More than a zoo....more than a nature center...

HISTORY

The Myrick Hixon EcoPark project is a collaborative effort involving the former Hixon Forest Nature Center, seven area Rotary clubs, and the City of La Crosse, to construct a new environmental education center and renovate the municipal zoo.

In 1909 Grandad Bluff was going to be destroyed. Norris Bachellor had purchased a part of the bluff and announced his intention to use it as a quarry. A group of citizens led by Mrs. Gideon Hixon (Ellen) purchased the north and west slope of Grandad Bluff, saving the bluff from destruction. In 1912 the land was donated to the city of La Crosse for the purpose of a park and became known as Hixon Forest.

Over the years, various trails sprang up through the forest, but it wasn't until 1976 that the first official trail, the Bicentennial Trail, was constructed and dedicated. This was the impetus for further trail development in the forest and marsh. The River to Bluff trail was completed in 1988, making it possible to hike from the Mississippi River to the top of the bluffs without crossing a city street.

As development on the bluffs began to encroach upon Hixon Forest, another group of concerned citizens organized as "Friends of Hixon Forest Nature Center" with a mission to protect the forest and other natural areas. The Nature Center, a non-profit organization opened in 1983 and works cooperatively with the City of La Crosse Parks Department. The Nature Center provides environmental education programs to over 6,000 children annually, maintains forest, marsh, and prairie trails, manages forest and prairie restoration projects, and provides public programs and special events for the community.

The Myrick Park Zoo started with the construction of "Monkey Island" in …as a gift from veterans of World War I. Both exotic and indigenous animal exhibits were added over the years, making the zoo a favorite family destination. Due to serious budget cuts, the City of La Crosse Parks Department became unable to afford needed upgrades and the zoo faced possible closure until area Rotary Clubs became involved.

In celebration of its 100th Anniversary, Rotary International challenged local clubs to identify and address a project in their communities. Clubs from La Crosse and surrounding communities joined together to refurbish the existing zoo at Myrick Park. Along with their plans, the clubs planned to establish an educational component with the project. Realizing that Hixon Forest Nature Center already had established and respected environmental education programs, it became clear that a unified approach would work best for all.

The combination of a new nature center with a zoo enhances the educational potential of both facilities. The nature center's environmental education programs will be enhanced by the excitement created by live animals while the interpretive center will help residents and visitors understand and appreciate the wealth of local natural resources.

Seven area Rotary clubs, the Hixon Forest Nature Center, and the City of La Crosse are the primary partners collaborating on the Myrick Hixon EcoPark project which includes the renovation of the zoo with animals indigenous to the Upper Midwest, a new nature/interpretive center adjacent to the zoo and on the edge of the marsh, and transference of the operation of the zoo to a non-profit Myrick Hixon EcoPark Board of Directors on May 1, 2008.

THE PROJECT

What will be some of the improvements?

• A new, environmentally sound nature center/education building.
• Indigenous animals in their natural setting.
• New outside exhibits, an aquarium and nocturnal animals exhibit building.
• A renovated veterinarian services facility.
• Quality environmental education programs for students and visitors of all ages.
• Overall beautification of the grounds, incorporating native landscaping.
• The EcoPark will be the gateway to the adjacent 1,100-acre wetland and 800-acre forest.

A win-win situation for all!

• A family-friendly place for people of all ages.
• "Hands-on" education about animals, nature, the environment, veterinary care and energy efficiency that can't be reproduced in the classroom.
• A demonstration of the value our community places on conservation, wise use of natural resources and environmental awareness.
• A model of collaboration among the area Rotary Clubs, Hixon Forest Nature Center, the City of La Crosse, our community and our region.
• A positive economic impact from eco-tourism, a positive statement about our future and aninvestment in our community's quality of life.