Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton kicked off its Educate Today, Preserve for Tomorrow capital campaign to raise funds for a $765,000 trail restoration project.
Nature has taken its toll on the 8.5 miles of trails, which are now degraded beyond repair due to drainage issues from residential development, increased water diversion and natural wear and tear. Thanks to early donors, $360,000 remains to be raised for the project.
Bubolz Nature Preserve will implement a GEOWEB trail system, which can better withstand water and the shifting of soil throughout the seasons with increased stability. At the same time, the new trail system will raise the trail higher to help with water drainage.
“We’re asking our community to come together to improve the trail system at Bubolz,” said Jesse Ostrom, president of Thrivent Trust Company and campaign co-chair. “It costs $31.25 to fund one foot of trail, so we’re inviting all our members and the general public to get involved to protect and enhance this local treasure for generations to come. We’re grateful to all of our early campaign donors, especially FTI for their leading gift, for their support of Bubolz.”
In addition to the trail system, for which funding is being kicked off by U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation, several other projects are being funded by the capital campaign. The complete Bubolz Nature Preserve expansion and preservation project costs $3.5 million and includes the following projects:
- Preserving the forest — Nearly half of the forest at Bubolz is made up of ash trees, many of which have died due to the emerald ash borer. This project will create a 10-acre onsite nursery to replace the infected trees and preserve the natural landscape.
- Constructing a Bubolz pavilion — This space will provide an outdoor setting for hands-on education in a natural environment, as well as provide a space for larger groups and gatherings.
- Building gathering areas — Two gathering areas will provide a 360-degree immersion into the preserve’s natural surroundings, serving as a perfect spot for bringing groups for outdoor learning and creating artwork.
- Establishing lookout shelters — Two shelters will be built to allow educational programming to happen regardless of the weather. These shelters keep participants safe from the elements and allow them to focus on their lesson.
- Expanding the natural playscape —This natural play area provides a great place for young children to explore and learn. A new spider web climber will support children’s motor skill development while encouraging imaginative play.
As a not-for-profit nature learning center, Bubolz Nature Preserve is 100% funded by donations, membership and program fees. The 725-acre nature preserve sees more than 80,000 visitors each year, 10,000 of whom are children.
Current campaign donors include:
- Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI)
- Mary Beth Neinhaus
- Bergstrom Corporation
- Mary Dresser
- U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation
- Seifert Family Foundation
- Nelson Family Fund
- SECURA
- Josie & John Adams
Learn more at bubolzpreserve.org/support/capital-campaign/.
