Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

What Heckrodt Wetland Reserve does

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit urban nature reserve operating on a 91-acre parcel in Menasha, Wisconsin, near Lake Winnebago and the city of Appleton. The reserve combines a 4,000-square-foot Nature Center with indoor interpretive exhibits, live wetland aquariums housing local fish, frogs, turtles, and snakes, and three miles of outdoor trails with nearly 4,000 feet of elevated boardwalks. Six named interpretive areas (Eagle Nest & Flight Line, Lopas Pond Dock, Nature's Rain Garden & Wetland Discovery Area, Reclaimed Prairie, The Wild Space, and Wetland Education Station) provide structured educational touchpoints across habitats including forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, created prairie, and upland forest.

The organization delivers environmental education programming across multiple customer segments. Youth & Family programs include the Eco-Explorers Summer Day Camp ($70-$95 per session by age band), Turtle Tots Preschool Adventure ($6/child for ages 2-6), and childcare programs. School Programs are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Wisconsin Standards for Science and serve K-12 districts including Menasha Joint School District and Fox Valley area schools. Scout Programs (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts) deliver merit badge clinics and Eagle Scout project coordination. Community programs include the Heckrodt Birding Club ($10/year), Heckrodt Book Club, water quality monitoring, and habitat management initiatives including goat-assisted buckthorn removal.

Revenue mechanics are donation-dominant with diversified program and ancillary streams. General admission to the Nature Center and trails is free, with voluntary donations accepted. Primary funding is sourced from individual, corporate, and foundation donations, with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region facilitating complex gifts (stock, securities, real estate, QCDs from IRAs). Program fees, facility rentals (Presentation Room, max 54 occupancy), snowshoe rentals ($5/pair), commemorative brick and picnic table sponsorships, and goat sponsorships ($100/goat) provide additional revenue. The Lee Murphy Nature's for Everyone Scholarship, supported by Horicon Bank, ensures equity access. The reserve serves more than 50,000 visitors annually, including more than 10,000 participants in naturalist-led education programs, and is governed by a 16+ member volunteer Board of Directors with a paid staff of seven.

Name

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Legal name

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Website

https://heckrodtnaturecenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 91-acre non-profit urban nature reserve in Menasha, Wisconsin, offering free public access to wetland trails and a Nature Center while delivering donor-funded environmental education programs for schools, families, scouts, and community members.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Education & Nature Reserve

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

akta.pro primary industry

Conservation Parks & Private Nature Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC), Wildlife Interpretation & Education Centers (Visitor Centers, Museums) (THAAAFAG)

Keywords

• Environmental education
• Wetland conservation
• Nature education programs
• Urban nature reserve
• Wildlife habitat preservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Menasha

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, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The primary funding source is donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The organization is a private non-profit that depends on community support for operations. They accept Qualified Charitable Deductions from IRAs for donors 70½ years or older, and donations through the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region including stock, securities, real estate, and personal property.
2. Program Fees: Revenue from educational program registrations including summer day camps ($70-$95), Turtle Tots preschool programs ($6/child), scout programs ($9/scout with $45 minimum), and school field trips. Room rentals at the Nature Center generate additional revenue.
3. Facility and Space Rentals: The Presentation Room of the Nature Center is available for public rental during regular operating hours with a maximum occupancy of 54 people. Special rates are available for registered nonprofit organizations. Rental includes access to kitchen, projection wall, podium, and microphone.
4. Commemorative and Sponsorship Programs: Revenue from commemorative brick program, picnic table sponsorships, commemorative donations, and restoration support programs like Restore the Canopy.
5. Equipment Rentals: Snowshoe rentals at $5/pair during winter months when conditions permit (requires 6-inch soft snow base).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve operates a 91-acre urban nature reserve featuring a 4,000-square-foot Nature Center with interpretive exhibits and live wetland aquariums, three miles of trails with nearly 4,000 feet of elevated boardwalks, and six outdoor interpretive areas. The core offering is free public access to the reserve combined with naturalist-led educational programs that include school field trips, summer day camps, preschool programs, scout programs, and community clubs such as a Birding Club and Book Club. The organization is funded primarily through donations, grants, corporate sponsorships, and modest program and rental fees.

