Fireworks & Wildlife at Warner Park

Help study effects of fireworks on wildlife in Warner Park this summer!

This project is focused on studying the impacts (if any) of the seven fireworks shows launched in Warner Park on the wildlife living in and using the surrounding natural area in summer 2024.

We know that a diversity of wildlife, including birds, mammals, amphibians, fish, and much more, use Warner Park as resource for nesting, resting, and refueling. What is less clear is whether the wildlife in Warner Park are significantly impacted by the fireworks shows, or if they are relatively accustomed to the disturbance.

The goal of this citizen science study is to monitor the behavior of wildlife before, during, and after the fireworks shows this summer, and share the information with relevant decision-makers. There are seven fireworks shows scheduled, and we need lots of volunteer effort to make this study possible. Please use the link below to sign up, and contact Brenna Marsicek at bmarsicek@swibirds.org or 608-255-2473 with questions.

Where: Warner Park, Madison.

There are five locations to choose from: Rainbow Shelter (yellow star in image on right), South/Sledding Hill (purple star), Forester Drive (blue star), Firebird Island (red star), and Trailway and Monterey Drive (pink star).

When: The day before, day of, night of, and day after each of the seven scheduled fireworks events. Each survey requires one hour of monitoring. All fireworks shows except July 3 are 8 minutes long.

You can sign up for one or multiple volunteer sessions!

Dates of fireworks shows include: July 3 (23 minute show), July 4, July 13, July 19 (drone show + fireworks), July 26 (lower decibel show), August 2, and August 9.

How: During each hour-long monitoring period, volunteers will use the free smartphone apps Decibel X and Merlin. They will record the highest and lowest decibel levels at their site during their survey period. They will record all bird species detected by Merlin, as well any additional bird, mammal, and insect species visually detected. Data are submitted using a Google Form.

What then? Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance staff will analyze and summarize data, and share information with partners, the volunteers, and relevant decision-makers in a report format.

Banner photo by Joshua Mayer