Long-time naturalist retiring from state park

Naturalist Beth Goeppinger, who plans on retiring Jan. 29 after 28 years, educates children during an insect safari workshop at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (Submitted/The Report).

Departure creates uncertainty for future programming at Bong

By Jason Arndt
Editor

Frequent visitors to Richard Bong State Recreation Area likely encountered naturalist Beth Goeppinger through her 28-year tenure.

Goeppinger’s tenure, however, will come to end on Jan. 29 as she plans to retire and the Department of Natural Resources does not plan on hiring a permanent replacement.

According to a DNR news release, while it will not hire a full-time staff member, discussions have begun to add a part-time naturalist. The state recreation area is at 26313 Burlington Rd. (Highway 142), Kansasville.

Goeppinger, who has guided many programs for children, has played witness to multiple projects such as the Bong Nature Explore Classroom in her nearly three decades at the helm.

On Tuesday she said she has enjoyed her 28 years at Bong and added that it is difficult to pinpoint a favorite project.

“I’m so very proud of what has gone on and is going on at the park, but I think I’m going to have pick the Nature Explore Classroom as my most memorable. It’s a place for all people to connect to nature in a fun way,” Goeppinger said. “Additionally, it was an amazing experience to see how to dedicated staff, volunteers and other community members put their time, hearts, and efforts into creating it.”

Uncertain future
Goeppinger’s departure creates some uncertainty for the future of naturalist programs and events at Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Among the popular programs is the Knee-High Naturalist. The program for children 3 to 5 years old with a parent offers environmental education through stories, crafts hiking and playing outdoors.

“Because of COVID-19, naturalist programs and events have been canceled through April of 2021, although it is unlikely there will be summer programs either,” the DNR said in the news release. “It is also unlikely that guided school field trips will be held at this property for quite some time.”

However, the release indicated other staff members have been working diligently to delegate tasks and responsibilities as much possible, ensuring naturalist offerings “do not fall through the cracks.”

Volunteers credited
Bong Naturalist Association, the nonprofit arm of the State Recreation Area, has encouraged volunteers to contribute their talents at the Town of Brighton park.

The nonprofit group promotes conservation, educational, interpretive and recreational goals of Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Bong Naturalist Association, incorporated in 1994, partners with park staff members to enhance and protect natural resources.

“All of our activities and money raised are used to benefit Richard Bong State Recreation Area and its visitors,” the nonprofit website states.

The Bong Naturalist Association activities include restoration of the wildlife refuge and the lake, constructing a wildlife viewing platform, helping fund staff salary, building the Nature Explore Classroom, helping build an accessible cabin, hosting special events, presenting nature programs and hikes, among others.

“We thank everyone who has supported the naturalist programming at the park in the past and we hope you continue to do so in the future.”

Maintaining a presence
Goeppinger, meanwhile, will continue as a volunteer to help with frog surveys, the butterfly survey and to complete the Nature Explore Classroom.

For the retiring naturalist, there was never a dull moment, she said, noting she enjoyed the diverse offerings.

“I loved the variety. I was able to do so many interesting and varied projects, programs and tasks,” she said. “I was lucky to meet interesting and a wonderful variety of people.”

Additionally, she considers herself fortunate to witness several nature events.

“I got to see and experience an amazing variety of natural events,” she said. “I was never, never bored.”

For information on how to join, or contribute to Bong Naturalist Association, visit www.bongnaturalistassociation.org.


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