Jim Knickelbine bands a Hermit Warbler bird at Woodland Dunes Nature Center in Two Rivers, October 6, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
TWO RIVERS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — After about 20 years in the top leadership role at Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve, Executive Director Jim Knickelbine is retiring.
At a place called the Sky Shed, Jim Knickelbine is examining Friday morning’s catch. He captured a tiny, one-ounce Hermit Warbler in a net nearby.
“We are a bird banding station. So we are one of several in Wisconsin, which can catch birds, place aluminum bands on their legs,” said Jim Knickelbine, Woodland Dunes Nature Center Executive Director.
Knickelbine says banding birds is a favorite pastime at Woodland Dunes Nature Center.
“We’re an important bird area, because we’re next to Lake Michigan. We have excellent and varied habitat for birds, it really attracts them here. So it’s an interesting place to do bird research,” he said.
He says the 1,500-acre site in Two Rivers has seen many changes. In 2021, he cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the new Nature Center Building.
“We have a special emphasis now on making things more accessible for everybody. We want to make sure everyone’s included in that,” said Knickelbine.
He says the 80-acre Henry Wetland Restoration Project is showing results.
“We have 200 species of plants out there, and all kinds of birds,” said Knickelbine.
Knickelbine says there are challenges too.
“It’s certainly warmer than it used to be. That’s I think pretty obvious. And I think it’s something that we really need to pay close attention,” he said.
And in the coming months, he say he will be stepping aside.
“Things change, and we all get older. And it’s time for me to let somebody else run the place. I love the place. Love the people that I work with and and the volunteers, that are here, but it gets to be time,” said Knickelbine.
Knickelbine says he plans to keep banding birds, and releasing them too. He also plans to do some traveling, and enjoy nature at a slower pace.
He will officially be retired at Woodland Dunes in February.
The search is on for the next executive director.
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