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Mequon Nature Preserve

The Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP) was organized in 2002 through a partnership with the City of Mequon, Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT), and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. The mission of this vital environmental resource is to restore the 640 acres of urbanized area in Section 33 of the city of Mequon to a pre-European settlement state, featuring well-maintained deciduous hardwood forests and wetlands.

“This is a project that transcends generations, bridges all backgrounds and cures the nature deficit,” expresses Kristin Gies, Manager of the MNP.

The MNP stands as a fine example of the best scientific practices coming together to restore Wisconsin’s native natural beauty. In contrast to most nature centers across the globe, the MNP is not a mature, finished forest; rather, it’s a beginning. “While I may never see the forest it will become, every time I plant a seed I think of my child and his children and the joy they will have walking through the forest,” notes Gies. “There will never be homes, condos, buildings, factories…nothing but pure, protected land and a beautiful example of restoration.”

The MNP currently occupies 438 acres of the total 640 acres in the section, which is situated on the boarder of Ozaukee and Milwaukee counties. This is quite a unique location, as the MNP is able to provide opportunities for environmental education and passive recreation for a growing metropolitan area.

With five miles of trails winding throughout the preserve, guests take pleasure in active diversions such as hiking, jogging, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Additionally, the site features a new bike path connecting to the Oak Leaf Trail in Kohl Park and the Interurban Trail in Ozaukee County. The MNP is also equipped with two long boardwalks crossing more than 20 acres of wetlands, a 50-foot-high observation tower complete with telescopes and a bluebird house. Visitors and volunteers are welcome to participate in the ground-level restoration project and exceptional stewardship training as well.

The MNP opened the modern PieperPower Education Center to the public in the summer of 2008. With the generous donations of many local businesses and other entities, the center came to life within a renovated 12,000- square-foot building. The Education Center is home to a host of environmental research, education programs and stimulating activities.

In addition to living up to its goal to be a site for environmental research and education, MNP also exhibits its dedication to preserving the land through its green building initiatives. “The building opens amazing opportunities to learn about green building practices and state-of-the-art energy saving systems,” says Gies.

The PieperPower Education Center was recognized as Mequon’s first green structure, utilizing such eco-friendly products as marmenoleum for the floors, recycled soda bottles for the carpet and low VOC paint for the walls. “This past summer we installed a green roof, meaning we planted sedum, a xeriscaping plant on the roof that will help insulate the center, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer,” explains Gies. “We also just completed geothermal power generation systems and plan to install photovoltaic systems this summer.”

The Education Center is well on its way to reaching its goal of Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation. In addition to instituting the assortment of green products and strategies in the construction of the facility, the MNP has hired an intern from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) to assist in the LEED application process.


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