People

Questioning the Locals: Erik Keisler

free-wheelin’ discussion with local folks

V1 Staff, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

E.C.'S OWN BEAR GRYLLS.
E.C.'S OWN BEAR GRYLLS. Erik Keisler loves the outdoors and Eau Claire – and so do we.

The coolest mother nature lover around town, Erik Keisler, is the executive director of the Beaver Creek Reserve. Erik lived in Eau Claire for 20 years before moving to Fall Creek three years ago. He is passionate about environmental conservation, access to the outdoors for all, and hiking with his dogs. Though he may not physically live in Eau Claire, he maintains that he “Bleeds Husky Blue” and is in town often.

One of my greatest accomplishments was marrying my wife who is from the south side, and I have lived on every side of E.c. it's a great town!

Erik Keiser

Best quiet spot to relax at Beaver Creek Reserve?

The ridge trail on the southside of Highway K is such a great hike with an amazing view of the flood plain forest. Most times I am the only one out that far when I go hiking on the trail. An Eagle Scout built an overlook that is really impressive there, too. 

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area?

For me personally, I would love to be able to provide public transportation to BCR on a weekly or monthly basis on weekends. It’s hard to fall in love or “connect” to nature when you don’t have access to it. I’m very proud of the free summer camp opportunities that we offer through the Eau Claire Area School District, with transportation to BCR from Eau Claire and back. Only if we can provide our services to people at all levels of economic rescoures will we be able to share our mission of “connecting people with nature.” Also sign your children up for summer camps, please! 

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve had in the Chippewa Valley?

I did a year of AmeriCorps with the YMCA, and it was a great experience. I was able to work at the Clubhouse, which was a Boys and Girls Club type program for afterschool tutoring and mentorship. We had a large population of Hmong students who liked to breakdance after their work was done, and I got to help find a space for them to practice. They were super talented and I was extremely jealous of their skills. They were even nice enough  to try and teach me things, even though I was terrible! I always felt cool that they allowed me to be a part of that. 

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be? 

Pork shank from Stella Blues, followed by tiramsu from Draganetti’s.


Erik's Shoutouts

Lowes Creek County Park. This 250-acre park is on the south side of E.C. and is great for biking, hiking, and getting some exercise with your dogs – which is why Erik loves it so much.

Eastside hill. This hill is great for rolling, sledding, running down, or just admiring. This is another great spot to hike with your dogs, according to Erik. Be careful though – gravity isn’t always our friend. 

Carson Park/half moon Lake. This peninsula is surrounding by Half Moon Lake and it’s one of those “must gos” of E.C. Great for sports, sightseeing, and, yes, dog walking.