Paul Hartman Prairie & Gazebo
We are fortunate to have been inspired by a man who had the foresight, ideas, and the drive ‘to get it done’. He is one of our founders, Paul Hartman. His motto was always “plan the work and work the plan”. We, at the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation (BCPF), have followed that philosophy for over 20 years. As Paul’s memory fades, the time is now to honor this extraordinary leader for his contributions not only to BCPF but also as UW Extension/Brown County Horticulturalist for 30 years, co-founder of the Green Bay Botanical Garden, leader for Invasive Plants Removal in Brown County, establishing the N.E.W Master Gardener Program and many more contributions to our community too numerous to mention here.
We are excited to announce the completion of a gorgeous gazebo and a small parking area on over 20 acres of beautiful prairie we have created on an old farm site. Paul Hartman has dedicated his life to increasing the use of native plants and habitat restoration. Our plans were a consequence of his philosophy and we were happy to complete it while he is able to enjoy it. We broke ground in spring 2021 and the project was completed in July 2021.
History of Project Location
Baird Creek Preservation Foundation (BCPF) has restored a farm field into native prairie that is located off of County Highway JJ in the Town of Eaton. Currently, it provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including nesting habitat for 26 species of migratory birds. The prairie is filled with native species of wildflowers and grasses which attracts many monarchs to the area each year.
Many may not know, but Paul was the one to sound the cry for the 34-acres of pristine old growth forest in the Baird Creek Watershed; when he found out that it was to be sold for development. From that initial rallying of concerned citizens, the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation was created, as a friend group to the City to protect, preserve, and restore the Baird Creek Watershed and Greenway. Because of Paul and others we still continue carrying out our mission each and every day. This project gave us the opportunity to honor Paul for many things but imperatively for the inspiration and passion to do great work!
Notes About Paul
*Looking back, from beginning to end…..Paul’s career has been “hands on”…Education to Action
“No public servant deserves an honor more than Paul Hartman.”
“Paul has shared his encyclopedic knowledge of Botany extensively, beyond compare!”
“The Prairie Project would be the first of its kind, a living tribute recognizing Paul’s extensive contribution to Northeastern Wisconsin.”
Paul Hartman’s Story:
After beginning his career selling encyclopedias in the late 1960s, Paul Hartman enrolled at the UW- Madison where he received his Bachelor’s and Master degrees in horticulture. This led him to Brown County where Paul began working as the Brown County UW Horticultural Agent in January of 1976. During his 30-year career as the local Horticultural Agent, Paul became somewhat of a local celebrity appearing on TV and radio and writing a weekly column in the Green Bay Press Gazette.
In 1995, Paul co-founded the Green Bay Botanical Garden. In 1997, Paul was instrumental in raising the funds to preserve a plot of land set for development on the far eastside of Green Bay. This land was encompassed into the Baird Creek Greenway, and the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation was born.
In 1979, Paul helped establish the NEW Master Gardener Program. Paul has touched numerous Northeast Wisconsin organizations with his volunteer efforts and knowledge. In appreciation and honor of Paul’s countless hours to the community, the Foundation wanted to build this gazebo and finish the restoration of the native prairie that is a perfect example of flora and fauna that Paul has championed for all these years. To honor his work we hope people will come and enjoy the birds, wildlife, and beauty of the land.
Thank You to Those Who Have Already Donated!
| Carl Fisher |
| Ron Tillmann |
| Janna Zimmerman |
| Anita Zipperer |
| Gail Underwood |
| Steve Lambert |
| Adreinne Schmitz |
| James Wall |
| Mary Rass |
| Wildones |
| Susan Lambert-Tease |
| Janice Galt |
| Lois Kania |
| Peggy Schroeder |
| Herbert Liebmann through GGBCF |
| Richard & Shirley Winnes |
| Edith Everson |
| Charlie & Kathy Fisk |
| Susan Garot |
| Cliff Wall |
| Alan Nass |
| Clayton & Rose Smits |
| John & Joan Mills |
| Dennis Prusik |
| Robert & Kay Christman |
| Judith Ann Knudsen |
| Susan Roulette |
| Bay Area Daylily Buds |
| Mary Carlson |
| Susan Rohan |
| William Stevens |
| Gail Fischer |
| Ivy Nelson |
| Sara Ramaker |
| William & Gail Hanmann |
| Mike Sprague |
| Cynthia Mineau |
| Susan Menkes |
| Kathleen Pattinati |
| Margaret Hartman |
| Margaret G Hartman |
| Lee Hansen |
| Jean Hartman |
| Rosemary Hartman |
| John & Marvis Hartman |
| Carole Wood |
| Hersheberger Family |
| Give Big |
| David Parsons |
| Byron L. Walters |
| Bud & Victoria Harris |
| Garden Club of Des Peres |
| Kathlin & James Sickel |
| Paul Biebel |
| Glen Hartman |
| Sally Hartman |
| Steve Krings |
| Van Beavers |
| Tom Barrie |
| Laura Hartman |
| Elizabeth Dunbar |
| Christopher Dunbar |
| Al & Lisa Hartman |
| Steven Herro |
| Michael Draney |
| Timothy Rasman |
| Carol Dost |
| Karen Ditzman |
| Roy Lindeman |
| Paul Baumgart |
| Mark Callahan |
| Doug Hartman |
| Carol De Groot |
A Successful Celebration!
On Saturday, July 31st, 2021, the foundation’s employees, members, board, Hartman family and friends gathered for our 24th annual banquet. This year had a slightly different look and very special meaning as we honored Paul Hartman with the grand opening of the Paul Hartman Living Prairie and Gazebo in order to celebrate with Paul, his hard work and dedication to protecting and improving land in Northeast Wisconsin. Guests were invited to explore the beautifully restored prairie, recently finished gazebo, and sign dedicated to Paul. The site also holds a giant metal coneflower sculpture that honors eight (of the many founders and pillars) of the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation. This was followed by a heartfelt dedication and a luncheon in which guests then shared stories and fond memories of Paul throughout the years. We want to say thank you to everyone that made this day possible and donated to these projects that allowed us to celebrate the legacy of a very special man! And a large thank you to Kent Hutchison of Hutchison Art & Design for his talent and exceptional work to create all the art and structural pieces in the prairie.
Visit the Beautiful Site!
- Exit Manitowoc Rd from Hwy 43 and get into the left lane immediately.
- Turn left at the first light (in between Stein’s Garden & Gifts and the McDonald’s) this is Eaton Rd/JJ
- Stay on this road for what we guess is about 7 miles
- You will come to a large curve in the road that curves right and you will see a street sign for Phillips Rd (it goes off to the north) STAY ON JJ
- Then very shortly you will come to a curve in the road that goes to the left and you will see a street sign that also says Phillips Rd (this road goes to the south) STAY ON JJ
- Not long after you will drive over a concrete bridge (it’s very small and if you blink you might miss it)
- Our land is after the bridge on the right hand side and you will see green tree tubes in it (it’s directly across from the white farmhouse)
- You can pull in to the asphalt driveway in the middle of the tree tubes