Theresa Marsh facts for kids
Theresa Marsh is a special wetland area located in Wisconsin. You can find it near the town of Theresa, Wisconsin, in northern Washington County and eastern Dodge County. This marsh is super important because it's where the Rock River begins its journey! The Rock River eventually flows into the mighty Mississippi River.
The marsh is also a key stopping point for many migratory birds that fly long distances. The Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area is a large state park, about 5,990-acre (2,420 ha) in size. It includes different types of land like grasslands, areas with tall cattail plants, brushy marsh, woodlands, and even some farm fields. There are also wetlands that are sometimes flooded and others that stay wet all the time. You can find several places to camp nearby. The Allenton State Wildlife Area is also close by.
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History of Theresa Marsh
Early Days and Native Americans
Long ago, the Theresa Marsh area was covered with tamarack forests. The Potawatomi people, a Native American tribe, lived here and used the marsh for trapping animals. This was an important way for them to get food and supplies.
Settlers and Development
Later, many of the tamarack trees were cut down by settlers. A special kind of road called a "corduroy road" was built across the marsh. This road was made by laying logs side-by-side, like the ridges on corduroy fabric, to make a path over the wet ground. Today, that old corduroy road is paved and is known as Wisconsin State Highway 28.
In 1852, a man named Solomon Juneau settled in the area. He named the village "Theresa" after his mother. Solomon Juneau was an important person in the community. He set up a trading post where people could buy and sell goods. He also built a grain mill and a dam. The dam helped provide water power for a saw mill, which was used to cut timber into lumber. For many years, the area continued to develop with more farms and businesses.
Protecting the Marsh
Over time, farming in the marsh area became difficult because of frequent flooding. Because of this, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) started buying land in the marsh in 1948. By 1964, they had bought most of the land. The DNR then built special walls called dikes and other water control systems. These structures help manage the water levels in the marsh, creating a perfect home for waterfowl like ducks and geese. Today, hunting is allowed in the marsh during certain seasons.
Rivers of the Marsh
The Kohlsville River flows through the southern part of Theresa Marsh. It joins with the East Branch Rock River right there in the marsh. These rivers are important parts of the marsh's ecosystem, bringing water and supporting the plants and animals that live there.
