Curtis Pond (Photo: Strand Associates)
A major project is underway in Curtis Prairie to rehabilitate and restore an important stormwater retention pond. Visitors should watch for construction traffic on McCaffrey Drive and expect some trail closures.
The Arboretum helps manage and filter half a billion gallons of water from nearby communities each year, and this work will have many long-term benefits for habitat restoration and water health. Due to the high volume of stormwater flowing into the Arboretum from the surrounding urban area, this project is necessary to restore Curtis Pond function and improve stormwater managment for the health of Curtis Prairie and quality of water flowing to Lake Wingra.
Construction and visitor traffic will be directed by flaggers on McCaffrey Drive between Seminole Highway and the Curtis Prairie lot. Some road delays for visitors may occur. Drivers, cyclists, and runners should proceed with extra caution and ensure their visibility, especially to the truck drivers. The Curtis Prairie lot will be closed and used for project staging. Trails may be closed in west Curtis Prairie and in the northeast corner of the Grady Tract. Miles of trails throughout the rest of the Arboretum will remain open. Traffic from the Mills Street entrance will not be affected.
More information:
