Celebrating 50 years, Woodland Dunes Nature Preserve in Two Rivers is looking back on people who made the area what it is today.
In a press release, they talked about several people who made the 1,500 acres of land they protect possible.
Starting in 1965, Bernie Brouchoud a federally license bird bander began catching and banding birds on the property before it started to get the attention of junior high school students who made regular visits to the area.
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.
Sue Crowly has now taken over the job.
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.
