Longtime Woodland Dunes Nature Center Executive Director Jim Knickelbine has announced plans to retire.
Knickelbine has served in that capacity for 19 years and is only the second person to hold the position in the organization.
The nature center plans to transition into new leadership early in the 2024 calendar year.
During Knickelbine’s tenure, the preserve in Two Rivers has grown to more than 1,500 acres, and over 15,000 trees have been planted to mitigate the damaging effects of the emerald ash borer.
Just three years ago, a beautiful meeting room and natural history exhibit area were added to the center. Jim said, “I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at Woodland Dunes for so long. Helping to protect wildlife has always been a dream for me, and building on the work that Bernie Brouchoud began here has been very rewarding. I believe in our mission and it’s a joy to share that with our visitors.”
Board President Tom Kocourek has this to say about Knickelbine, “I have been privileged to work with Jim and I find it hard to believe anyone could be more dedicated to the mission of Woodland Dunes or more passionate about natural resource conservation and education.”
