Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 76-acre urban nature reserve with habitats including
forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, open field, and upland forest. Persisting
despite the urbanization that continues to grow around it, the Reserve is home to
numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Migrating songbirds and
waterfowl nest and feed in its protection.
forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, open field, and upland forest. Persisting
despite the urbanization that continues to grow around it, the Reserve is home to
numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Migrating songbirds and
waterfowl nest and feed in its protection.
The Nature Center
The 4,000 square foot Nature Center features a "Living Waters" exhibit with an indoor live wetland, and
aquariums that are home to local fishes, crayfish, turtles, and snakes -- surrounded by a display of
mounted Wisconsin mammals and birds. Outdoor exhibits include a memorial butterfly garden and bird
feeding area, as well as a pond, bog and stream complex. The Nature Center facilities feature a
workshop/meeting room, a classroom amphitheater/Discovery Den, Solarium, and a resource library.
Three miles of trails, including nearly 2 miles of elevated boardwalks, provide access to the wetland
habitat to all visitors to explore and enjoy bird watching, walking, photography, and snowshoeing in
winter. Wagons and strollers are available for check out to increase visitor enjoyment of the hiking
trails. Wheelchairs are available for visitors who may need assistance. Explorers Companions,
backpacks equipped with exploration materials for the season, are available for checkout at no cost.
Snowshoes are available in winter for a small fee.
The 4,000 square foot Nature Center features a "Living Waters" exhibit with an indoor live wetland, and
aquariums that are home to local fishes, crayfish, turtles, and snakes -- surrounded by a display of
mounted Wisconsin mammals and birds. Outdoor exhibits include a memorial butterfly garden and bird
feeding area, as well as a pond, bog and stream complex. The Nature Center facilities feature a
workshop/meeting room, a classroom amphitheater/Discovery Den, Solarium, and a resource library.
Three miles of trails, including nearly 2 miles of elevated boardwalks, provide access to the wetland
habitat to all visitors to explore and enjoy bird watching, walking, photography, and snowshoeing in
winter. Wagons and strollers are available for check out to increase visitor enjoyment of the hiking
trails. Wheelchairs are available for visitors who may need assistance. Explorers Companions,
backpacks equipped with exploration materials for the season, are available for checkout at no cost.
Snowshoes are available in winter for a small fee.
HWR Staff
Executive Director, Tracey Koenig, has been with Heckrodt Wetland Reserve since March 1998. First as a
volunteer, then as Site Restoration Manager, Tracey became Executive Director in June 1999. She earned a BS in
BIology/Geology from Bowling Green State University and an MS in biology/aquatic ecology from the University of
Mississippi. Tracey is responsible for all executive operations at the Reserve as well as scout programs, Turtle Tales
Storytime, and adult tour groups She is also responsible for site restoration and management.
volunteer, then as Site Restoration Manager, Tracey became Executive Director in June 1999. She earned a BS in
BIology/Geology from Bowling Green State University and an MS in biology/aquatic ecology from the University of
Mississippi. Tracey is responsible for all executive operations at the Reserve as well as scout programs, Turtle Tales
Storytime, and adult tour groups She is also responsible for site restoration and management.
Naturalist/Education Coordinator, Heather Weigelt, has been with Heckrodt Wetland Reserve since
October 1998 first as a volunteer and then as a part-time educator. She became the full time education
coordinator in May 1999. Heather is a graduate of Northland College with a BS in Outdoor Education
with a natural history emphasis and has worked at several environmental facilities in the Midwest. She
is responsible for all education programs at the Reserve including school and daycare programming,
HWR summer camps, community programs, and teacher and community resources.
October 1998 first as a volunteer and then as a part-time educator. She became the full time education
coordinator in May 1999. Heather is a graduate of Northland College with a BS in Outdoor Education
with a natural history emphasis and has worked at several environmental facilities in the Midwest. She
is responsible for all education programs at the Reserve including school and daycare programming,
HWR summer camps, community programs, and teacher and community resources.
Administrative Coordinator, Judi McClain, started as a volunteer with Heckrodt Wetland
Reserve at the conception of the project in 1996. She became Administrative Coordinator in May
1999. Judi handles all aspects of adminstrative operations including accounts payable, account
receivable, donations, the brick program, and room rentals.
Reserve at the conception of the project in 1996. She became Administrative Coordinator in May
1999. Judi handles all aspects of adminstrative operations including accounts payable, account
receivable, donations, the brick program, and room rentals.
Naturalist/Educator, Luke Schiller, started his career with Heckrodt on March 24, 2008. Luke is a
graduate of Iowa State University where he earned a B.S. in Animal Ecology with an Interpretation
option. Luke has been working in the field of environmental education since 2003 in a variety of settings
in the US and abroad. He is responsible for supporting with all environmental education programming at
the Reserve including school, daycare, and public programs.
graduate of Iowa State University where he earned a B.S. in Animal Ecology with an Interpretation
option. Luke has been working in the field of environmental education since 2003 in a variety of settings
in the US and abroad. He is responsible for supporting with all environmental education programming at
the Reserve including school, daycare, and public programs.
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The mission of HWR is to enhance, restore, and preserve the Reserve and educate all people in the importance of conserving our natural resources while promoting the
Reserve's many recreational opportunities.
Reserve's many recreational opportunities.
Our Mission
In keeping with its mission, HWR naturalists provide educational programming for schools, daycare centers, special interest groups, and the general public. Since 1997,
more than 100,000 program participants have enjoyed nature-related program in a fund hands-on atmosphere. More than 50,000 visitors come to the Reserve each year
to enjoy the trails and nature center in every season of the year.
more than 100,000 program participants have enjoyed nature-related program in a fund hands-on atmosphere. More than 50,000 visitors come to the Reserve each year
to enjoy the trails and nature center in every season of the year.