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Boating and Canoeing 1. Four boat landings provide access to the marsh: Greenhead Landing, Burnett Ditch, and two landings in the City of Horicon. 2. One of the most popular and scenic routes is on the east branch of the Rock River from the Greenhead Landing to the City of Horicon (and back, if desired). 3. If you need to rent a canoe or make arrangements for shuttle service to the Greenhead Landing, call Blue Heron Tours, Inc. in Horicon at 920 485-4663. CANOE HORICON MARSH To explore Horicon Marsh by canoe is one of the finest ways to experience the marsh and its wildlife. Keep in mind that you are a visitor in an environment that wildlife calls home ~ treat it with respect! Although the marsh provides many opportunities, there are some necessary restrictions: 1. Canoeing is allowed in the state portion of the marsh only. The National Wildlife Refuge is closed to canoeing. 2. The state wildlife area maintains two closed areas during the waterfowl hunting season. These are indicated on the Canoe the Marsh map and canoeing is discouraged here throughout the year. (for a copy of Canoe the Marsh w/map please e-mail writeus@horiconchamber.com) 3. Along the East Branch of the Rock River, you will pass the Fourmile and Cotton Island Heron Rookery. Access to the islands is prohibited from April 1 – September 15. Enjoy the site from a distance. Do not disturb the nesting birds. 4. Be aware that motorboats are frequently operated on the marsh. Be cauious of the traffic and their wake. 5. The dam in the City of Horicon and the dam at the north boundary of the state area contain a high-voltage electric fish barrier. DO NOT GO NEAR THESE DAMS! TOP TEN WATCHABLE WILDLIFE 1. Great blue heron 2. Great egret 3. Canada geese 4. Muskrat 5. Red-winged blackbird 6. Black-crowned night heron 7. Mallard 8. Marsh hawk (Northern harrier) 9. Painted turtle 10. Leopard frog FOURMILE ISLAND AND COTTON ISLAND ROOKERY The Fourmile Island and Cotton Island rookery is Wisconsin's only State Natural Area set aside for wildlife. These islands contain the largest great blue heron and great egret nesting colony in Wisconsin. The double-crested cormorant, formerly a state endangerd species, also nests there. Due to the nesting success of these birds on Fourmile Island, bird droppings have built up which stress the trees, making them more susceptible to Dutch Elm disease and oak wilt. Telephone poles have been set up on the northeast end of Fourmile Island to serve as temporary nesting platforms. Many birds have relocated their nests to the smaller Cotton Island. Access to these islands is not allowed between April 1 and September 15. Please do not disturb the nesting birds! If you have any questions regarding canoeing or boating in the Horicon Marsh, please contact the DNR office at 920 387-7860. | ||
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