The following article was written by Jason Prigge, the Development Director at the Woodland Dunes Nature Center.
Nature is constantly changing. Sometimes those changes happen slowly over decades, while other times they arrive in a matter of minutes. At Woodland Dunes, we have witnessed both. The Forget-Me-Not Creek Restoration Project off Woodland Drive on our preserve represents our commitment to restoring the natural health of this important waterway, while recent storms have reminded us just how powerful and unpredictable the forces of nature can be.
The Forget-Me-Not Creek Restoration Project is about more than just improving a stream. It is about rebuilding a healthy ecosystem that benefits wildlife, improves water quality, and strengthens the resilience of the entire preserve. By restoring natural stream functions, reducing erosion, and enhancing habitat along the creek corridor, we are helping create conditions where native plants, birds, amphibians, and countless other species can thrive. Healthy waterways are the lifeblood of healthy landscapes, and this project is an investment in the future of Woodland Dunes and the larger Lake Michigan watershed.
That future, however, was recently tested. In May, a powerful storm swept through Two Rivers and the surrounding area, bringing damaging winds that toppled hundreds of trees, knocked out power to thousands of residents, and left a trail of destruction throughout the community. Across parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, mature trees that had stood for generations were lost in just a few short hours. City officials estimated damages exceeding $100,000 as cleanup efforts continue.
Woodland Dunes was not spared. Many of our trails were blocked by fallen trees and large limbs. After the storm it was “all hands on deck” as our crew cleaned up Ash trees already weakened by emerald ash borer infestations, along with other species that suffered extensive damage. What had been peaceful walking paths quickly became obstacle courses of tangled branches and uprooted trunks.
In the days following the storm, staff, volunteers, and supporters rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Chainsaws buzzed, brush was hauled, and many hours were spent reopening trails and ensuring the preserve remained safe and accessible for visitors. The effort was physically demanding, but it was also inspiring. Once again, Woodland Dunes demonstrated the power of community and stewardship.
The restoration of Forget-Me-Not Creek and the recovery from this storm share a common lesson: caring for nature requires patience, dedication, and perseverance. Whether we are rebuilding a stream, planting native habitat, or clearing trails after a storm, each effort contributes to a healthier, more resilient landscape. Together, we are not only restoring what has been damaged, we are helping ensure that Woodland Dunes remains a place of beauty, discovery, and inspiration for generations to come.
