warm, get outside and explore.