Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary celebrates 90th anniversary

GREEN BAY – Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, marking a milestone in an almost century-long journey of rehabilitation, conservation and environmental education.

The wildlife sanctuary is home to the largest wildlife rehabilitation program in the state, as well as numerous animal exhibitions, scenic views and outreach activities.

“I think the 90th anniversary is very telling that we have a long-standing history and reputation within the community,” said Kim Diedrich, chief naturalist at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.

Diedrich added that the wildlife sanctuary has played a key role in protecting Wisconsin’s ecosystem through its rehabilitation program.

“We’ve taken between 6,000 and 7,000 injured, orphaned wildlife. I think that’s a great asset to the community — that they have somewhere for those animals to be taken and cared for, hopefully with the goal of releasing them back into the wild,” she shared. “Those that are not able to go back out in the wild are used as educational ambassadors to teach people about how to become good stewards of wildlife… I think Green Bay is very fortunate that we have a facility like this.”

In addition to its rehabilitation efforts, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary offers educational and outreach programs that connect the community through outdoor activities while building awareness of Wisconsin’s ecosystem.

“Environmental education is one of our main goals here at the sanctuary and a part of our mission statement,” Diedrich said. “We offer opportunities for basically anyone...Some of that is recreation-based, like snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing and trail walks. Then, we have our three buildings, which all have educational exhibits and hands-on ways for people to interact with and learn about nature and Wisconsin wildlife.”

Looking to the future, the wildlife sanctuary aims to uphold the same mission it has had for 90 years, while also adapting to new technology and trends in education.

“We’re always going to remain true to education, conservation and rehabilitation,” said Diedrich. “Things in education have changed — there’s a lot more technology out there now than there was 20, 30 and obviously 90 years ago. So, we want to keep up on those trends so that people are still learning. We want people outside, interacting with the natural world that’s here.”

She added that she hopes those visiting the wildlife sanctuary this year take away not only more knowledge of Wisconsin wildlife, but increased motivation to become a good environmental steward.

“I really hope that people honor our tradition, but also help us meet our mission, having learned things that they as individuals can do to help wildlife and conserve our natural resources,” Diedrich said. “Whether it’s through simple things — you can plant native species in your yard and feed birds in your yard — [visitors] are hopefully learning things like that to become a good steward and keep those positive things going for years to come… I’m hoping the sanctuary will be here forever.”