Beaver Creek Reserve

What Beaver Creek Reserve does

Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit nature reserve located on 400+ acres along the Eau Claire River in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Originally established in 1947 as the Eau Claire Youth Camp on 160 acres, the reserve has been operated since 1985 by the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve and, since 2008, in formal partnership with Eau Claire County as co-operator. BCR serves regional visitors, school groups, families, astronomy enthusiasts, and donor/member supporters through environmental education, outdoor recreation, and citizen science programming.

The reserve operates a portfolio of specialized facilities including the Wise Nature Center, Butterfly House, Hobbs Observatory (in partnership with UW-Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society), Citizen Science Center, Main Lodge, Cedar Lodge, overnight cabins, and 9+ miles of trails. Programming includes summer camps, K-12 field trips, the Wildlands Charter School (operated with the School District of Augusta, serving 60 students), citizen science initiatives, and signature annual events such as Maple Fest, Butterfly Fest, and Boofest. Educational content is also delivered virtually via YouTube and blog channels.

Revenue is generated through a diversified non-profit model: daily admissions ($8 adults, $5 youth), facility and equipment rentals (kayaks, snowshoes, lodges, cabins, meeting rooms), program and event fees, memberships, targeted donations (Adopt-a-Bird, Sponsor-a-Butterfly, Memorial Walkway), native plant sales, and on-site store merchandise. Corporate sponsorships include Mayo Clinic Health System, 3M, and the Eau Claire Community Foundation, with major donor capital (e.g., the Mathison family gift in 2017) funding infrastructure improvements. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors (President John Kleven, VP Christopher Gierhart, Treasurer Mark Wise) and an Endowment Committee, with ~22 paid staff supplemented by an AmeriCorps member pipeline.

Name

Beaver Creek Reserve

Legal name

Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve

Website

https://beavercreekreserve.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Beaver Creek Reserve is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating a 400+ acre nature reserve in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, delivering environmental education, citizen science, and outdoor recreation programs to regional schools, families, and community members.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nature Education and Outdoor Recreation

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Birding & Wildlife Observation Lodges (THAGAIAK), Conservation & Research Lodges (Citizen Science, Field Stations with Guests) (THAAAHAJ)

Keywords

• Environmental education services
• Nature reserve programs
• Outdoor recreation services
• Citizen science programs
• Wildlife conservation education

Headquarters

HQ city

Fall Creek

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Daily Admission: Admission fees charged to non-members visiting the nature reserve. Adults $8, youth (2-15) $5, children under 2 free. Members, university students, and active military receive free admission.
2. Facility Rentals: Rental of Wise Nature Center (meeting rooms, Savannah Room, Woodland Room, Auditorium), Main Lodge (capacity 100), Cedar Lodge (capacity 30), Citizen Science Center, Hobbs Observatory, cabins (5 rustic cabins each accommodating up to 20 people), and tenting area.
3. Equipment Rentals: Seasonal rentals including snowshoes, cross-country skis, kayaks, GPS units, telescopes, and Wonder Walk Backpacks. Canoes available only for overnight camp rentals.
4. Program and Event Fees: Fees for summer camps, field trips, special programs (yoga, bat walks, beekeeping classes, citizen science projects), and annual events (Maple Fest, Butterfly Fest, Boofest, Candlelight Hikes).
5. Memberships: Annual membership program providing free admission, discounts on programs and store, and other benefits. Members receive Woodprints newsletter and Current Happenings email updates.
6. Donations: Tax-deductible donations to support the nature reserve's mission. Memorial Walkway brick purchases, Adopt-a-Bird program, Sponsor-a-Butterfly program.
7. Native Plant Sale: Annual online plant sale with pickup at the reserve. Native plants including 1-year, 2-year, and established/premium plants. BCR members receive 10% discount.
8. Store Sales: Nature store at Wise Nature Center offering nature-themed products and items.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Beaver Creek Reserve is a 400+ acre nature reserve in Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley that provides environmental education programs, outdoor recreation, and facility rentals. Core offerings include guided and self-guided nature reserve visits (trails, Wise Nature Center, Butterfly House, Hobbs Observatory), summer camps and field trips for youth, year-round educational programming (citizen science, astronomy, beekeeping), cabin and lodge rentals for overnight stays, and seasonal equipment rentals (snowshoes, kayaks, telescopes). The reserve also hosts annual festivals and operates a native plant sale.

