August 27th, 2025 marks a truly special milestone for our Menasha community as we celebrate the first-ever Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Day. This designation honors not only the incredible work of the Reserve but also the renewed commitment between the City of Menasha and this treasured environmental resource through a historic 75-year lease agreement.
A Legacy Born from Vision
The story of Heckrodt Wetland Reserve begins with a generous act of community stewardship. In 1976, the Heckrodt family donated five acres of land to our city to honor their father, Frank O. Heckrodt—a former mayor, prominent business leader, and five-term alderman who understood the importance of preserving our natural heritage. What started as a tribute to one man’s vision has blossomed into a cornerstone of environmental education and conservation that serves our entire region.
Through the dedicated collaboration of city staff, community leaders, and the Heckrodt family, we established Heckrodt Wetland Reserve as an environmental non-profit and nature center in 1995. This partnership has proven that when we work together with a shared vision, we can create something truly extraordinary.
A Thriving Community Asset
Today, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve stands as a testament to what community partnership can achieve. This remarkable 91-acre urban nature reserve welcomes over 133,000 annual visitors and educates more than 10,000 individuals through over 300 free or reduced-cost programs. From forested wetlands and cattail marshes to created prairies and upland forests, the Reserve provides diverse habitats that support countless species of wildlife while offering our residents and visitors a peaceful escape within city limits.
The Reserve’s three miles of trails, including nearly 4,000 feet of elevated boardwalks, make nature accessible to everyone. Whether you’re seeking environmental education, bird watching, photography, or simply a quiet place to connect with the natural world, Heckrodt offers an experience that enriches our community’s quality of life.
Securing Our Environmental Future
On July 21st, 2025, our Common Council unanimously approved the renewed 75-year lease agreement with Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, following a unanimous recommendation from our Parks and Recreation Board. This wasn’t just a procedural vote—it was a declaration of our city’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our recognition that preserving these natural spaces is essential for combating climate change and ensuring future generations can enjoy our community’s natural beauty.
The extended lease agreement serves multiple crucial purposes. It ensures the Reserve remains eligible for state and federal grants, provides donors with confidence in the long-term sustainability of their investments, and formally recognizes this partnership as a vital force within our community. Most importantly, it affirms our shared commitment to making nature accessible and meaningful for all residents and visitors.
A Partnership That Works
What makes Heckrodt Wetland Reserve truly special is the unique partnership model we’ve cultivated. The city owns the land, while the non-profit organization manages daily operations, programming, and fundraising. This collaborative approach maximizes both public resources and private innovation, creating high impact within our community while being responsible stewards of taxpayer and donor dollars.
Our partnership extends beyond the Reserve’s boundaries too. We work together on community events like the Community First Free Fishing Day at Jefferson Park and our annual Arbor Day Celebration, demonstrating how environmental stewardship can bring our entire community together.
Moving Forward Together
As we celebrate this first Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Day, I’m filled with pride for what we’ve accomplished and excitement for what lies ahead. This 75-year commitment positions both the Reserve and the City of Menasha as a premier outdoor recreation destination in Northeast Wisconsin. It demonstrates our leadership in environmental conservation and our dedication to providing educational opportunities that foster environmental appreciation and stewardship.
The work of Executive Director Luke Schiller and the entire Heckrodt team, supported by over 5,000 volunteer hours annually, continues to enhance, restore, and preserve this incredible resource while educating all people on the importance of conserving our natural resources. Their mission aligns perfectly with our city’s values and vision for a sustainable future.
An Invitation to Experience Nature
If you haven’t yet experienced the wonder of Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, I encourage you to visit. The trails are open every day of the year, and the Nature Center offers exhibits, aquariums featuring local wildlife, and hands-on activities that make learning about our local environment engaging for all ages. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to our community, Heckrodt offers an opportunity to connect with nature without leaving the city.
As we look toward the future, this renewed partnership between the City of Menasha and Heckrodt Wetland Reserve represents more than just a lease agreement—it’s a commitment to environmental education, habitat restoration, and community engagement that will benefit generations to come. Together, we’re ensuring that Frank O. Heckrodt’s vision of preserving natural spaces for our community continues to thrive and inspire.
This is what moving Menasha forward looks like: honoring our past, investing in our future, and working together to create something greater than any of us could accomplish alone.
Visit Heckrodt Wetland Reserve at 1305 Plank Road and discover why there truly is no place like this remarkable urban oasis in the heart of our community.