Spring into the Outdoors with Dane County

2020 will long be remembered for its many challenges. Yet, through those difficult times, one resource many of us turned to was the outdoors, where we could unwind and explore Dane County’s many natural resources. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dane County was able to make great strides in the areas of conservation, water quality, prairie restoration and flood prevention. And as the weather warms and the pandemic wanes, we are eager to welcome Dane County’s many residents back outside to explore recreational opportunities.

In 2020, Dane County permanently protected 600 acres of property with the Dane County Conservation Fund. An additional 600 acres were able to be protected through our increasingly popular Continuous Cover Crop Program, designed to mitigate flooding and reduce erosion. We were also able to collect over 1,700 pounds of prairie seed to help restore more than 143 acres to natural prairie, including our expansion of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy
near Middleton.

Dane County removed over 40,000 tons of sediment from the bottom of the Yahara River between Lakes Monona and Waubesa last year, reducing the risk of future flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. We were also able to complete our “Suck the Muck” project in Token Creek, which will help limit the frequency and extent of hazardous algae blooms. With each passing year, we are improving the water quality in our local lakes, rivers, and streams for future generations.

Our accomplishments in the outdoors — direct investments into the quality of life we enjoy here in Dane County — are many. Like you, I look forward to warmer weather when we can get back outside and enjoy all that our incredible county parks and recreation areas have to offer.