FRIENDS OF PUTNAM PARK. You, too, can be an official friend of Putnam Park by joining the Friends of Putnam Park organization – or just learn more about the area at the org's upcoming annual meeting. (Photo via UW-Eau Claire)

Do you ever wonder why animals choose to live in Putnam Park, adjacent to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Third Ward residents? These animals — a deer, a red squirrel, a chipmunk, a flicker, and a raccoon — were recently “captured” on the Putnam Park trail cam, operated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Recent wildlife caught on the DNR's Putnam Park trail cam. (Submitted photo)

John Dunn, a retired Wisconsin DNR field biologist with 40 years of experience, will join the roundtable conversation at the Friends of Putnam Park organization's annual meeting this July. Dunn will answer questions about the recently seen animals and others as well as their habitat and lifestyles in the wetlands and forests of Putnam Park (which spans about 230 acres, home to over 400 species of plants and 100 species of birds during summertime). 

Hosted at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library's Riverview Room from 10am-12pm on Saturday, July 19, the public is also invited to the free-to-attend meeting – where they can also join Friends of Putnam Park.

The nonprofit organization's mission is “to protect Putnam Park and help sustain the continuing health of its plants, animals, waters, air and soils for today and tomorrow.” Please come and share your love of Putnam Park with others.

Keep with the Friends of Putnam Park organization on Facebook • Learn more about the Friends of Putnam Park at www.friendsofputnampark.org