Willow River is a state park in Hudson that draws in locals and out-of-towners with its waterfalls, hiking trails, campsites and nature center — the last of which is in need of an upgrade, according to the organization’s development coordinator.
And that development coordinator, Noelle Murphy, has a pretty long list of improvements.
The Willow River Nature Center is currently experiencing deterioration from natural forces like weather, age, biological decay, structural failure such as septic issues, heating and cooling issues and cosmetic damages such as peeling paint, lifted shingles, broken and misaligned doors and windows.
And since the Wisconsin State Park System no longer receives tax revenue funding, the public will now have to help if the center is to receive a makeover.
The fundraising campaign for the new center began around 2018, but paused for a brief stint due to COVID-19 restrictions. Recently, the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks have tried to restart fundraising efforts.
“We’re using it, but it’s going fast,” Murphy said.
Murphy recalls the center turning away school field trips and other educational opportunities due to the lack of space. “The big thing is that we’re losing the opportunity to educate our youth on nature programs,” she said.
Currently, their one classroom fits around 28 to 30 visitors, but the demand calls for more.
In 2023, with the help of a volunteer board of fewer than 10, one full-time and one part-time Naturalist, the center offered over 150 programs to approximately 6,500 participants of various ages and backgrounds through school field trip programs, naturalist classes, weekend events, and drop-in programs. The center was staffed and open to the public for 345 days last year with a visitation of approximately 12,000 individuals.
According to 2018 campaign materials, the fundraiser sought out $4 million for a 7,500 square foot structure, but now the numbers are being reworked.
“Hopefully we’ll have an estimated date later in early fall or late summer,” Murphy said.
Some aspects that are being considered to include in the updated facility include a general public meeting area, accessibility, museum, conservation and environmental displays, educational programming space, offices and more.
The Willow River Nature Center needs help from the public for funding. Photo: Kaitlyn Doolittle/Star-Observer.
“We need help,” she said. “We need people who are willing to help support us financially or who are interested in spreading the word.”
Currently, the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks board are working with an engaged architect, applying for grants and hammering out the details before announcing the specifics for this project.
“We’re figuring out the best plan moving forward,” she said.
Friends of the Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks’ website is willowkinnifriends.org.
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