Bubolz Nature Preserve

Randy Tuma, Executive Director, discussed how the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve is a 775 acre independent, nonprofit wildlife preserve and nature education facility located at 4815 N. Lynndale Drive in Appleton. The Preserve has 4 full and 1 part-time staff and 11 Board of Directors. Their mission is to provide educational and recreational opportunities to encourage persons of all ages to develop and practice a sound environmental ethic, which reflects an understanding and appreciation of nature. The Preserve does not receive any support or tax dollars from the state, federal, city or county nor do they receive funds from United Way. They also are not supported by a family endowment fund. Their funds come from gifts, grants, and donations as well as in-house revenue from memberships, program fees, facility/equipment rentals and their apparel store. In 2010, the Preserve had over 6,700 school children attend programs, 10,000 people of all ages participated in programs and over 60,000 visited. During the time when Gordon Bubolz was a state senator, he wanted to set aside green spaces for future generations to enjoy. A group called Natural Areas Preservation, Inc. began to purchase land such as High Cliff State Park, Ledgeview, Fallen Timbers and the Preserve. Originally the Preserve was called Natural Areas Preservation, Inc. but was later changed by the Board to the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve. At one time, there was a logging camp onsite and after it was logged off it was used for farming until they found out it was too wet. The Preserve consists of cedar swamp, 8 ponds, meadows, prairies and forest with a wide variety of wildlife. In total, there are 8.5 miles of trails open to the public year round. In the winter, cross-country ski trails are maintained and snowshoe trails are open for snowshoeing and hiking. In 1981, their Earth Shelter was built with wind technology, solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling system and a wood burning stove. Over the past few years they have had some problems with water infiltration and the building is deteriorating. They are working on a capital campaign to update their building. The Preserve partners with the Appleton Area School District to run a school program in the Pioneer Log Schoolhouse. The overnight cabin sleeps 12 and is very popular in the skiing and snowshoeing season. Last year, the Sugar Shack was built and serves the largest program – Sap to Syrup and Maple Syrup Saturday (March) and is rented for meetings and other groups. The area around the Amphitheatre was built by Eagle Scouts. Each year 10-12 Eagle Projects are completed at the Preserve. They have about 300 volunteers that help at the Preserve on an annual basis. One of their biggest problems is invasive species such as buckthorn, reed canary grass and phragmites that come from other countries and are taking the place of our native plants. Invasive species are clipped and treated with a herbicide so they don’t retur. Another problem is the white tailed deer who eat over a metric ton of native species per year. To lower the deer population, the Preserve holds youth and disabled hunts. Other family events include the Whitetail Classic that will be held on Saturday, August 27 and Romp in the Swamp on Saturday, October 22. For more information, volunteer opportunities or memberships, go to www.bubolzpreserve.org.