75
years ago, on the grounds we now call home to Beaver Creek Reserve, laid a
handful of scattered cabins tucked deep in the forest. These lodges were part
of the Eau Claire County Youth Camp, the first of its kind here in the Chippewa
Valley. After years of building and preparing, the first children campers made
their way in 1953, 18 girls known as The Campfire Girls. Back then, the summer
camps focused on teaching life skills such as outdoor cooking, fire building, nature
exploration, and survival; all while wrapping in the foundations of a democratic
citizenship and education. Since the 1950s, the goal of the Youth Camp was and
will continue to be educating community members who connect with and appreciate
the wonders of nature. .jpg)
A huge step in Beaver Creek’s development was the groundbreaking for the Wise Nature Center in the mid-1980s. This came in response to the growing concern for environmental preservation and ecological education. Thus, the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve was born, turning the summer camps into a full-fledged non-profit organization that could enhance its learning facilities and implement more educational programs for community members.
Over our 75-year history, Beaver Creek Reserve has not stopped growing. Summer camps and school groups were able to witness new developments and facilities, like the Hobbs Observatory and an outdoor obstacle course built throughout the 1980s. As stated in a 1983 Eau Claire Leader Telegram article, “the building [Hobbs Observatory] will be heated by passive and active solar energy…” Later, the Citizen Science Center was completed in 2004, where volunteer citizen scientists could take part in scientific studies involving the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Beaver Creek Reserve has served as a vital part of the Eau Claire community for 75 years now. Our contributions to connecting individuals with nature and scientific advancement can be seen on an international scale with our bird banding program and Monarch butterfly tagging. As a non-profit organization, the funding for research, educational programs, and staff comes from supportive community members and organizations who value the work being done here.
%20(6).jpg)
To
celebrate 75 years of research, wildlife education, and connecting with nature,
Beaver Creek Reserve has set a goal of raising $75,000 towards our 75th
Anniversary Annual Fund by the end of 2022. Donations support various areas of
growth at the Reserve. The future of Beaver Creek lies in the advancements of
environmental education programs and nature facilities, such as the Greenhouse
and the Butterfly House. We also award scholarships for students and summer
camp members, along with the general cost of operation, upkeep, and
equipment, all made possible due to generous donations.
.jpg)
A huge step in Beaver Creek’s development was the groundbreaking for the Wise Nature Center in the mid-1980s. This came in response to the growing concern for environmental preservation and ecological education. Thus, the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve was born, turning the summer camps into a full-fledged non-profit organization that could enhance its learning facilities and implement more educational programs for community members.
Over our 75-year history, Beaver Creek Reserve has not stopped growing. Summer camps and school groups were able to witness new developments and facilities, like the Hobbs Observatory and an outdoor obstacle course built throughout the 1980s. As stated in a 1983 Eau Claire Leader Telegram article, “the building [Hobbs Observatory] will be heated by passive and active solar energy…” Later, the Citizen Science Center was completed in 2004, where volunteer citizen scientists could take part in scientific studies involving the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Beaver Creek Reserve has served as a vital part of the Eau Claire community for 75 years now. Our contributions to connecting individuals with nature and scientific advancement can be seen on an international scale with our bird banding program and Monarch butterfly tagging. As a non-profit organization, the funding for research, educational programs, and staff comes from supportive community members and organizations who value the work being done here.
%20(6).jpg)
As
we enter this wonderful season of giving, consider supporting an organization
that aligns with what is important to you. At Beaver Creek Reserve, our mission
is simple: to keep people connected to the outdoors
and educate our community on the plants and animals of nature. In 1985, a group
of Eau Claire residents collaborated to ensure the future of the Reserve with
the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve Endowment Fund, establishing us to be what we are today. On November 22nd, 2022, we
celebrate Giving Tuesday, a day designated to supporting non-profits that make
a difference in our world. If you are interested in supporting the growth of
nature education and eco-friendly environmental impacts, there are multiple
ways to give at Beaver Creek.
Monetary donations will contribute to the 75th Anniversary Fund! Donations can be made at Donate to Beaver Creek Reserve | Wisconsin Nature Reserve. Add Beaver Creek Reserve to your Amazon Smile account to donate money through your purchases at Charity Lists (amazon.com). Another way to contribute is by donating your time as a volunteer!
Even the smallest donation makes a huge impact here at Beaver Creek! The success of the Reserve is thanks to those who believe in our mission and believe in the importance of nature in our lives. If you would like to learn more about our history, check out our Historical Booklet sold in our store at the Wise Nature Center. $8 for BCR Members and $10 for Non-Members.
No comments:
Post a Comment