Product overview

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 91-acre non-profit urban nature reserve offering a unified visitor experience centered on environmental education and wetland conservation. The core offering consists of a 4,000-square-foot Nature Center with indoor exhibits and live animal displays, plus three miles of trails with nearly 4,000 feet of elevated boardwalks. Six interpretive outdoor areas (Eagle Nest & Flight Line, Lopas Pond Dock, Nature's Rain Garden & Wetland Discovery Area, Reclaimed Prairie, The Wild Space, and Wetland Education Station) provide structured educational experiences. The organization delivers programming through Youth & Family Programs (including Eco-Explorers Summer Day Camp and Turtle Tots Preschool Adventure), School Programs aligned with science standards, Scout Programs for merit badges, and Community Programs including a Birding Club and Book Club. Supporting services include room rentals, snowshoe rentals, scavenger hunt activities, habitat management with goat-assisted invasive species removal, and water quality monitoring. The reserve operates on donations and does not charge general admission.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Nature Center A 4,000-square-foot facility featuring indoor exhibits with live wetland aquariums housing local fish, frogs, turtles, and snakes, along with mounted Wisconsin mammals and birds displays, interpretive gallery, Discovery Den, restrooms, kitchen, solarium, and classroom/rental space. Open to the public free of charge Tuesday-Friday 8 AM-4:30 PM and Saturday 11 AM-4 PM.
• Trail System Three miles of trails including nearly 4,000 feet of elevated boardwalks providing access to wetland habitat for bird watching, hiking, photography, and snowshoeing in winter. Open daily 6 AM-9 PM, 365 days per year, free of charge.
• Youth & Family Programs Educational programs developed by trained naturalists including childcare programs, Eco-Explorers Summer Day Camp, scout programs, and Turtle Tots Preschool Adventure focused on environmental appreciation for families and youth.
• School Programs Child-friendly, hands-on field trip activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Wisconsin Standards for Science for K-12 students, delivered on-site at the reserve and via the Roving Naturalist program at childcare centers November-March.
• Scout Programs Programs for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts to earn awards and merit badges through outdoor field settings at the reserve, including the Boy Scout Environmental Science Merit Badge Clinic and Eagle Scout project coordination.
• Eco-Explorers Summer Day Camp Summer day camps for children ages 3 through grade 8 featuring nature-related activities, crafts, games, and stories with small group sizes and personal direction from naturalists. Pricing ranges from $70 to $95 per session by age group.
• Turtle Tots Preschool Adventure Preschool programs (ages 2-6) including themed stories, hands-on learning stations, and outdoor experiences led by naturalists, priced at $6 per child with preregistration required.
• Room Rentals Presentation Room rental for training sessions, workshops, meetings, and family events with maximum occupancy of 54 people, kitchen access, projection wall, podium, and microphone. Special rates available for registered nonprofit organizations.
• Snowshoe Rentals Snowshoe rentals available at $5 per pair when snow conditions are suitable (requiring a 6-inch soft snow base), including aluminum and traditional wooden snowshoes for children 4 and up. Available Tuesday-Friday 9 AM-3 PM and Saturday 12-3 PM.
• Heckrodt Birding Club Monthly club meetings with presentations, hikes, social time, and outings for bird enthusiasts; membership $10/year. Designed for nature enthusiasts and birders interested in the reserve's 160+ observed bird species.
• Heckrodt Book Club Literacy and nature program featuring a Little Free Library at the Wild Space area, seasonal public programs with related books, and the Heckrodt Tale Trail story walk.
• Water Quality Monitoring Program Community water quality education and monitoring program engaging youth and residents in data collection; produces an annual Wetlands in our Community Water Quality Report.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 50,000 visitors annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Community First Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner in Education. Their support allows the Reserve to continue offering affordable environmental education programming. Listed as Premiere Community Partner.
• BoldtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner in Construction and Progress. Supports reserve development and facility improvements.
• Menasha CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner in Nature Accessibility. Supports accessibility improvements for visitors to enjoy nature.
• Plexus Corp.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner in Trail Accessibility. Special thanks for trail accessibility support. Andrew Lehner, Director of Finance at Plexus Corp., serves on the Board of Directors.
• EssityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner in Wellness. Supports wellness programming at the reserve.
• Evergreen Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner in Habitat Protection & Enhancement. Plug into Nature Sponsor for childcare programs.
• AmcorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHeckrodt Prairie Hootenanny Premiere Sponsor. Community Partner in STEAM education.
• Rands (Compact Tractor Sale)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner in Equipment & Grounds. Provides equipment support for grounds maintenance.
• Beautify Your YardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner in Native Landscape & Design. Supports native plant landscaping and design projects.
• Zander Press IncminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner in Communications. Supports communication and marketing efforts.
• Canadian National RailwaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNature's for All Sponsor. Their support helps make nature more available for the community and enables school programming.
• Lakeside Book CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstalled the Little Free Library at the children's Wild Space area and supports the Heckrodt Book Club program connecting nature and literacy.
• Fox Valley Memory ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership program Bridging the Nature Gap combining memory project with nature programming for participants of all ages.
• Georgia-PacificminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Forest Sponsor. Supports forest habitat management at the reserve.

