Kailyn Wittrock | Gardens & Grounds Assistant
Discover why insects are essential to healthy ecosystems and gardens, from pollination and decomposition to natural pest control, and learn how taking a closer look can deepen our appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
Read More about The Wonderful World of Insects at The Nature Place
Camden Meyer | Community Programs Educator
My first introduction to Leave No Trace happened back when I was a young Scout. After packing up camp, we always did a full camp sweep to pick up trash and make sure the site was left even better than we found it. Every time we found a piece of trash to pick up, we shouted “Trash Flower!”
Read More about Leave Native Flowers, Pick Trash Flowers
Rebecca Schwarz | Director of The Nature Place
I never wanted to be a scientist. I like people and the outdoors, not math and tests. But it’s funny how life teaches us to look at things differently. When I came aboard as director of The Nature Place, I had the opportunity to learn lots of things, including how math, tests, people, and the outdoors are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are necessary parts of any effort to care for the world we live in. I’ve also learned that there’s no better way to experience this than participating in a community science program!
Read More about Beautiful Birds of the Marsh: Learning Through Community Science
Cara Senn | Gardens & Grounds Assistant
If you spend enough time in Myrick Park and the La Crosse River Marsh- hiking, biking, running, playing, or simply observing- you begin to notice patterns. There’s the seasonal movement of migratory birds and the steady presence of the trees through a harsh winter. Here at The Nature Place, we’ve been noticing a cheeky pattern: butts. Butts are everywhere.
Read More about The Bottom Line: Why Butts Matter at The Nature Place.
Stephanie Hanna | Community Programs Manager
So what did Punxsutawney Phil predict on February 2? More winter or early spring? Either way, this rascally rodent only has a 35–39% accuracy. And why February 2? That’s the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
Read More about Groundhog Gossip or Woodchuck Wonders
Cindy Blobaum | Environmental Education Program Manager
As I am immersed in planning our 2026 summer day camps, I’m taking this opportunity to give you a glimpse into my background. My involvement in summer day camps is long and deep, although I don’t remember attending many if any registration-based day camps. There were free programs at local parks where I could drop in to do arts, crafts, play pick-up games and use an empty cardboard 5-gallon ice cream container to make a lantern for the end-of-season evening lantern parade.
Read More about Experience is the Best Teacher
Jesie Johnston | AmeriCorps Member
While existing in a world which is subject to rapid technological advancement, the psychological benefit of being present in nature can become lost. So quickly it has become easy to strain the mind and eyes with media and screens, and so quickly many of us have lost our special connections to the world around us.
Read More about How Nature Nurtures Growing Minds
Sophia Sperduto | AmeriCorps Member
Birdwatching, or birding, as a hobby, has been dramatically increasing in popularity. Websites like eBird and iNaturalist make it easier than ever to share sightings and photos of the plants and animals all around us. And I love it! Birds are everywhere. They vary in shape, color, and behavior, and there’s always the chance to see something new or unexpected. Growing up, I was always interested in birds, but I only started birdwatching seriously within the last six years.
Read More about Six Years of Bird Photography: What It’s Taught Me
Paige Manges | Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Central Conservation
Before my time at The Nature Place, AmeriCorps was just another word to me. I knew it was an “opportunity” that existed, but I didn’t fully understand the benefits, the impact, or even how it was funded. I know many people feel the same—it’s important, but the why can feel fuzzy. Why do so many nonprofits rely on it? And just as importantly, why do so many people across the country choose to serve?
Read More about AmeriCorps: More Than Just a Name
Erica Black | Facility Rental Coordinator
Every event hosted in our space helps support environmental education, free community programs, and land stewardship efforts. Whether planning a wedding, birthday party, shower, or corporate retreat, your rental directly contributes to nature-based learning and accessible outdoor experiences for our entire community.
Read More about Celebrate at The Nature Place & Give Back to Your Community