Controlled Burn in Baird Creek on May 8, 2013
It’s a Success!
Even though it doesn’t look like much after the controlled burn behind the Triangle Hill chalet, it looks just like it should… think of it as a bit of a clean slate as we encourage some beautiful native plants to thrive in the area. The weather was perfect for the event, the Fox Valley Tech team and our volunteers did a great job, and there was never cause for safety concerns. Great job, everyone!
Over 100 volunteers participated in the annual Earth Day Cleanup on April 20 in the Baird Creek Greenway. Volunteers assisted with cleanup efforts as well as removing invasive species and working on trail improvement projects. Thank you to all of the volunteers! We would also like to thank Kavarna and Big Apple Bagels for making the morning a success.
The Baird Creek Parkway Expands…Again!
We are excited to announce the completion of a land acquisition project in the Town of Humboldt. As of December, 2012, the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation has increased our land ownership by almost 34 acres. Through grants from Ducks Unlimited, the Wisconsin DNR, and the NRDA, we were able to purchase property that will further enhance the Parkway’s value as an ecological, recreational, and educational resource for Northeast Wisconsin. A branch of Baird Creek runs through the new property, and a significant portion of the acreage is wooded. Much of the land is considered wetland. Look for news on restoration projects and for opportunities to help with invasive species removal in the future. Thank you to our partners on this project, including the Brown County Land and Water Conservation Department, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the granting organizations mentioned above.
Expansion of Baird Creek Parkway (April 2012)
A partnership between the City of Green Bay, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation has resulted in approximately 24 acres of beautiful woodland added to the Baird Creek Parkway. The property is northwest of Christa McAuliffe Park, between the existing park property and the railroad tracks on the East side of Highway 43. The addition of this parcel will greatly enhance trail connections between the East and West sides of the Baird Creek Parkway, allowing hikers and bikers easier access to Christa McAuliffe Park and showcasing some of the 17 unique habitats that exist in the Parkway. The Baird Creek Preservation Foundation is working on habitat restoration plans for the parcel, and will be seeking grants and donations to add to funds already raised for restoration purposes. The Foundation donated $50,000 for the purchase of the property.
Charlie Frisk and several students from Luxemburg/Casco High School lead us to some of the best places to see the largest number of fish in Baird Creek. Charlie and his student leaders used a large seine to temporarily capture some of the fish (and other aquatic creatures) to observe the biodiversity of the creek. This hike was a “kid focused” event and was enjoyed by all who attended!
Two Eagle Scouts completed projects in the Parkway in 2009. A high-quality boardwalk was constructed near Superior Road (just south of the railroad tracks) that will serve to alleviate erosion problems and make it easier for hikers and bikers to get through the area. This project was led by Eagle Scout Chris Harrison with guidance from Board Member Charlie Frisk and Dan Ditscheit from the Green Bay Parks and Recreation Department.
Another important Eagle Scout project in the Parkway involved construction and installation of several permanent educational signs at the site of an Oak Savannah restoration project near McKenzie Lane. Charlie Goldhahn managed this project with help from Board Member David Hemstreet and Green Bay Parks and Recreation staff members Dan Ditscheit and Molly Tomasallo.
Our Executive Director has additional information on Eagle Scout project ideas that could be completed in the Baird Creek Parkway. If interested please contact Maureen Meinhardt at execdirector@bairdcreek.org or (920) 328-3505.
