About
Located in Menasha, WI, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 91-acre non-profit urban nature reserve with habitats including forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, created prairie, 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.
Our Mission
The mission of Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is to enhance, restore, and preserve the Reserve and educate all people on the importance of conserving our natural resources while promoting the Reserve’s many recreational opportunities.
The Nature Center & Trails
The Reserve’s Nature Center features an indoor exhibit with live wetland and aquariums that are home to local fish and turtles — all surrounded by a display of mounted Wisconsin mammals and birds. Three miles of trails, including nearly 4,000 feet of elevated boardwalks, provide access to the wetland habitat for all visitors to explore and enjoy bird watching, walking, photography, and snowshoeing in winter. Learn more about all that Heckrodt Wetland Reserve has to offer its visitors.
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Staff
Luke Schiller
Executive Director
Luke started his career with Heckrodt in March 2008. Luke is a graduate of Iowa State University where he earned a B.S. in Animal Ecology with an Interpretation option. He has been working in the field of environmental education since 2003 in a variety of settings in the U.S. and abroad. Luke provides strategic and operational leadership for Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. He is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization as well as fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.
Heather Weigelt
Administrative Coordinator / Naturalist
Heather 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 B.S. in Outdoor Education with a natural history emphasis and has worked at several environmental facilities in the Midwest. Heather became the Administrative Coordinator in April 2023. She is responsible for visitor services, including program scheduling (schools, childcare, senior groups, and HWR summer camps), public program registrations, room rentals, brick and picnic table sponsorships, and volunteering requests. She is also responsible for Boy Scout/Cub Scout programming.
Andrea Bierbrauer
Naturalist/Early Childhood Program Manager
Andrea joined Heckrodt Wetland Reserve’s staff in June 2011. Andrea is a graduate of UW-Stout (B.S. Early Childhood Education) and the University of Minnesota-Duluth (M. Ed. Environmental Education). Andrea has worked in nature education in many settings, including resident nature camps, girl scout camps, and Great Lakes Aquarium. Andrea is responsible for the development of early childhood and girl scout programming, educating the public through environmental education, and volunteer coordination for events and education.
Kelsey Parry
Site Manager
Kelsey joined the staff at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in January 2013. Kelsey has an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology from Fox Valley Technical College. He has experience in construction and maintenance, along with land and property management. Kelsey is responsible for all aspects of property management, including buildings and trails.
Emma Neuman
Habitat Manager
Emma joined Heckrodt Wetland Reserve’s staff in July 2016. She holds an Associate Degree in Natural Resources from Fox Valley Technical College. Emma served as Heckrodt Wetland Reserve’s habitat management intern for two-and-a-half years before becoming a full-time employee in July 2016. Emma is responsible for developing and implementing the Reserve’s habitat management plan.
Maddie Jenks
Naturalist Educator
Maddie joined Heckrodt Wetland Reserve’s staff in May 2023. Maddie is a graduate of UW- Stevens Point with a B.S. in Environmental Education and Interpretation. Maddie served as Heckrodt Wetland Reserve’s Environmental Program Assistant Intern for a year before becoming a full-time employee in May 2023. Maddie is responsible for the development of public programs and educating the public through environmental education.
Governance
The Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Board of Directors consists of volunteers who are members of our community with interest in the environment and education. A list of 2023 members of the Board of Directors follows.
2023 Board of Director Members
| Jesse Nelson — Chair
Partner, Investment Advisor, Copper Harbor Investment Advisors, LLC |
Eric Glad
Educator, Menasha Joint School District |
| William Skarie – Vice Chair
Retired DDS |
Jared Petersen
Director, Strategic Development, JLG Industries |
| Alyssa Dudkowski — Secretary
Retired Associate General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark |
Nick Pretasky
Director of Listening & Learning, Humanistic Leadership LLC |
| Randy Mahoney – Treasurer
Audit Partner, WIPFLI |
Andrew Konkel
United Way of the Coastal Empire |
| Bret Gerrits
Director Of Support Services, Gundersen Health System |
Melanie Simon
HR Manager, Essity |
| Dave Radford
Director of Storytelling, ThedaCare |
Kevin Tubbs
VP, Chief Ethics, Compliance and Sustainability Officer, Oshkosh Corporation |
| Carla Heckrodt
Retired Educator |
Samantha Uitenbroek
Customer Experience, Secura Insurance |
| Laura Kemps
Manager Volunteer Services, ThedaCare |