Replanting for the Future - New Trees Bring Life Back to Burnt Village County Park
- The Editors
- May 26
- 3 min read
The Jefferson County Parks Department recently completed the planting of a variety of flood-tolerant trees at the Burnt Village County Park.
Recovering from Loss of Ash Trees
The Parks Department states that “the public may now enjoy a fresh burst of green surrounding the newly improved boat landing and pier, marking a major step in restoring the park’s tree canopy following the devastation caused by the Emerald Ash Borer.”
“These new trees are more than just a beautiful addition,” according to the County. “They are vital to the long-term vibrancy and usability of Burnt Village. Over the past decade, Burt Village County Park lost more than 30 ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation, significantly altering the landscape and reducing canopy cover. In all, Jefferson Counties Parks have lost over 1,000 ash trees over the past 10 years to EAB. Replacing those trees is essential to maintaining the natural beauty and ecological health of the park, as well as the enjoyment of park visitors.”
Two resilient species of trees were carefully selected for this project: Swamp White Oak and a Dutch Elm Disease-resistant Elm Tree. Both species are well-suited to the park’s flood-prone areas, providing shade, habitat, and aesthetic value while withstanding the region’s fluctuating water levels.
Replanting for the Future - Sustainable Funding
The project was made possible through the Trees for the Future in Jefferson County Parks Fund, a permanent endowment managed by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. “Established by John and Ann Molinaro in 2011, this fund supports tree planting projects throughout the Jefferson County Park system and currently provides over $600 annually for the purchase and planting of trees. Thanks to their vision and generosity, the Parks Department is able to continue reforesting public spaces and responding to the growing challenges posed by tree pests and diseases,” according to the County.
As ash trees and other tree species across southern Wisconsin continue to decline, sustainable funding sources like the Trees for the Future Fund are more important than ever. They allow the County to proactively replace lost trees and maintain the health and beauty of our parks and trails for generations to come.
About Burnt Village County Park
Burnt Village County Park, open from 5:00am to 10:00pm, is located at N2028 County Highway N at the bridge over the Bark River. The park is 5 miles from Fort Atkinson via Highway 106 to County Road N; and about 7 miles from Jefferson via County Road N.
Travel Wisconsin states that the park is a popular site on the lower Bark River for launching small boats, canoes and kayaks, and for shore fishing. There is an improved boat launch, seasonal restroom (May-October), picnic table, trash and recycling cans, and a gravel parking area. The park is wheelchair accessible.
Historical Significance
The Burnt Village County Park Historical Marker provides the following: “A large Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Village dating from the 1700s once stood in this vicinity. Just before the 1832 Black Hawk War, the village was burned during an intra-tribal battle. On July 6th and 8th, the United States Military camped at this site in their pursuit of Black Hawk and named this place Burnt Village.”
Interested in supporting tree planting in Jefferson County? How You Can Help
The Jefferson County Parks Department also works with many individual donors to plant memorial trees throughout our park system each year. These make a great reminder of family fun in the park, or as a memorial to a loved one who has passed. Either way, they are an invaluable addition to our open spaces and funded by our generous park supporters.
You can contribute to the Trees for the Future Fund or donate a memorial tree in honor of a loved one. To learn more, contact the Jefferson County Parks Department at 920-674-7452 or email at Jeffcoparks@jeffersoncountywi.gov. “Your support helps us grow a greener, more resilient park system for everyone to enjoy.”
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