Page 35 - Park and Open Space Plan

Events: Natural Management Overview:
• Run Through the Park – Lighthouse
FOX RIVER PARK MAP The wooded area within Fox River Park (known as
Race Foster’s Woods) is designated NA-2 in the adopted
• Bravado Challenge/Triathlon – MBM regional natural areas and critical species habitat plan,
Sporting Events
• Trail Assail Run – Silver Circle prepared by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional
• Justice Jog/Lola’s Hope – Waukesha Planning Commission (SEWRPC). There are smaller
Victims Witness Run open wet areas on the northern and eastern edges,
• Bioblitz Overnight Event – Milwaukee and two sites on the southwest border showing open
Public Museum structure like oak woodland or savanna. The final
• Independence Day Run/Walk – Silver contributor is a section of planted prairie (Dry-mesic,
Circle Sports/TA Mesic, and Wet Meadow). These smaller areas
• AIDS Ride WIS Cycling Event – ARCW contribute to diversity at the landscape level. The two
wetlands follow WI DNR NR-151 regulations (note:

These ponds are in the primary environmental corridor
and are Advanced Identification (ADID) wetlands.
Therefore, a 75 ft. setback for the construction of any
imperious surface is required).

Areas surrounding the aforementioned woods act as a
buffer for forest wildlife, providing a preferred
transition for grassland birds. Grasslands around this
buffer provide a “soft” or shrubby edge to the forest
border. Beyond the grasslands is mosaic of shorter
old-field vegetation and plantings blended with warm
season grasses. The shrubby edge borders may
eventually succeed into forest themselves. At that
time, we will reevaluate management strategies.

Lands around Fox River Park are in the midst of
suburban residential development, which provides the
opportunity to educate the public on the value of large,
intact, functional plant communities, and the benefits
of natural management techniques such as selective
thinning, invasive plant removal and selective burning.

The Core Zone for Fox River Park is mainly high quality
dry-mesic forest covering approximately 110 acres.
Invasive species that challenge the management of the
Core zone include Garlic mustard and Reed canary
grass. Prickly ash should be noted, however it is
currently at an acceptable level. The goal for
management is to maintain the forest’s ecological
quality, prevent the loss of keystone species, improve
wildlife habitat, and promote succession to a closed
canopy in the forest areas.

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