Cherokee Marsh: a Case Study in Residential Perceptions of Nutrient Runoff in the Yahara River Watershed
Abstract
The Cherokee Marsh in Madison, Wisconsin, wrestles with eutrophication issues due to constant
influxes of phosphorus from urban and agricultural sources. A lack of vegetative buffers, soils
with poor phosphorus storage potential, and nearby impervious surfaces all facilitate transport
of nutrients into Cherokee Marsh. Legislators passed the Wisconsin Zero Phosphorus Fertilizer
Law in 2010 in an attempt to minimize urban phosphorus fluxes. Our research seeks to
understand whether significant differences in lawn care behaviors and knowledge of
environmental regulations exist between two neighborhoods, one close to and one far from
Cherokee Marsh. We consulted USDA soil maps and conducted a survey in those two
neighborhoods. Our soil map of the Cherokee Marsh area suggests that the soils bordering the
marsh retain phosphorus poorly, pointing to the criticality of phosphorus reduction efforts
around marshes. Our survey indicates similar lawn care behaviors and awareness of
environmental regulation in the two neighborhoods. The marsh-adjacent neighborhood
demonstrated slightly higher concern for fertilizer’s impacts on the marsh. We recommend
additional research to solidify understanding of the relationship between neighborhood
proximity to a natural area and residents’ awareness of the socio-environmental issues facing
that natural area, and how to accordingly address those particular issues.
Subject
Cherokee Marsh
Nutrient runoff
Yahara River Watershed
Residential perceptions
Eutrophication
Phosphorus
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/78999Type
Field project
Description
Includes Maps, Aerial photos, Figures, Graphs, Photographs, Tables, Appendices and Bibliography.