Scale indicators5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Green Bay Botanical Garden: Wisconsin botanical garden in Green Bay with educational programming, family events, and visitor services. A broader environmental/educational portfolio that overlaps Heckrodt's mission and competes for family day-trip visits in the broader Fox Valley region.
• NEW Zoo & Adventure Park: Brown County zoo and wildlife attraction with live animal exhibits, family education programs, and admission-based visitor services. Broader wildlife/education portfolio that overlaps with Heckrodt's naturalist-led programs within the same broader regional market.

Regional players

• Trees For Tomorrow: Eagle River, WI environmental education center with overnight programs, school field trips, and naturalist-led programming. Comparable Wisconsin nonprofit nature-education model with a regional/Eagle River catchment distinct from Heckrodt's Fox Valley territory.

Direct peers

• Wehr Nature Center: Milwaukee County Parks-operated nature center in Franklin, WI, offering trails, environmental education, and naturalist-led programs. Comparable urban-adjacent positioning with a larger public-park operator as its sponsor.
• Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Milwaukee-based urban nature center offering trails, environmental education, and family programming on a private nonprofit model. Comparable mission and urban-reserve positioning at a significantly larger scale.
• Ledge View Nature Center: Calumet County-operated nature center in Chilton, WI, with similar regional Wisconsin catchment, trails, educational programming, and public school field trip offerings — a close functional comparable to Heckrodt within 30 miles.
• Riveredge Nature Center: Wisconsin nature center in Saukville operating 350+ acres with extensive trail systems, naturalist-led school programs, summer camps, and a nonprofit funding model. Operationally similar to Heckrodt at a larger geographic scale and rural setting.
• Navarino Nature Center: Wisconsin nature center near Shiocton operating trails, environmental education programs, and school field trips on a nonprofit model. Directly comparable in mission and Wisconsin wetland/ecology focus.
• 1000 Islands Environmental Center: Fox Valley-area environmental center operating on a similar nonprofit model with public trails, school programs, and visitor services. Located roughly 10 miles from Heckrodt in Kaukauna, WI, it is the closest geographic and functional peer and competes for school district and family visitors in the same catchment.
• Mosquito Hill Nature Center: Outagamie County-operated nature center near New London, WI, offering trails, school programs, and year-round environmental education. Directly comparable in scope, Wisconsin ecological setting, and reliance on educational program revenue.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQGXyoBanqFObqnxpUi81jg/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/heckrodtnaturecenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/heckrodtwetlandreserve
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/heckrodt-wetland-reserve

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Heckrodt Wetland Reserve