Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a private, nonprofit Nature Center located in Menasha, Wisconsin.

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 91-acre urban nature reserve with habitats including forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, created prairie, open field, and upland forest.

🎣We’re still reeling from the success of this morning’s Community First Free Fishing Day! A huge THANK YOU to our amazin...
06/06/2026

🎣We’re still reeling from the success of this morning’s Community First Free Fishing Day!

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers, enthusiastic participants, and wonderful partners including City of Menasha Police Department, Jefferson Park Neighborhood and Community First Credit Union for helping to make it such a memorable day!

📸 Show us your catches! Drop your favorite photos from the event in the comments below! 👇

Show most people a turkey and they'll think of fall. But here at Heckrodt, spring and summer are the busiest seasons for...
06/05/2026

Show most people a turkey and they'll think of fall. But here at Heckrodt, spring and summer are the busiest seasons for our resident turkeys! Breeding season, also called the "spring shuffle", runs from April to early June. You may hear toms (male turkeys) gobbling loudly to call hens (females) to their location. But now that the breeding season is almost over, most hens are already busy incubating their eggs. It takes poults (baby turkeys) nearly a month to hatch, but they are ready to leave the nest within just 24 hours. So expect to see wild turkey families out and about very soon! 🦃🐤🐤🐤

Looking to Create Your Summer plans? We’ve got you covered. Heckrodt Wetland Reserve has a full lineup of summer fun for...
06/04/2026

Looking to Create Your Summer plans? We’ve got you covered.

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve has a full lineup of summer fun for all ages. Check out this sneak peek of our upcoming programs, and stay tuned for full details on each event!

Blooming in the wetland! Spring and early summer flowers are beginning to brighten the trails at Heckrodt! Swamp Butterc...
06/03/2026

Blooming in the wetland!

Spring and early summer flowers are beginning to brighten the trails at Heckrodt! Swamp Buttercup is adding splashes of yellow throughout the wetland, Calla Lily is blooming beautifully, and tiny Mayapple flowers are peeking out from beneath the leafy canopy of the Mayapple plants. You can also spot Joe-Pye W**d beginning to grow along the trails.

There is always something new to discover in nature this time of year. Be sure to slow down and look closely on your next visit!

Photos taken by Andrea Bierbrauer

06/03/2026

Need refueling after a long hike at Heckrodt? Head to Mihms for one of their legendary burgers and a malt! The new Benefit Burger benefits Heckrodt! Help support the Reserve and eat a yummy burger!

Spring has Sprung at Heckrodt 🌿The trails are alive with activity. Wildlife is on the move, flowers are blooming, and a ...
06/02/2026

Spring has Sprung at Heckrodt 🌿

The trails are alive with activity. Wildlife is on the move, flowers are blooming, and a new boardwalk is taking shape which is helping make the wetlands more accessible for everyone.

This progress is possible thanks to generous support from the David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund and ongoing support from people like you.

Help keep Heckrodt open, accessible, and thriving this season.

Make your spring gift today: https://heckrodt-wetland-reserve.networkforgood.com/projects/284481-support-hwr-in-2026

Because everyone deserves a place to walk, breathe, and reconnect with nature.

Heckrodt had a successful 2025–2026 school year! This year, we welcomed 5,455 students and taught more than 160 field tr...
06/01/2026

Heckrodt had a successful 2025–2026 school year!

This year, we welcomed 5,455 students and taught more than 160 field trip programs at the Reserve.

Ever wonder what goes into planning a field trip at Heckrodt?

From preparing hands-on activities and scouting trail conditions to caring for our animal ambassadors and coordinating schedules, so much happens behind the scenes before students arrive. Our newest blog, “Beyond the Lesson,” gives you a glimpse into the work, passion, and preparation that help create meaningful outdoor learning experiences for thousands of students each year.

At Heckrodt, field trips are more than just a walk through the wetlands; they are opportunities to spark curiosity, encourage discovery, and inspire future environmental stewards.

Read the blog here: https://heckrodtnaturecenter.org/beyond-the-lesson

Help us wish a very Happy Birthday to Andrea! 🎉Andrea plays a huge role in helping advance the mission of Heckrodt Wetla...
05/30/2026

Help us wish a very Happy Birthday to Andrea! 🎉

Andrea plays a huge role in helping advance the mission of Heckrodt Wetland Reserve each and every day. From designing engaging curriculum and teaching students of all ages to managing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our website and social media running smoothly, her impact can be seen throughout the Reserve.

She also shares the beauty of nature through her wildlife photography, helping connect our community to the wetlands and the amazing species that call it home. 📸

Thank you, Andrea, for all the passion, creativity, and dedication you bring to environmental education and conservation. We hope you have an amazing birthday!

Big things are coming to Heckrodt! We are excited to announce our partnership with Taylor Studios. Together, we are work...
05/29/2026

Big things are coming to Heckrodt!

We are excited to announce our partnership with Taylor Studios. Together, we are working to create more meaningful, hands-on exhibits that inspire curiosity, exploration, and a deeper connection to nature.

We can’t wait to see where the future leads and to bring even more engaging experiences to our visitors and community. Stay tuned for updates as this exciting journey unfolds!

Address

1305 Plank Road
Menasha, WI
54952

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

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