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
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.
Amber Mande | Visitor Services Manager
When spring hits at The Nature Place, we are always itching to start prepping our seeds and garden beds. This year, we have the added advantage of our new greenhouse! This new addition allows us the opportunity to extend our growing season from March to November for both our native and produce plants. YES, EVEN IN WISCONSIN! At The Nature Place, we have already started the germination process for our cold-tolerant produce seeds.
Read More about New Opportunities for “Growth” at The Nature Place
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
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
Emma Ehlers | Community Program Educator, AmeriCorps Member Why I love the outdoors – My inspiration to serve our environment started at a young age. As a student of an art-focused charter elementary school, my love and dedication for nature evolved throughout years of hands-on, nature based exploration. From handling creatures to standing amongst trees…
Read More about A Full Circle Mission
Steph Hanna, our Community Programs Manger writes about the superpowers of one of her favorite marsupials, the Virginia Opossum.
Read More about Overly Overlooked Opossums