Vision
The silence of a tranquil, snowy wood, punctuated only by the swish of gliding skis, the delighted squeal of school children imagining what a deer looks like after seeing its tracks embedded in the soft mud, a forest awash in the glorious colors of autumn that frames the walk of solitary hikers, the gurgling sounds of the Root River as it rushes past a child and her mother sitting aside the bank, and the smell of syrup and the buttery taste of pancakes that celebrate the marvel of what maple trees produce — these are the sounds, sights and smells that have been part of the River Bend Nature Center experience for the citizens of Racine County since John F. Kennedy was President.
For almost 50 years, River Bend Nature Center was operated successfully by the Racine YWCA, providing environmental education, outdoor recreation and pleasant memories for thousands of Racine County children, adults and families. Unfortunately, the YWCA needed to sell this precious natural resource in order to fund its core operations. Fortunately, Racine County stepped up and the property was purchased by the county under the condition that a non-profit corporation unrelated to the YWCA could continue River Bend.
Into The Breach
River Bend Nature Center, Inc., is a [501(c)(3)] non-profit corporation formed to rescue River Bend and to continue and expand the mission of outdoor recreation and environmental education. Through a public-private partnership with Racine County, River Bend Nature Center, Inc., will ensure that this resource continues to be a secure and important part of the quality of life in southeast Wisconsin. Owned by the county and operated without tax dollars by RBNC, Inc., the center is self-sustaining through private support, program revenue, special events, and equipment and facilities rental.
Racine County’s Natural Resource
The River Bend setting and buildings are ideal for meetings of small groups, especially those with an outdoor interest. Many Racine area residents had their first experience paddling a canoe, cross-country skiing or participating in a guided bird watch at River Bend. RBNC, Inc., will continue these activities and create new ones for current and future generations.
The 78 acres and two activity buildings provide a very accessible and comfortable setting for novices or experienced outdoors people. The center is comprised of almost 4,000 feet of Root River frontage, river-bottom land, ponds and uplands hardwoods. Miles of hiking trails thread through the varied terrain. Most species of birds and animals native to southeast Wisconsin can be found on the property. Those looking for a few hours of quiet on a weekend or an hour after work will find that River Bend is nearby. River Bend Nature Center is an important amenity of our community — a place to be experienced, enjoyed and remembered for the next 50 years and beyond.
Our History
As a child in the 1930’s, Bob Johnson reminisced on his Boy Scout memories of camping in the area known as River Bend. He recalled the land being poor for agriculture but adventurous and fascinating to the local children. Playing along the Root River, swimming and fishing came naturally, and it seemed as though the beautiful vacant land hoped for utilization.
In 1957, the YWCA of Racine wished to expand its programs beyond the confinement of the building downtown, with an emphasis on understanding and enjoying the outdoors.
In 1959, J. Lester Johnson purchased the first 30.8 acres of River Bend for $27,500. The money came from equal donations made by Western Publishing, the Johnson Foundation, and Walker Manufacturing. This area was previously used as a Girl Scout camp and YMCA day camp.
In 1962, five additional acres were purchased, giving better access to North Green Bay Road. This area is now the building and visitor’s parking lot. Then in 1963, the picnic shelter/pavilion was constructed with a donation from the John Hammes Foundation.
Up until 1972, day camping at River Bend was the primary use of the property. This program was called “Day Camp at Squaw Point” but later changed to “Camp Arrowhead”. During this time of change, a fund-raising campaign was started to build a nature center/meeting facility. This new facility would emphasize nature and recreation for the general public. So, 20.5 more acres were purchased from the Beres family that included part of the 26 acres previously owned by the Hesline family. The purchase included the upper field, Gravel Pond, and mixed hardwood forest where we tap maple trees.
During 1975, the 4,700 square foot building was constructed, and the final 27.1 acres of the area was donated by Johnson Wax. This donation included the upper river trail, duckweed pond, and large field to the south of the entrance driveway. Thus, the final touches to the River Bend Nature Center stood tall.
River Bend Nature Center and its Programs
From its very inception, environmental education was the key component to all River Bend programs. In the 1980’s wildlife rehabilitation work was taking place at River Bend. The kitchen was filled with numerous cages of wild animals. Michigan State University and UW-Stevens Point intern naturalists lived at the building during their internships. By the 1990’s, it had been decided that River Bend was not properly equipped to handle wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education, so the wildlife rehab program was stopped in 1989.
In the spring of 1991, a new environmental education program came to River Bend, and that program was known as the Earthkeepers program. Earthkeepers was started with the help of a grant from the Racine Junior League. Since then, River Bend Nature Center has been known for its wide variety of naturalistic programs. It is not uncommon to hear college students today tell us about when they were in an Earthkeepers or other program here at River Bend. Over the years, River Bend has served as many as 10,000 school children in a single year.
In early 2000, the Naturalist in Residence program was developed along similar lines to an Artist in Residence program. By combining this concept with the existing Earthkeepers program, River Bend was able to offer their partner schools a unique program where not only do the students come to River Bend, the River Bend naturalists go to the classrooms.
Around 2004, the SWIM’R program was developed. SWIM’R stands for Safe Water Is My Responsibility and focuses on issues surrounding water runoff into the Root River and thereby, Lake Michigan. That program was transferred in 2007 to the new REC center in downtown Racine in partnership with UW Parkside.
In 2007, the new EM’s cabin was completed with the support of the SE Wisconsin community in the ongoing, “Invest in a Natural Asset” program. EM’s cabin provides an even great experience to area students.
What will tomorrow bring? We look to go where Nature leads us, developing a better understanding of how we can best co-exist with all of nature, the land, the water, the air, the plants and wildlife and always making sure our connections to the Earth are restored and maintained.
Hours
Grounds and trails:
Open sunrise to sunset
every day of the year
Office Hours:
Weekdays: 8AM – 4PM
Weekends: 9AM – 5PM
(during rentals seasons
canoe/kayak & snow
shoe/skis)
