Photo by Josh Mayer
Within Lodi Marsh Wildlife Area, Dane County. T9N-R8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9. T10N-R8E, Section 34. 639 acres.
Located in a narrow valley filled with glacial till, Lodi Marsh is a large wetland complex with numerous springs and spring runs, southern sedge meadow, and cat-tail marsh. The large, mostly open wetland borders the headwaters and upper two miles of Spring Creek, which runs through the natural area. Cat-tails, bulrushes, and sedges comprise most of the vegetation. Shrubs include pussy-willow, red-osier dogwood, and bog birch. On the south side of the marsh is a knob hill rising 240 feet from the marsh bottom. Its north slope supports a dry-mesic forest of red oak, sugar maple and basswood while a small dry prairie is located on the south slope. Along the base of the hill is an extensive seepage area with an abundance of skunk cabbage, marsh marigold, marsh fern, northern bedstraw, swamp loosestrife, spring-cress, wild iris, and mountain mint. Two large springs, one on each hill, provide a steady water flow. Of interest is the presence of 14 species of Papaipema moths, which are regarded as indicators of high-quality prairie and wetland habitat. In addition, many significant wetland-restricted moths are also found here. Breeding birds include great-blue heron, Sandhill crane, common snipe, willow and alder flycatcher, sedge wren, marsh wren, yellow warbler, blue-winged warbler, and a large number of red-winged blackbirds. Lodi Marsh is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002.
From the junction of Highways 60 and 113 in Lodi, go west on 60 0.6 mile, then south on Riddle Road 1.5 miles to a DNR parking area east of the road. Walk west across the road into the natural area.
Lodi Marsh is owned by:
The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details.
The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.
To create your own custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's mapping application.
Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. Trails, if present, are typically undesignated footpaths. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the "Access" tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.
The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.
Entrance fees: Excepting Parfrey's Glen, the Cambrian Outlook in the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fee. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.
In general, the activities listed below are allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted under the "Access" tab above and posted with signs on site.
Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned SNAs.
For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR]