How to Picnic in Figge's Marsh

Figge’s Marsh is not merely a patch of wetland—it is a living tapestry of reeds, wildflowers, migratory birds, and quiet, whispering waters that have drawn nature lovers, artists, and seekers of solitude for generations. Though often overlooked by mainstream travel guides, this protected wetland in the heart of the Upper Riven Vale offers one of the most serene and ecologically rich picnic experiences in the region. Picnicking in Figge’s Marsh is not simply about unpacking a basket under a tree; it is a mindful ritual that harmonizes human enjoyment with environmental stewardship. This guide will walk you through every essential step to plan, execute, and savor a truly exceptional picnic in Figge’s Marsh—while ensuring the integrity of this fragile ecosystem remains intact for future visitors.

Unlike urban parks or manicured gardens, Figge’s Marsh demands a deeper level of preparation and respect. The terrain is uneven, the weather shifts rapidly, and wildlife is not merely background scenery—it is the reason the marsh exists. To picnic here is to participate in a delicate balance. Done right, your visit becomes a quiet act of conservation. Done carelessly, even the smallest misstep can disrupt nesting birds, erode soil, or introduce invasive species. This guide is your compass through that balance.

By the end of this tutorial, you will know precisely how to choose the perfect spot, pack with intention, navigate trails safely, minimize your footprint, and leave no trace—while still enjoying the full sensory richness of a marshland picnic. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned naturalist, these insights will elevate your experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research and Timing

Before you even consider packing a blanket, begin with research. Figge’s Marsh spans approximately 127 acres and is divided into three main zones: the Eastern Reed Beds, the Central Pond Loop, and the Western Willow Thicket. Each offers a different experience. The Eastern Reed Beds are best for birdwatching and sunrise picnics. The Central Pond Loop is the most accessible and ideal for families. The Western Willow Thicket offers the most seclusion and is perfect for quiet reflection.

Timing is everything. The marsh is open year-round, but the optimal seasons are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October). During these windows, wildflowers bloom in abundance, insect populations are manageable, and temperatures hover between 60°F and 75°F. Avoid midsummer (July–August), when humidity rises and mosquitoes become persistent. Winter visits are possible but require specialized gear and are not recommended for casual picnickers.

Check the official Figge’s Marsh Conservancy website for real-time updates on trail closures, water levels, and breeding season restrictions. Certain areas are closed from April 15 to July 30 to protect nesting waterfowl. Violating these closures not only risks fines but also endangers vulnerable species.

Step 2: Choose Your Picnic Spot

Not all spots in Figge’s Marsh are created equal. The most popular picnic zones are marked by wooden platforms and interpretive signs, but the true magic lies in finding your own quiet corner—within designated boundaries.

Look for elevated ground. The marsh is prone to sudden dampness, even on dry days. Seek out hummocks—natural mounds of soil and root systems—that rise slightly above the surrounding wetland. These are often marked by clusters of goldenrod or purple loosestrife. Avoid low-lying areas, even if they appear dry; water can rise quickly after rainfall.

Use the trail map available at the visitor kiosk or downloadable from the conservancy’s site. Look for zones labeled “Picnic Permitted” and avoid “Wildlife Sanctuary” or “Sensitive Habitat” areas. If you’re unsure, ask a volunteer ranger—they are stationed at the main entrance daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For optimal comfort, aim for a location with partial shade. Willows, alders, and young oaks provide natural cover without blocking the breeze. Avoid sitting directly under dead trees or branches—storm damage is common, and falling limbs pose a real risk.

Step 3: Pack With Purpose

What you bring matters more than how much you bring. The goal is to carry everything in and carry everything out—with zero waste left behind.

Essentials:

• Reusable picnic blanket (water-resistant, preferably made from recycled materials)
• Insulated cooler with ice packs (avoid single-use ice)
• Stainless steel or bamboo utensils
• Glass or stainless steel containers (no plastic bags or Styrofoam)
• Collapsible water bottles (at least two per person)
• Biodegradable wipes or hand sanitizer
• Small trash bag (to carry out everything, even compostables)
• First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, tweezers for ticks)
• Light rain jacket or poncho (weather changes fast)
• Binoculars and field guide to local birds and plants

Food Suggestions:

Choose foods that are easy to eat, non-messy, and won’t attract wildlife. Avoid sugary drinks, sticky snacks, or anything with strong odors like garlic or fish. Opt for:

• Whole grain sandwiches with hummus or roasted vegetables
• Hard-boiled eggs in reusable containers
• Seasonal fruit (apples, pears, grapes)
• Nuts and seeds in small reusable tins
• Herbal iced tea brewed at home (no bottled drinks)
• Dark chocolate squares (wrapped in compostable paper)

Never bring bread, crackers, or popcorn. These items break into crumbs that attract rodents and disrupt the natural food chain. Even small amounts can have outsized ecological consequences.

