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As Gov. Nelson State Park celebrates its 50th year, a Friends group is working to restore prairie and oak savanna, along with the Hogan House, a gathering space left over from the park’s campground years. Mick Holm and Tom Cameron of the Friends of Gov. Nelson State Park spoke about their fairly new organization and the park itself. Gov. Nelson is a 432-acre park located in the Town of Westport. Previously named Lake Mendota County Park, the name was changed in 1985. Mick said because of its proximity to Madison, it gets a lot of use. In the 1980s, the Wisconsin state park system was considered one the best in the country, but today it is rated 49th. That’s because the state has reduced funding for the system, leaving some areas neglected. Minnesota spends much more on its park system that draws about half the number of visitors than Wisconsin’s. That’s why many parks have Friends groups to help raise funds and maintain them. Mick provided some history of the park, where humans have visited for over 12,000 years. Traditionally farmland and pasture, it was previously home to three campgrounds – Indianola, Wakanda and Maria Olbrich. Today, the park includes restored prairie, oak savanna, woods, fishing areas, a boat launch and a beach. The Friends of Gov. Nelson State Park’s mission is to help maintain and promote the park. Tom Cameron said the Friends group formed because most public support for the park is gone. About five to 15 people gather regularly to collect seeds at the park, plant prairie and in the winter time, remove invasives such as buckthorn. The group also enjoys large fires from the brush collected during the removal process. This past year, Gov. Tony Evers visited the park for Earth Day. Tom said the park sees a constant change in plant life, and showed pictures of the butterfly weeds, coneflowers and bee balm. As the prairie has matured, it is now attracting more wildlife, such as osprey, which nest there, cranes, migrating pelicans, bluebirds and more. Another Friends of Gov. Nelson State Park project is the restoration of the Hogan House, a structure built for campers modeled after a traditional Indian building.The DNR has asked whether the building should be restored or removed, and the Friends group applied for a three-year matching Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant to pay for the renovation costs. So far, the Friends have raised $20,000, and have just finished the chimney renovation. The electrical work will also need an upgrade, and the fascia will need restoration. A 50th birthday party will be held for the park on Aug. 2 with Don Sanford, author of “On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota,” scheduled to speak. Members of the nonprofit Friends board of directors, Mick, Tom and Drew Howick urged Rotarians to join the Friends. “You’re all invited to join the group,” Tom said. “We’d love to have you get dirty with us.” ****** Other News -The club had lunch at a new venue, The Lone Girl Brewing Co., for the July 17 meeting. -President Tony Burns presented three Paul Harris awards to Nick Mischler (4th Paul Harris), Lori Derauf (5th Paul Harris), and Dave Weishoff (3rd Paul Harris). -The club will dedicate the Peace Pole at Waunakee Neighborhood Connection during their open house July 29. -A Sergeant of Arms, John Reuter, was named and explained the rules for happy bucks and fines. -Volunteers are needed at WaunaFest, particularly Saturday night and Sunday. Events -July 24-27 - WaunaFest -July 29 - Peace Pole Dedication -Aug. 6, National Night Out Greeters: July 24, Roberta Baumann and David Rupp; July 31, Leah Abeyta and ??; Aug. 7, ??; Aug. 14, Kylie West and Shelley Moffatt. To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
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