A groundbreaking for a new Nature Center at Collins Marsh near Reedsville took place on Thursday. James Downey is a Naturalist and Caretaker for the Neustadter Nature Center at the 4200-acre sanctuary in western Manitowoc County. He tells SeehaferNews.com that’s it’s simply worn out its welcome. Downey told us the building was “actually a chicken coop at one time, and it’s been at the nature center for several decades.”
Downey says the new Nature Center is needed in part because of the public’s “peaked curiosity” of nature’s beauty and splendor. ”We’ve seen a lot more folks in tune with Collins Marsh,” Downey told us. “Whether that’s for fishing this spring, or walking up to the dam, taking advantage of a couple of trails and the beautiful bird viewing opportunities.”
In addition, Mud Creek which runs through the marsh into the Manitowoc River and eventually Lake Michigan-provides multiple ecological benefits to the Lakeshore, which according to Downey include minimizing erosion and the breakdown of pollutants.
The approximate $125 thousand cost is all funded through private donations and is expected to be completed later this summer.