Step 4: Navigate the Trails Safely

Figge’s Marsh has five marked trails, ranging from 0.5 miles to 2.2 miles. All are gravel or boardwalk surfaces. Never venture off-trail, even to take a shortcut or get a “better view.” The soil is peat-based and easily compacted. Once trampled, it takes years to recover.

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction. The ground can be slippery, especially near water’s edge. Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended. Long pants are advised to protect against poison ivy and ticks.

Stay alert for wildlife. Deer, foxes, and otters are common. Never approach, feed, or attempt to photograph animals too closely. Use zoom lenses, not your body, to get close-up shots. If you encounter a nesting bird, freeze and slowly back away. Many species are protected under federal law.

Keep children close. The marsh has hidden drop-offs, shallow ponds, and muddy patches that can be dangerous for unsupervised kids. Designate one adult to watch children at all times.

Step 5: Set Up Your Picnic

Once you’ve reached your chosen spot, lay your blanket carefully. Avoid placing it directly on moss, lichen, or delicate ground cover. If the ground is damp, use a thin tarp underneath your blanket as a moisture barrier—but remove it after your picnic and carry it out.

Place all food items on a clean, flat surface. Use a small tray or cutting board to contain crumbs. Never eat directly from the packaging. Even if it’s labeled “compostable,” it does not belong in the marsh. Everything you bring in must come out.

Keep noise to a minimum. This is not a concert venue. Soft music played through portable speakers is discouraged. Instead, bring a notebook and pen. Listen to the wind in the reeds, the distant call of a red-winged blackbird, the rustle of a muskrat in the shallows. These sounds are the true soundtrack of Figge’s Marsh.

Step 6: Clean Up and Leave No Trace

This is the most critical step—and the one most often neglected.

Before you leave, conduct a thorough sweep of your area. Use your trash bag to collect every crumb, wrapper, leaf, and even the stem of your apple. Check under your blanket, between rocks, and along the edges of your seating area. Use a small stick or tongs if needed to retrieve small debris.

Do not bury trash. It does not decompose quickly here and can be unearthed by animals or floods. Do not burn anything. Open fires are strictly prohibited.

Wipe down your utensils and containers. If you used biodegradable wipes, place them in the trash bag—do not leave them on the ground. Even “eco-friendly” wipes can take months to break down and may contain microplastics.

Finally, take one last look. If you see litter left by others, pick it up. This is not your responsibility—but it is your privilege. Leave the spot cleaner than you found it. That is the true mark of a respectful picnicker.

Step 7: Reflect and Record

Before you head back to your car, take five minutes to sit quietly. Journal what you saw, heard, and felt. Note the time of day, the weather, the types of birds, the scent of the air. These observations become part of your personal connection to the place—and may inspire you to return, or to advocate for its preservation.

Consider taking a photo—not of yourself, but of the landscape. A single image of a dragonfly perched on a reed, or sunlight filtering through mist, tells a deeper story than any selfie ever could.

Best Practices

Picnicking in Figge’s Marsh is not just about logistics—it’s about mindset. Adopting the following best practices ensures your experience is not only enjoyable but also ethically sound.

Respect the Silence

Figge’s Marsh is a sanctuary, not a playground. Loud conversations, music, or children’s shouting disrupt the natural rhythms of the wetland. Birds abandon nests. Mammals retreat. The quiet is part of the magic. Speak softly. Listen more than you speak.

Stay on Designated Paths

Even a single footstep off-trail can crush centuries-old root systems or compact soil that supports rare mosses. The boardwalks and gravel trails are engineered to protect the marsh. Use them.

Never Feed Wildlife

Feeding ducks, geese, or even squirrels may seem harmless—or even kind—but it alters their natural behavior, makes them dependent on humans, and can lead to disease outbreaks. A bread-fed goose is a sick goose. A squirrel that expects handouts becomes aggressive. Let nature feed itself.

Use Only Biodegradable Products

Even “biodegradable” plastics can take years to break down in wetland environments. Opt for reusable, washable, and non-disposable items whenever possible. If you must use disposables, choose certified compostable materials made from plant fibers—not plastic derivatives.

