Good News: Land Swap at Patrick Marsh Benefits People & Nature

We have some exciting news! At the end of August, we worked with the City of Sun Prairie and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to expand opportunities for people to enjoy nature at Patrick Marsh, a wetland gem in Dane County. What does this mean exactly? Patrick Marsh is now a City of Sun Prairie conservancy park.

“Working in collaboration with partners to protect special places like Patrick Marsh is at the heart of Groundswell’s mission,” said Heidi Habeger, Groundswell’s Executive Director. “We are thrilled to see this change of ownership, knowing there will be so many benefits for wildlife and for people who enjoy getting out at Patrick Marsh.”

Win-win-win agreements are complex. In fact, this may be our most intricate conservation project to date.

Partners in the Patrick Marsh land swap at the project closing. Pictured from L to R: Cindy Burtley, Kristin Grissom, Kathleen McDaniel, Arrin Linzenmeyer, Debbie Fox-Schroeder, Heidi Habeger, Pat Wende, Mark Smith, Aaron Oppenheimer, Brandon Mann, Tony Abate, Jeanne Behrend, Dan Fields

Here’s how this “land swap” agreement unfolded: First, WDNR transferred ownership of Patrick Marsh to us. Next, Groundswell protected the land with a conservation easement. Finally, we gave Patrick Marsh to the City of Sun Prairie. This ensures that Patrick Marsh will remain protected forever.

In exchange for Patrick Marsh, Groundswell transferred 10 properties to the WDNR. These are properties we have protected over the years, with the intention of transferring ownership to the WDNR. These properties are located at places like Cherokee Marsh and Lodi Marsh, and along Black Earth Creek and the Lower Wisconsin Riverway.

The properties we transferred expand WDNR ownership and oversight at several state wildlife and fisheries areas. This transfer means the land can be managed more efficiently for both plants and animals in these special places. Another win!

What does it mean that Patrick Marsh is now a Sun Prairie conservancy park?  Sun Prairie will manage trails, signage, and other infrastructure to ensure public accessibility and enjoyment. Groundswell and its volunteers will continue to manage the wildlife habitat for future generations. Together, we’ll connect even more people with nature.

Sun Prairie Mayor Steve Stocker called Patrick Marsh becoming part of the city “a landmark moment for Sun Prairie.”

Partners in the Patrick Marsh land swap, including the Mayor of Sun Prairie, Steve Stocker

“Securing more than 200 acres for this conservation park not only preserves the habitat and natural beauty for generations to come, but it demonstrates what strong partnerships can achieve,” he said. “We are grateful to Groundswell Conservancy for its dedication to protecting this land, and we are looking forward to working together to provide a thriving habitat and natural park space for our community.”

Groundswell has been protecting and managing land at Patrick Marsh since 2004. Over the years, we’ve worked to connect the community to this special place — including the nearby middle school — through nature hikes, volunteering, and other events.

In the short term, you won’t notice much change at Patrick Marsh. It will remain a beautiful place to hike, birdwatch, admire wildflowers, and walk your dog. In the years to come, Groundswell is excited to partner with the City of Sun Prairie to make park improvements. In the meantime, Groundswell will focus on improving habitat for plants and wildlife.

Notably, Groundswell will continue to own and manage lands on the south side of Brazee Lake. If you access Patrick Marsh via Schuster Road, or Derby or Town Hall Drive, you’ll continue to enter via Groundswell land.

Groundswell is excited for the next chapter in protecting this special place!