Dear Riveredge Supporters,

I have some great news to share. Riveredge has just added 8.92 acres to increase our sanctuary to 378 acres!

This has been our highest-rated acquisition property for years. It rests directly in the middle of all the rest of the contiguous Riveredge property. This property is just west of Riveredge off Hawthorne Drive and currently has a main home, garage and cabin on it.  It is a signifcant part of our Sugarbush. Many of you will know it as "Ernie's" property. Ernie, the previous owner, recently moved to the West Bend area. He gave Riveredge the opportunity to purchase it before listing it on the market. For many years, Ernie, affectionately known as "Father Fire," allowed Riveredge to tap his maple trees for Maple Sugarin' events and school programs.

We plan to hire a business to deconstruct these buildings and recycle all the building materials. Deconstruction costs more but is much better for the environment than placing the debris into a landfill. We have developed a land management plan that will restore the area to forest.

Half the purchase price came from many different private donations through the help and leadership of Mal Hepburn. Thank you to Mal and all the donors who supported this acquisition! It is expected that the other half will be paid through a stewardship grant administered through the Department of Natural Resources.

This very diverse property includes examples of mesic and wet forest and includes many different tree species, including red oak and bur oak, basswood, hickory, beech, birch, poplar and of course, the sugar maple. Wildflowers will bloom on the forest floor in spring and interior forest birds like pileated woodpecker and scarlet tanager will add to your Riveredge bird watching experience.

I hope you get a chance to check out this wonderful addition to our sanctuary soon!

Sincerely, 

Aerial View of New Property (click on picture for PDF version)

 Here is a glimpse of some of the wildlife you may discover on the new property!

    Spring Beauty Wildflowers      Pileated Woodpecker              Scarlet Tanager