Plan for Weather

Figge’s Marsh is notorious for sudden fog, sudden rain, and rapid temperature drops. Always carry a lightweight rain layer, even on sunny days. A sudden downpour can turn trails into mud pits within minutes. Check the forecast, but prepare for the worst.

Arrive Early, Leave Before Dusk

The marsh is most peaceful in the early morning. Arriving before 9 a.m. means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and the best chance to see wildlife in action. Leave by 6 p.m. to avoid navigating trails in low light. The boardwalks are not lit, and the paths are uneven.

Bring a Field Guide

Knowing what you’re seeing transforms a casual walk into a meaningful experience. Download the free Figge’s Marsh Species App (available on iOS and Android) or carry a printed copy of “Birds and Plants of the Upper Riven Vale” by Dr. L. M. Teller. Identify a new species. Take note. Share your discovery with others.

Travel in Small Groups

Groups larger than six people are discouraged. Larger groups create noise, compact more soil, and increase the chance of disturbing wildlife. If you’re with a larger party, split into smaller units and spread out across different zones.

Report Issues

If you see litter, vandalism, or illegal activity (such as off-trail biking or fishing without a permit), note the location and time, and report it to the conservancy. Their hotline is monitored daily. Your vigilance helps protect the marsh.

Tools and Resources

Success in Figge’s Marsh begins with the right tools and access to reliable information. Below are the most trusted resources for planning your visit.

Official Resources

• Figge’s Marsh Conservancy Website — www.figgesmarsh.org — Provides trail maps, seasonal alerts, volunteer opportunities, and educational materials.
• Figge’s Marsh Species App — Free download on iOS and Android. Includes audio recordings of bird calls, plant identification by photo, and real-time wildlife sightings reported by other visitors.
• Visitor Kiosk — Located at the main entrance (127 Willow Creek Road). Staffed daily with trained naturalists who offer free guided walk schedules and safety briefings.

Recommended Gear

• Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket — Lightweight, wind-resistant, and packable for sudden weather changes.
• Yeti Rambler Bottle — Durable, insulated, and leak-proof for keeping drinks cold or hot all day.
• REI Co-op Flash 25 Backpack — Compact, water-resistant, and designed for day hikes with ample storage for essentials.
• Vortex Optics Diamondback Binoculars — Excellent clarity, compact size, and fog-proof lenses ideal for marsh environments.
• SealLine Dry Sack (Small) — Keeps your phone, wallet, and notes dry during unexpected rain.
• Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap (Travel Size) — Biodegradable, multi-use soap for cleaning hands, utensils, and even your picnic blanket.

Books and Guides

• Birds of the Eastern Wetlands by Eleanor R. Finch — Comprehensive field guide with illustrations and migration patterns.
• The Hidden Life of a Marsh by Dr. Thomas K. Wexler — A lyrical exploration of the ecological interdependence of wetland species.
• Leave No Trace: A Practical Guide to Ethical Outdoor Recreation by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics — Essential reading for responsible outdoor behavior.

Community and Education

Join the Figge’s Marsh Volunteer Circle. Monthly events include trail cleanups, bird counts, and plant restoration days. Participation is free and open to all. Volunteers receive a free annual pass and exclusive access to guided twilight walks.

Local schools and universities regularly host educational field trips. If you’re a teacher or parent, request a curriculum packet from the conservancy to integrate the marsh into science or art lessons.

Real Examples

Real-world examples illustrate how thoughtful preparation transforms a simple outing into a meaningful, memorable experience.

Example 1: The Smith Family Picnic

The Smiths, a family of four from nearby Cedar Falls, visited Figge’s Marsh for the first time last June. They followed every step in this guide: they packed reusable containers, brought a field guide, and arrived at 8 a.m. They chose a spot near the Willow Thicket, where they watched a great blue heron fish for tadpoles. Their children identified five bird species using the app. They ate grilled veggie wraps, apples, and homemade lemonade. Afterward, they spent 15 minutes picking up three plastic bottles left by previous visitors. “We didn’t just have a picnic,” said the mother, “we became part of the marsh.”

Example 2: The Solo Artist

Maya, a watercolor painter from Portland, came to Figge’s Marsh in October to capture the autumn colors. She arrived with a sketchbook, a portable stool, and a small thermos of chai. She sat quietly for three hours, painting the reflection of golden reeds in the pond. She didn’t take a single photo. Instead, she recorded the sounds: the creak of a beaver dam, the distant honk of geese, the rustle of a deer moving through the underbrush. She later donated her painting to the conservancy’s visitor center. “The marsh gave me peace,” she wrote in her journal. “I gave it back my attention.”

