The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology (WSO) established the Honey Creek Nature Preserve with the first land purchase in 1960, followed by additional purchases during the 60s and 70s. About 300 acres have been protected for a few decades and with the Dischler property of 104 acres purchased in 2017, WSO is protecting now over 400 acres.
More than 500 native plant species have been found here, including 20 ferns, several orchids and the endangered bog bluegrass. With a broad variety of habitats, including stream valley, limestone cliffs, rock outcroppings, forested areas and wetlands, many nesting birds live here. During migration over 100 species can be recorded in a day. The Dischler land is home to nesting Cerulean Warblers. We are building a new trail through the Dischler land beginning north off Sky View Road, up a pine covered ridge, through two small old fields, into the mature oak woodlands and down to meet the old trail near the creek. Four Leopold benches along the new trail provide resting places and commemorate major donors.
With the Cox house now vacant and the Coxes wanting the land to go to WSO, we have an opportunity to protect WSO’s land and nature center. This is a remarkably quiet, peaceful place that brings calm to those who visit. Buying the Cox house would maintain these desirable characteristics.
During this giving season, WSO would like to reach out to our concerned friends asking to help us keep this magnificent land maintained and enhanced. We need new boardwalks, trail markers and posts. WSO has also been given the unique opportunity to purchase the Cox residence which is now vacant and will enhance the Cox Nature Center by providing a place for educational field trips and research to be conducted.
Today we ask to please donate to help Honey Creek via website or check (must be designated to Honey Creek Fund).
Link to online donation: https://wso.
Address for mailed donations: WSO c/o Dani Baumann, 654 W. Hillcrest Rd. Apt 202, Saukville, WI 53080
Thank you so very much- and happy birding during the holiday season!
Sincerely,
Dan Pickarts
Honey Creek Chair
Levi Wood
Past Honey Creek Chair
