Wheel Family Fun: Madison’s Chain of Ponds explorations

There’s a unique watershed area in Madison known as the “Chain of Ponds.” At least five water bodies occupy this corridor of less than three miles long and .3 mile wide. They include ponds, “kettlehole bogs (small, round wetlands formed by glaciers) and unique fen systems (small nutrient-rich, groundwater-fed pools).” From north to south, Davis Pond, an unnamed water body/swamp, Tyler Bog Pond, Cranberry Bog Pond, Blue Pond and Mack Pond are contained in this narrow strip.

Along with water comes wildlife and plant life, nourished by its nutrients. Beavers, wood turtles and other animals depend on these clean waters and healthy forests. Two-legged creatures visit here to bird-watch, hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and bike. Chain of Ponds Community Forest is a place they can visit “to slow down, reconnect and take a deep breath among the trees.”