RESERVE RECOGNITION. Beaver Creek Reserve has been serving the Chippewa Valley area for 75 years and was recently awarded the Dave Engleson Award.

For nearly 75 years, Beaver Creek Reserve has been a dedicated wildlife sanctuary providing both the Chippewa Valley and the state of Wisconsin with environmental education. Recently, the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (WAEE) announced Beaver Creek Reserve as the recipient of their 2022 Dave Engleson Award.

The Dave Engleson Award recognizes significant contributions to environmental education made by individuals, agencies, or organizations, as epitomized by founding member of the WAEE, David Engleson.

“Not only does this award advocate for environmental organizations, but it also recognizes Beaver Creek’s role in educating thousands of youth, adults, and families in the state of Wisconsin each year,” Beaver Creek Outreach and Development Coordinator Kristen Giefer said. “Knowing that we’re making a difference and positively impacting each person that walks through our doors is a huge accomplishment for Beaver Creek and the Chippewa Valley, which makes us proud to be this year’s recipient.” 

Within their 400 acres of land, Beaver Creek houses its Wise Nature Preserve, Scheels Discovery Room, Hobbs Observatory, Citizen Science Center, Butterfly House, Wildlands Charter School, and nine miles of hiking trails. It’s these features and the organization’s programming that help Beaver Creek operate to provide both top-notch environmental education and care to the forests that help maintain Wisconsin’s natural beauty. 

Beaver Creek Reserve has participated in several international research projects too, such as Motus – a research network that studies the ecology and conservation of migratory animals – and Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship, as well as monarch butterfly migration. Beaver Creek Reserve is also known for hiring naturalists to meet the community’s needs and their partnership with local school districts to provide resources for students throughout the area.

Visit Beaver Creek Reserve’s website to keep up with the organization.