The Village of Whitefish Bay, WI, intends to destroy the biologically rich Cahill Park cattail marsh by turning it into an ecological desert of lawn grass, which will cost $61,000 in tax-payer dollars to decimate an increasingly-rare ecological gem and lifeline for countless species.

The official report from the contractor, Aqualis, lists the reasons for the removal of the wetland as follows: “The Village of Whitefish Bay hopes to eliminate the standing water and nuisance vegetation within the swale to promote a more functional and aesthetically appealing public space.” However, countless residents and individuals find great appeal in a marshland and prefer it to more unnecessary lawn. In fact, the majority of residents would say they find wildlife to be appealing–wildlife viewing and birdwatching in particular have become increasingly popular pastimes nationwide, activities that have been proven to strengthen local economies.

While maintaining open public green space is important, the wetland occupies less than 2% of total land area in a park that is otherwise highly manicured and designed to accommodate a variety of recreational activities. The wetland represents another: an opportunity for people to engage with nature. Watching and listening to birds, insects, and other animals that inhabit the wetland is not only a relaxing and engaging pastime for people of all ages and ability levels, it also offers exceptionally rich habitat for wildlife in an otherwise highly developed suburban area.

The State of Wisconsin takes a strong position on wetland protection, prioritizing their preservation, restoration, and management. Wisconsin's approach goes beyond federal regulations, ensuring protection for "isolated" wetlands not covered by the Clean Water Act. We should join the DNR in their commitment to protecting isolated wetlands like the one at Cahill, the only marshland available for miles. Additionally, Bird City Wisconsin and representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are both going to provide written letters of support for the preservation of the Cahill wetland.

According to The Wisconsin Wetlands Association, 75% of all Wisconsin wildlife depends on wetlands. At Cahill, over 80 species of plants and animals have been documented using the marsh. Wetland-dependent birds, including Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Sora, and natural pest control species like dragonflies that lay their eggs in wetlands, have also been recorded at Cahill, but these and many others continue to face habitat loss and species decline due to urban sprawl.

The Midwest has lost over 50% of its historical wetlands and the Cahill wetland is an opportunity to restore a tiny fraction of what was lost. According to historical photographs, water used to flow through the Cahill area. As it has been replaced by development, concrete, and lawn, flooding events become more frequent and water runoff becomes increasingly toxic.

Wetlands have been scientifically proven to decontaminate water, helping to keep our lakes and streams clean. As Whitefish Bay lies along one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, we have a unique opportunity to protect our waters by allowing marsh plants to do what they do best: filter out pollutants that would otherwise enter Lake Michigan.

The wetland occupies only 0.18 acres of the nearly 9 acre park, a fraction of total land surface area, but one that supports a thriving ecosystem. Destroying this functioning ecosystem will not only eliminate an important and increasingly rare habitat, it will narrow the recreational activities people can enjoy at Cahill. Instead of spending $61,000 to demolish it, a fraction of that cost could be used to add attractive signage, benches for visitors, or even a small path to highlight the beauty of this natural wonder.

Scientists warn we must conserve our remaining natural areas to preserve our fragile web of life. Other cities and countries are taking it a step further, revitalizing native landscapes that were lost. Affluent communities like Whitefish Bay have a responsibility to lead by example. I urge the city to amplify the message of conservation by maintaining the Cahill marsh while also protecting this wetland for recreational nature viewing.

For additional information see:

https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/2025/07/17/whitefish-bay-mcgovern-park-wetlands-marsh/84643023007/

https://awealthofnature.org/cahill-square-park-finding-whats-hidden-in-plain-sight/

You can check out the park and wetland for yourself at: 1001 E Fairmount Ave, Whitefish Bay, WI, 53217.