Event Locator: 2025-AAKBKH
CED VIG NATURE SERIES
THE PELICAN RIVER FOREST PROJECT
*Open to the Public
Membership is not required. This event is in partnership with Learning in Retirement and Nicolet College, Arts & Enrichment
Wednesday, September 17
10 am
Nicolet College, Lakeside Center Theatre
Instructors: Representative from The Conservation Fund,
Oneida County Clear Water Association, Friend of the
Pelican River Forest, and Others.
Hybrid: In-person and Zoom
Just a few miles east of Rhinelander along Hwy 8 is a 70,000-acre block of forest, water, and wetlands that is protected forever from development and subdivision, safeguarding what was the largest privately-owned, unprotected block of forest remaining in the state.
This is the Pelican River Forest, now owned by The Conservation Fund. We will learn about the varied ecosystems in this tract, from northern hardwood, red pine, and aspen dominated forests to cedar swamps, and bogs, from whose groundwaters the Pelican River and Wolf River arise. We will be introduced to some of the iconic species of flora and
fauna that flourish here. The long process that conserved these resources will be explained by several of the hundreds (maybe thousands) of groups and individuals who advocated for creating a working forest that supports forestry jobs, supports local economies through participation in the tax base, and is open to public recreation. Please join us to learn how this conservation project succeeded because of the skills and efforts of many working together.