Diving Deep Into Heckrodt: An LTE’s POV

I survived my first month at Heckrodt—and what a wild, wonderful ride it’s been!

Hi there! My name is Sophia Lehner, and I’m thrilled to be spending the summer as Heckrodt’s LTE and Environmental Education Assistant. I’m heading into my junior year at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in German. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to work on a nature reserve, helping connect communities to the hidden wonders of wildlife—sometimes just beyond their backyard fences.

🌞 Making a Splash This Summer

We kicked off June with a bang—or should I say a cast—at our annual Free Fishing Day Event at Jefferson Park in Menasha. Over 150 enthusiastic anglers joined us on Saturday, June 7th, for a morning of fishing fun and freshly grilled hot dogs. All month long, I’ve been elbow-deep in tackle boxes and fish facts, helping run weekly fishing education sessions for kids. It’s hands-on, high-energy, and incredibly rewarding.

🦌 Wildlife Wonders Galore

Spring brought a baby boom to the Reserve! We welcomed a whole crew of animal cuteness: fawns, triplet owlets (a Heckrodt first!), a sandhill crane colt, groundhog and raccoon kits, ducklings, and even a few snapping turtle nests. I’ve been lucky enough to lead hikes across the Reserve, spotting these creatures with guests and sharing what makes each one so fascinating.

📚 Programs, Pelicans & Personal Firsts

Taking the reins on some of our educational programs has been a big confidence booster. I coordinate our Nature Friends Till Summer’s End events—free, family-friendly programs held once a month on a Tuesday. Upcoming topics include pollinators and reptiles, and every participant/family gets a free book—all ages welcome! The next one is on July 22^nd and the last one is on August 19^th.

A major highlight? On Week 2 of work, I got to drive the company car to the Menominee Zoo in Oshkosh and lead a presentation about pelicans! Fun fact: these majestic birds can have a 10-foot wingspan and live up to 25 years in the wild. No live pelicans came with me but trust me—the facts were just as fascinating.

🐢 Feeding Time & Unplanned Rescues

I have the privilege to feed our nature center residents—turtles, frogs, fish, and snakes—each one full of personality and snack-driven ambition. But it’s not always cute and cuddly here at the reserve. In late June, someone abandoned pet rats at the Reserve, and we had to stage a rescue mission. That same weekend, I also heroically retrieved a rogue water bottle from the wetlands (you’re welcome, hydration). We take our rescue missions very seriously!

Happier news, on June 27th, I led my very first children’s program alone—did I almost fall into the wetland…maybe, but that is a story for another time!

✨ One Month Down, Many Memories to Go

It’s been a chaotic, exhilarating, and joyful first month at Heckrodt. From pelican talks, to spotting all kinds of creatures, to teaching solo programs, every moment has been a step toward the environmental educator I’m becoming. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer brings—and I promise to report back with even more “ribbiting” tales!

Thanks for following along 🐸💚

Sophia Lehner
Environmental Education Assistant