CEI Annual Meeting and Celebration

On September 28th CEI members gathered at the Neustadter Nature Center to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the organization. Steve Easterly, DNR Biologist and Property Manager, both educated and entertained his audience with the history of Collins Marsh Wildlife Area from its inception back in 1946 to the 4200 acre property it is today. Steve described the ongoing task of maintaining the wildlife area- wetlands restoration, dam repairs and water level monitoring, invasive species control, prairie habitat improvement and evolving forestry challenges. This ongoing management of the area has yielded a valuable “4 Star Hotel” habitat for migrating waterfowl. Nearly 60,000 birds have been banded on the property and 242 different avian species reported to eBird making it a Wisconsin birding hotspot. A Q&A session on future plans for the area followed with lunch provided by the CEI board members and friends rounding out the event.