Product overview

Beaver Creek Reserve is a 400+ acre nature reserve in Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley offering environmental education and outdoor recreation programs. The organization operates multiple interconnected facilities and programs including the Wise Nature Center (central visitor hub), seasonal Butterfly House, Hobbs Observatory (astronomy), Citizen Science Center, and partners with Wildlands Charter School. Core programming includes summer camps, field trips, equipment rentals, and special events like Maple Fest, Butterfly Fest, and Earth Month celebrations. The reserve provides cabin/lodge facilities for overnight group stays and manages 9+ miles of multi-use trails. Virtual learning offerings include YouTube content and the Junior Naturalist program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wise Nature Center: The main nature center serving as the hub of activity at Beaver Creek Reserve, featuring the Scheels Discovery Room with educational animal exhibits.
• Citizen Science Center
• Hobbs Observatory
• Butterfly House
• Wildlands Charter School

Products and services

• Wise Nature Center Visit The Wise Nature Center serves as the main visitor hub for the reserve, featuring the Scheels Discovery Room with animal ambassadors and interactive exhibits. Open to families, school groups, and the general public for self-guided and naturalist-led exploration. Adults $8, Youth (2-15) $5, Children under 2 FREE. Members admitted free.
• Butterfly House Seasonal attraction where visitors interact with 30+ Wisconsin native butterfly species in their natural environment. Includes a butterfly lab for raising monarchs from egg to chrysalis. Open July 5 through September 1, attracting 20,000-25,000 cumulative visitors since 2016 with 40-140 daily visitors at peak season.
• Hobbs Observatory Programs Public astronomy program featuring telescopes that allow visitors to view the moon, planets, and galaxies appearing larger and brighter than with the naked eye. Free public viewing sessions on clear Saturday nights from May through October. Monthly HOAS (Hobbs Observatory Astronomical Series) presentations on the third Saturday of each month.
• Summer Camps Seasonal youth programs offered June-July for various age groups covering nature exploration, outdoor skills, and environmental education. Registration via Guildara platform starting March 1 at 8:00 AM. Partnerships with Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls, and Fall Creek school districts for school-sponsored camps including free offerings.
• Field Trips & Group Visits Educational group programs for school groups, youth organizations, and clubs. Offerings include naturalist-led animal programs, archery, bird banding demonstrations, cross-country skiing, geocaching, maple syrup demonstrations, nature hikes, snowshoeing, and raptor programs aligned with curriculum standards.
• Cabin & Lodge Rentals Overnight accommodations including five rustic sleeper cabins each accommodating up to 20 people, Main Lodge with capacity 100, and Cedar Lodge with capacity 30. Available for groups, family reunions, school trips, and overnight camp programs.
• Equipment Rentals Seasonal recreational equipment rentals including snowshoes (Members $3, Non-members $10), cross-country skis, kayaks (Members $15, Non-members $40), GPS units (Members FREE, Non-members $30), telescopes, and Wonder Walk Backpacks (FREE with $20 refundable deposit). Includes an all-terrain outdoor wheelchair for accessibility on reserve property.
• Facility Rentals Event venue rentals including Wise Nature Center meeting rooms (Savannah Room, Woodland Room, Auditorium), Main Lodge, Cedar Lodge, Citizen Science Center, and Hobbs Observatory. For corporate retreats, business meetings, weddings, banquets, and group events with capacities ranging from 5 to 130 people.
• Virtual Learning Program Online educational content including a YouTube channel with nature topic videos (Butterfly House tours, edible plants, trail treasures), in-depth articles on the Beaver Creek Connection blog, and a Junior Naturalist program combining virtual and real-world learning experiences.
• Nature Nooks & Obstacle Course Outdoor play spaces including three nature play pods (Fantasy Forest, Nature's Symphony, Little Kid Big World) and Sawyer's Pollinator Park, plus a 12-element obstacle course with zip line. Designed for families and youth groups visiting the reserve, sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System, 3M, and Eau Claire Community Foundation.
• Native Plant Sale Annual online plant sale offering native Wisconsin plants with online ordering and pickup at the reserve. Includes 1-year, 2-year, and established/premium plant options. BCR members receive a 10% discount on orders.
• Annual Membership Annual membership program providing free admission, discounts on programs and store purchases, and other benefits. Members receive the Current Happenings bi-weekly email newsletter with naturalists' notes, new videos, and membership information.
• Seasonal Festivals (Maple Fest, Butterfly Fest, Boofest, Candlelight Hikes, Crafting at the Creek) Ticketed annual special events including Maple Fest (Members $8/adult, Non-members $12/adult, featuring tree tapping, sap collection, syrup tasting, and presentations), Butterfly Fest (Members $8/adult, Non-members $12/adult, featuring guided house tours and crafts), Boofest (Members $10/adult, Non-members $12/adult), Candlelight Hikes (Members $8, Non-members $12, plus snowshoe rental), and Crafting at the Creek (Members $6/child, Non-members $8/child).
• Wildlands Charter School (Partner Program) Partner charter school through the Augusta School District offering project-based environmental education for grades 7-12. Students use the BCR campus for hands-on scientific research. 60 students accepted annually from any area school district.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000-25,000 Butterfly House visitors since 2016
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society (CVAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Hobbs Observatory operations. CVAS members present monthly programs on astronomical topics and provide volunteer staffing for public telescope viewing sessions on clear Saturdays from May through October. HOAS (Hobbs Observatory Astronomical Series) programs held third Saturday of each month.
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Department of Physics and AstronomycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-operators of Hobbs Observatory alongside BCR and Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society. Physics department collaboration for astronomical education and research.
• School District of AugustacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Wildlands Science Research School - a charter school through Augusta School District. Students from any area school district can apply. 60 students accepted annually for 7th-12th grade with project-based learning and scientific research focus.