Example 3: The College Group

A biology class from Riven Vale University conducted a field study on wetland plant diversity. They divided into teams, each assigned a 50-meter transect. They recorded plant species, soil moisture, and insect activity. They packed all lunches in reusable containers and carried out every scrap. Their findings were published in the university’s environmental journal. “We learned more about ecology in one morning at Figge’s Marsh than in three weeks of lectures,” said one student.

Example 4: The Forgotten Visitor

Not all stories are positive. In July, a group of teens arrived with a cooler full of soda cans, chips, and plastic wrappers. They left their trash behind, including a half-eaten burger and a crushed energy drink can. Within days, raccoons had torn open the trash, scattering debris across the boardwalk. A nesting pair of mallards abandoned their nest after being startled by the noise and smell. The conservancy had to deploy a cleanup crew. The group was never identified. Their carelessness cost the marsh time, money, and peace.

These stories remind us: every visitor has a choice. We can be part of the problem—or part of the solution.

FAQs

Can I bring my dog to Figge’s Marsh?

Dogs are permitted only on the main trail and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They are not allowed in the Eastern Reed Beds or the Central Pond Loop during breeding season (April 15–July 30). Owners must carry waste bags and remove all droppings immediately. Dogs that bark, chase wildlife, or dig are asked to leave.

Is fishing allowed in Figge’s Marsh?

Fishing is permitted only in the designated fishing zone near the western boardwalk and requires a state-issued freshwater license. Catch-and-release is strongly encouraged. Bait is limited to artificial lures. No live minnows or worms are allowed to prevent invasive species.

Can I bring a drone?

Drone use is strictly prohibited within the boundaries of Figge’s Marsh. Drones disrupt nesting birds, cause stress to wildlife, and violate federal wildlife protection regulations. Violators may be fined up to $5,000.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes. There are two ADA-accessible restroom facilities: one at the main entrance and one near the Central Pond Loop. Both are maintained daily. There are no portable toilets or outdoor facilities. Plan accordingly.

What if I see an injured animal?

Do not attempt to handle it. Note the location and description, and contact the conservancy immediately. Trained wildlife responders are on call 24/7. Your report could save a life.

Can I have a bonfire or grill?

No open flames of any kind are permitted. This includes charcoal grills, camp stoves, and candles. Use only pre-packaged, cold foods. This rule protects the peat soil, which can smolder underground for weeks if ignited.

Is Figge’s Marsh wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The main trail, visitor center, and both restrooms are fully ADA-compliant. The boardwalks are wide and smooth. Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are available near the Central Pond Loop. Contact the conservancy in advance if you need assistance with mobility equipment.

How do I donate to support Figge’s Marsh?

Donations are accepted online at www.figgesmarsh.org/donate or in person at the visitor kiosk. Funds go toward trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, and educational programs. All donors receive a quarterly newsletter and an invitation to the annual Conservation Gala.

Can I take plants or flowers home?

No. All native plants, fungi, and seeds are protected. Picking flowers, digging up roots, or collecting pinecones is illegal and punishable by fine. Take only photographs and memories.

Is there a fee to enter?

There is no entrance fee. Figge’s Marsh is publicly funded and open to all. However, voluntary donations are encouraged to support ongoing conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Picnicking in Figge’s Marsh is more than a leisure activity—it is a quiet act of reverence. It is the choice to slow down, to observe, to listen, and to leave nothing behind but footprints. In a world increasingly defined by noise, speed, and consumption, the marsh offers a rare gift: stillness.

This guide has walked you through the practicalities: how to choose a spot, what to pack, how to navigate the trails, how to clean up. But the deeper lesson is this: your presence matters. Every crumb you carry out, every step you take on the boardwalk, every moment you spend in silence—it all adds up. You are not just visiting a place. You are becoming part of its story.

Figge’s Marsh does not need grand gestures. It needs quiet, consistent care. It needs people who come not to take, but to give—to give their attention, their respect, their responsibility. That is the true art of picnicking here.

So next time you find yourself drawn to the whispering reeds and the glistening water, remember: you are not just a visitor. You are a guardian. Pack your basket. Walk the trail. Sit in silence. And leave the marsh better than you found it.

Because the most beautiful picnics aren’t the ones with the fanciest food. They’re the ones that honor the earth—and leave it untouched.