Prairie Moraine Dog Park Friends

05/28/2026

Poison Ivy Explosion at the Dog Park

A serious warning to everyone using the park — the poison ivy has exploded this year, and it is becoming difficult to avoid in many areas. Dogs running through it can carry the oils back on their fur, spreading it to owners, children, and even into homes and vehicles.

What is especially frustrating is that this problem did not happen by accident. The large-scale removal of mature trees and natural canopy has completely changed the environment of the park. Poison ivy thrives in disturbed areas with increased sunlight. When healthy wooded areas are stripped away and the ground is opened up, invasive and irritating plants like poison ivy move in aggressively.

What was once a shaded, balanced natural space is increasingly turning into open, exposed ground that is less safe for both dogs and people.

If you visit the park:

* Watch where your dogs are running.
* Avoid edges of cleared areas and brush lines.
* Wash dogs, shoes, leashes, and clothing after visits if exposure is possible.
* Learn to identify poison ivy because it is spreading rapidly.

For a park people are paying to use, safety and environmental stewardship should matter. Removing trees without understanding the long-term consequences is creating problems that now directly affect the health and safety of park users and their pets.

Photos taken May 28 2026

Dane County Parks

04/25/2026

Yesterday at the park, a small black-and-white dog was found wandering alone with no owner in sight. The sheriff was called and the dog was taken to a shelter.

Does anyone know if the owner has been found or which shelter the dog was taken to or any additional information?

Thank you for those that cared enough to get involved.

04/24/2026

FYI...I was told it was reported.

04/20/2026

I have been informed about the damaged culvert at the curve of the gravel road. It has been damaged by some kind of heavy equipment and has jagged damaged metal both inside and and out. I was told to avoid this area if you dog likes to go into it, or if you have children that like to explore, as it is said to be very dangerous! I will add photos when I receive them.

It has been reported to

04/20/2026

Since vegetation was cleared, stormwater runoff appears to be concentrating directly onto the walking paths. This has created deep erosion channels along the trail, making sections uneven, muddy, and potentially hazardous for pedestrians and dogs. In many areas, the trail is actively washing out.
Based on the current conditions, it seems that water is not being properly diverted off the trails surface. The lack of drainage features (such as water bars, grade dips, or side drainage) is allowing runoff to follow the trail and accelerate erosion.
In the current state, many section of trails may present a safety risk. It may be worth evaluating drainage improvements and trail stabilization measures to prevent further degradation.
Does Dane County Parks have any plans to improve the drainage?
These are pictures taken after workday, after being fixed.
— at Prairie Moraine Dog Park Friends.


Shared with permission

04/09/2026

PARK CLOSING
Prairie Moraine Dog Park is planning to be CLOSED Tuesday April 14 for maintenance and preparation of the expansion area. An email was sent to Lars by a park user regarding clarification. Park users question if this means the expansion area is set to opened or if the enclosed work fence is to be moved to another location. We will update when a response is received by Dane County Parks.

03/27/2026

A concern has been expressed regarding the presence of broken limbs on the front walk, which have not been cleared despite the availability of volunteers with a UTV and trailer. Should this matter be brought to the attention of Dane County Parks, especially if you also intend to inquire about the broken pallets that have been abandoned for several years?

03/27/2026

A concern has been expressed regarding the presence of broken limbs on the front walk, which have not been cleared despite the availability of volunteers with a UTV and trailer. Should this matter be brought to the attention of Dane County Parks , especially if you also intend to inquire about the broken pallets that have been abandoned for several years?

03/24/2026

Heads Up: Park Closed on Wed, April 8th

⚠️ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟴 ⚠️

The Prairie Moraine Dog Park is planned to be 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 from 6 am - 6 pm on Wednesday, April 8. Staff will be doing spring maintenance along with preparing the dog park expansion to be open later spring. This work is weather dependent.

Sign up to receive closure notifications on this or other Dane County Parks properties at: https://www.countyofdane.com/parksnotifications

03/15/2026

FYI....It appears that the contractors working at the towers this past week may be using the woods as a restroom rather than walking to the parking lot facilities. Unfortunately, this has resulted in toilet paper and waste being left in the wooded area.

This is disappointing to see in a park that so many people use and care about. I’ve been told the issue has already been reported to the county, and hopefully it will be addressed soon.
Gives a whole new meaning when people call it "the DUMP"
Dane County Parks