Bonduel Receives Nature Backpack from DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has developed family nature backpacks that will be available at libraries as a pilot test to assess the response of families and adults who use them to take children outdoors and explore nature.  In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, seventeen libraries have been chosen from a list of over 150 who showed interest by e-mail or at the Wisconsin Library Association annual conference.  One library has been selected from each of the systems in the state.  Librarians will receive their backpacks and a set of instructions in early 2014.  Congratulations to the selected libraries!

·         Stacey Schultz, Milton Public Library

·         Betty McCartney, Elkhart Lake Public Library

·         Christine LaFond, Clear Lake Public Library

·         Rebekah Raleigh, Community Library (Kenosha)

·         Jennifer Wharton, Matheson Memorial Library (Elkhorn)

·         Paula Newell, Cudahy Family Library

·         Barbara Weber, New Holstein Public Library

·         Carolyn Wey, Lake Mills Public Library

·         Allison Schultz, Bonduel Public Library

·         Karen Weber-Mendham, Land O' Lakes Library Youth

·         Shay Foxenberg, Black Creek Village Library

·         Carey Kipp, Baraboo Public Library

·         Erin Isabell, Platteville Public Library

·         Michelle Plunkett, New Berlin Public Library

·         Stephanie Grigg–Remillard, Campbellsport Public Library

·         Lynette Vlasak, Kendall Public Library

·         Denise Korenuk, Western Taylor County Public Library

For those librarians who wish to replicate the backpack, please see the attached materials list to get you started.  Please note that the DNR provides many educational publications and posters for free that can be ordered through Education Connection.  This pilot project is funded through a grant from the Wisconsin Environmental Education Foundation.  Thank you for your interest in sharing nature with families and children in your community. 

For more information on this project, please contact Janet Hutchens at (608) 261-8453 or by email: janet.hutchens@wisconsin.gov or Carrie Morgan at (608) 267-5239 or by email at: carrie.morgan@wisconsin.gov.