OFS Conservation Projects

Prairie Moraine County Park

OFS crews have done extensive invasive species removal, preparation for controlled burns, re-seeding for prairie restoration and brush removal from the dog park area.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

OFS crews have helped restore the native wetland, removed invasive species, built a large rock bridge for vehicle travel, and assisted with creating a retention pond in the wake of historic flooding in the late summer of 2018.

Greenhouse construction for subnivium research

In the winter of 2015, OFS crews worked on a collaborative research project with UW-Madison, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other partners. UW-Madison used grant funds from NSF to study the impact of climate change on the “subnivium” – the area underneath snow pack where plants and animals can escape the harsh winter. 

Silverwood County Park

In 2015-2016, OFS crews helped restore historic farm buildings, preserving the facilities so they can host sustainable agriculture education classes. Crews helped with masonry work to restore the homestead Stone House that now serves as a visitor's center. Young adults also made improvements to the land, removing invasive species and expanding trails.

Acewood Conservation Park

In December 2018, OFS crews started working here, clearing out invasive honeysuckle and buckthorn. They also replanted native wetland vegetation around the edge of the pond and improved the trail system, opening it up for easier use.

Bee Hive Boxes

This was a collaborative project with City of Madison Engineering Division. In 2021, city staff and OFS crews worked together to create custom bee hive boxes. They were installed on Madison's southwest side to help promote a healthy pollinator habitat.

Festge County Park

OFS projects in the park include brush and tree removal, pile burning in the winter, and herbaceous invasive species removal. Young adults at OFS have also put down native seeds to help reestablish the prairie along the hillside.

Stewart Lake County Park

OFS crews have worked on the highlands of the park to clear a significant amount of invasive trees and brush. This work will promote more Oak and Hickory tree growth. It also clears sightlines so visitors can see the lake from the top of the park.

Walking Iron County Park

OFS crews have done lots of native prairie seed collection here. Participants collect the seeds, dry them out in a storage unit, then spread them across park land. This prairie restoration work means more native plants, reduced runoff, the preservation of habitats for native animals and insects, and increased biodiversity. 

Crestwood Elementary School

In January 2021, Operation Fresh Start crews helped remove invasive buckthorn from the school’s woods. The collaboration with OFS helped the school get better use out of their forest for youth education and exploration. 

Donald County Park

OFS crews spend most of their time here removing invasive species including: hedge parsley, parsnip, garlic mustard and dame’s rocket. After a storm, crews also did some tree clearing.

William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park

OFS crews have done native prairie seed collection here. In 2021 it was the site of Conservation Academy, where Madison Audubon leads educational sessions to explore career options in conservation.

Owen Conservation Park

Young adults at OFS have removed herbaceous and woody invasive species here. Crews have also collected native seeds and spread them to help propagate new prairies and woodland flowers. In Oct. 2019, OFS crews widened the trail at the hilltop and added gravel, making it more accessible for hikers.

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park

OFS crews have taken kayaks out on the Yahara River next to Cherokee Marsh to remove invasive grasses. They've also done trail maintenance work, including projects with water bars that help prevent erosion.

Ice Fishing Day on Lake Wingra

Operation Fresh Start’s community partners came together to give participants the opportunity to try something new! In March 2020, OFS participants spent a day learning to ice fish on Lake Wingra. Almost all of them were first timers, and it was exciting to see their first catch! 

Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area

In 2015, OFS participants installed a wildlife viewing platform, uniquely designed in the shape of a bird. OFS Conservation and Construction crews came together to build the platform, with the help of the Sun Prairie Rotarians and Natural Heritage Land Trust.