• Lake Eau Claire AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit dedicated to protecting and improving water quality and fishery of Lake Eau Claire. Partners with Citizen Science Center and Wildlands School on lake projects.
• Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association (LWIPA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPurpose is to preserve and protect Lake Wissota and surroundings, enhance water quality, fishery, boating safety, and aesthetic value. Partners with Citizen Science Center on lake projects.
• Lower Chippewa Invasives Partnership, Inc. (LCIP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) working to bring together landowners and land managers, share expertise and resources, and spread awareness about invasive species throughout the Lower Chippewa region.
• Chippewa County Land Conservation and Forest ManagementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighbors to the north involved with various projects in partnership with Beaver Creek Reserve.
• Eau Claire CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-operator of Beaver Creek Reserve alongside Friends of Beaver Creek. County manages the property while Friends organization handles daily operations and programs.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResource for everything nature-related in Wisconsin including natural resources, environmental protection, education, and training. Collaborates on Citizen Science Center projects including bathymetric mapping.
• CulversminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors Butterfly Fest with custard donations. Also provided chocolate custard for Earth Party dirt cups.
• Mayo Clinic Health SystemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Nature Nooks outdoor play spaces including 3M Fledgling Forest and play areas at the Wise Nature Center.
• 3MminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Nature Nooks outdoor play spaces and Sawyer's Pollinator Park at the Wise Nature Center.
• Eau Claire Community FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Nature Nooks outdoor play spaces and obstacle course.
• Eau Claire County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFunding provided for all-terrain outdoor wheelchair accessible equipment.
• Chippewa Valley Beekeepers ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with BCR for Beekeeping 103 programming. Randy Rykal provides training on beekeeping including fall management, honey extraction, and winter preparation.
• The Brewing ProjektminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue host for Paint & Sip: Bats event. Chippewa River Trolley Co. partner for Urban Nature Adventure Tours.
• Chippewa River Trolley Co.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for Urban Nature Adventure Tours exploring hidden urban forests, wetlands, and prairies in Eau Claire.
• J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHosting Exotic Pet Surrender Event at BCR for fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants.
• Our NawakwaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOff-site partner location for Lake Study programs and Mandalas and Mindfulness events. Located at Nawakwa.
• Eau Claire County ParksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Earth Week offering free access to 9 county parks including Big Falls, Coon Fork, Harstad, Lake Altoona, Lowes Creek, Lake Eau Claire, and others.
• Alter Metal RecyclingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEarth Month metal recycling partner. Donations matched pound for pound during April. Drop-off locations at BCR or Alter Metal Recycling in Eau Claire.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation & ReleaseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWildlife rehabilitation referral for injured/orphaned animals. Run by Patti Stangel at E9356 830th Ave, Colfax, WI 54730, 715-832-1462.
• Chippewa Valley Wildlife RehabilitationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWildlife rehabilitation referral for non-bird animals. Run by Elise Bauer at 8135 Burnell Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54703, 715-838-0326.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wehr Nature Center: Wisconsin non-profit nature center operated with county partnership, offering trails, nature play, school field trips, and family programming; comparable operating model and visitor segments.
• Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center: Minnesota/Wisconsin border non-profit nature center with similar environmental education, hiking, school programs, and citizen science activities; directly comparable in mission and program structure.
• Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Milwaukee-area non-profit nature center with trails, education programs, summer camps, and school group offerings; closely comparable in mission, programming mix, and visitor experience to BCR.
• Aldo Leopold Foundation: Baraboo, WI-based conservation and education non-profit focused on land stewardship and environmental education; comparable in mission (conservation education) and Wisconsin regional footprint, though with less lodging and event infrastructure.
• Riveredge Nature Center: Wisconsin-based non-profit nature center in Saukville offering environmental education, trails, school programs, and citizen science on a comparable scale to Beaver Creek Reserve; very similar mix of family programming, summer camps, and field-trip partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• UW Arboretum (University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum): Larger, research-oriented Wisconsin nature preserve with trails, education programs, and citizen science; overlaps with BCR's visitor experience and citizen science offerings but operates at greater scale as part of a university.
• The Morton Arboretum: Large Illinois-based tree-focused nature institution with extensive trails, education programs, and special events; comparable family/visitor experience but at significantly greater scale and with broader corporate backing.

Emerging players

• Olbrich Botanical Gardens: Madison-based public botanical garden with seasonal exhibits and education; partial overlap with BCR's Butterfly House/plant sale programming and event-driven GTM, though more horticulture than nature/wildlife focused.
• Irvine Nature Center: Maryland non-profit environmental education center with trails, school programs, summer camps, and citizen science; comparable non-profit nature-center model and program mix outside BCR's geography.

Regional players

• MacKenzie Center: Wisconsin DNR-operated environmental education center near Poynette with trails, wildlife exhibits, and school programs; comparable programming but government-operated and located in a different region of Wisconsin.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCv5PN4I1qaBBUjkF0jYBXCg
• Xx.com/BCReserve

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Beaver Creek Reserve