History of Beaver Creek Reserve
Youth Camp
The concept of a "Youth Camp" was initiated by a handful of county residents concerned with providing youth opportunities to better understand and appreciate nature and conservation, with the hope that these experiences would cultivate qualities that make people better members of society
In 1947 these concerned citizens obtained the support of the Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors and 160 acres of tax delinquent land was set aside for the Eau Claire County Youth Camp and Conservation Center. Early work at the camp was done entirely through donations and volunteer labor. The Fall Creek Lions and other area service organizations were instrumental in the construction of the Main Lodge and sleeping cabins.
The County Board of Supervisors became more involved in the 1970s when they financed construction of the caretaker's residence, the shower house and Cedar Lodge.
Hobb's Observatory
A grant from the Hobb's Foundation in 1979 allowed construction of the observatory. Another Hobbs grant allowed the Reserve to acquire a 24"reflective telescope from Edwards Air Force Base in California through the federal government's surplus property program. In 1989 the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve successfully completed a capital campaign to build an addition to the observatory which included a classroom, resource center, office, second dome and a computerized CCD camera mounted on the telescope.
Wise Nature Center
In 1985 the Wise Nature Center was completed after a successful fundraiser initiated by the Beaver Creek Reserve Commission and the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve. The overwhelming success was evidence of the diverse support the Youth Camp had in the community. That same year the name Beaver Creek Reserve was adopted to encompass the Youth Camp, Wise Nature Center and Hobbs Observatory.
In 1989 the L.L. Phillips addition to the Nature Center more than doubled the size of the facility, to over 12,000 sq. feet; adding an auditorium, gift shop, classrooms, lab, exhibit and office space.
Butterfly House
The concept of a butterfly house was a long-range dream for Beaver Creek Reserve. In 1999 Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary sorority for women educators, helped Beaver Creek receive a grant from the bequest of Ernella S. Hunziker. This grant enabled Beaver Creek Reserve to purchase, erect and landscape the seasonal outdoor structure, develop informational signs and train staff and volunteers. Since then, the annual operating expenses are funded by the donations of visitors.
Citizen Science Center
The Citizen Science Center began with a pilot program of field research projects by students from area schools. This research yielded valuable scientific information as well as valuable environmental experience for the students. The Citizen Science Center grew out of the need for a facility where this research could expand in scope, breadth and depth. A major fund-raising campaign was undertaken by the Friends of Beaver Creek in 2002. Many area businesses and individuals pledged support of the new center. The building opened in 2004. The Citizen Science Center and its programs are currently self-supporting, funded by grants and contracts with area agencies. The Wildlands Charter School is housed in the Citizen Science Center September through May.
