FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Woodland Dunes is Celebrating 50 Years
By Nancy Nabak
Two Rivers, WI – Starting in January, Woodland Dunes is celebrating 50 years of successful conservation and environmental education. We’re taking a look back at the passion-filled individuals and actions that made Woodland Dunes what it is today. Starting from recycling drives to purchase our first 40 acres, to currently caring for 1,500 acres of some of the most precious habitat in the state of Wisconsin. We’re one of the best birding spots along the lakeshore, and home to federally endangered and state-threatened species. None of this happened by accident.
Bernie Brouchoud, a federally licensed bird bander, started it all. In 1965 he began catching and banding birds on what is now Woodland Dunes property. It wasn’t long before Brouchoud and a small group of junior high students were making regular visits to the area. Aware of the value of this land as a bird migration stopover and nesting area, a banding research station was established here.
In 1974, plans were made to preserve approximately 1,200 acres – and a goal of erecting a nature center in the future. In the same year, the first land purchase of 40 acres was made and trails were added as funds permitted, as well as educational programs for school children.
In 2004, Jim Knickelbine took over as director and is now retiring after 19 years in this role. Beginning in January, Sue Crowley will lead the organization.
Today, Woodland Dunes manages over 1,500 acres and is home to more than 400 species of plants, 220 species of both resident and migratory birds, 40 species of mammals, 10 species of amphibians, and thousands of species of invertebrates. Over 15,000 visitors attend our programs and explore our trails on an annual basis.
This year we will also hit the number 170,000 – the number of children served through our outdoor environmental education programs since the beginning.
Watch our website and Facebook for exciting anniversary events and plans throughout the year, such as our 50 Hikes for 50 Years program, special displays in our Nature Center, and special historical articles from our archives.
###