“Meet Our Board Members”

Kelli Bahls

I contacted Winnebago Audubon in early 2016 in the hopes of attending a board meeting as part of a college course assignment. After sitting through that first meeting, I immediately found myself wanting to learn more. I expressed interest in attending more meetings. When I joined the board of directors in 2017, I developed a serious passion for birding. I worked to improve my identification skills through the use of eBird, field guides, and online birding groups. Refining these skills allowed me to contribute observations to WI Breeding Bird Atlas II, lead bird walks at Oshkosh BirdFest, and coordinate surveying efforts at Bohn Farms Habitat Restoration Area. As a board member of Winnebago Audubon, the most rewarding part of my role is using my experience to help introduce others to the wonders of the natural world.

Mike Brandel

Growing up, my friends and I wiled away much of our summer vacation exploring the Manitowoc River Valley and catching anything from crayfish to carp. In the early 60’s my parents purchased a cottage on Long Lake near Brillion. That’s when I got hooked.

We had a 12’ foot long aluminum boat affectionately named “Tin Lizzie”. That boat with me in it covered every square inch of that 120 acre lake multiple times during my early teens. One great summer evening I was fishing near shore when I heard what sounded lake a wave washing into a hollow log. Oddly the lake was perfectly calm. NO WAVES! I rowed in, parted the reeds and there I was eye to eye with an American Bittern. That bird had no use for me and I high tailed it out of there. A memorable encounter for sure.

After two years in the US Army Military Police Corps, I returned home and pursued a degree in Natural Resources. In May 1974, I was hired to start development of the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve. I stayed for 34 years, the last couple of decades as Executive Director. Needless to say, the opportunities to learn about our natural world were endless on almost a daily basis.

Audubon’s mission statement mentions science and education. If serving on the Board in some way helps someone experience and learn, then I’m giving back. Individuals get hooked on nature on a daily basis and I’m happy for all of them. Wealth is always measured in dollars, but I measure it in a life long attachment to the outdoors. I’m a multi-billionaire.

Anita Carpenter

My name is Anita Carpenter and I'm a charter member of Winnebago Audubon.

I've been fascinated by the natural world from a very early age. My mother kept a detailed diary of my first two years. I was 14 months old when she documented my first long walk. For two hours, I wandered, picking up stones, leaves, sticks, looking at sidewalk cracks, studying ants. She never rushed me as I explored nor told me not to pick up objects. I returned home with a favored stone.

I'm still returning home with a favored rock! Besides life, I believe the greatest gift she gave me was curiosity.

As the years quickly slip away, my insatiable curiosity is my constant companion. I love to share the discoveries of my curiosity with others. That is why I continue to write my "Badger Tracks" column, now in its 43rd year.

The natural world is a fascinating discovery zone which we all must nurture and protect. And we must be careful not to discourage our young people from curiosity and exploration because of our own prejudices. We can offer words of caution, but sticky earthworms and frogs are OK to touch!

May your days be filled with curiosity.

Zaiga Freivalds

I am first generation Latvian-American and I grew up immersed in learning about my parent’s heritage and love for their homeland. I spent every summer at a camp with many other children speaking only Latvian, learning songs and dances, doing unique crafts while enjoying the usual camping activities. I’ve travelled to Latvia many times to visit and reconnect with relatives and have obtained Latvian citizenship.

In high school I enjoyed my biology classes and entered the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in Zoology. The summer between my sophomore and junior year, I had a wonderful opportunity to work at the Biological Station in northern Michigan. That summer spent among students, faculty, and researchers opened my eyes to the natural world. The following summer I enrolled in two classes and while completing my research project (chipmunks) I started birdwatching and bought my first Peterson bird guide. After graduation I worked in medical research and can proudly say that I contributed to researching naloxone (Narcan), which has become so vital these days.

Once I arrived in Oshkosh, I began attending our chapter programs and going on field trips. Eventually, I was elected secretary in 1995 and have served on the board in some capacity ever since. I enjoy the camaraderie and believe in and support our mission. After settling in my new home, two prairies were established. The woods were restored by removing buckthorn and replanted with native wildflowers. Over the last 30 years they have spread throughout the woods and are gorgeous! This led to joining the ”Wild Ones” organization and becoming a charter member of the Fox Vally Area chapter.

My involvement with environmental education began in 1994 when the “Friends of Sullivan’s Woods” was formed. I guided school groups and eventually took on the leadership role. In 2006, through AmeriCorps, I became involved with the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve. Over the years I served as the school program coordinator several times and still am a volunteer teacher/naturalist.

Dana Hartel

After Gene Jacobs spoke at a Winnebago Audubon meeting a few years ago and brought his ambassador Great Horned Owl, Sassy, I wished there was a way I could attend one of his workshops. As it turned out, the opportunity came along to participate in a week-long raptor workshop where we learned about, trapped, and banded wild birds of prey. It was amazing! That led me on a journey to be more involved by assisting with the needs of the Peregrine Falcons at UWO, go back to school part time in the Natural Resources program, attend Master Naturalist training, and volunteer with various nature-based organizations, all while continuing to work full time at UWO. I also enjoy nature photography and am able to use it in my volunteer work. I am excited to take an active role in Winnebago Audubon.

Memuna Khan

I grew up in Brooklyn, NY but a subscription to Ranger Rick and membership in the Girl Scouts opened my world beyond the urban jungle. I arrived in Oshkosh in 2002, attended Oshkosh Bird Club and Winnebago Audubon meetings and luckily found my people! I am filled with gratitude to serve on the board with my birding family, the people that have shaped the life I have chosen in Wisconsin.

I am trained as an avian ecologist and began my affair with birds on an undergraduate field trip to Florida where I studied the foraging behavior of cattle egrets. In graduate school at North Carolina State University and Virginia Tech, I studied the cooperative breeding system of the federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker. I am currently a biology professor at Ripon College and teach Ornithology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Animal Diversity, Evolution, Animal Behavior and field courses in Costa Rica and Minnesota.

I am a licensed bird bander and with my students we study the breeding biology of Eastern Bluebirds by monitoring a nest box trail, color-marking individuals and conduct field experiments. We also collaborate with the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin to test management techniques to deter House Sparrows and prevent nest destruction by House Wrens. We also band Osprey for public outreach in cooperation with Alliant Energy and the Green Lake Bird and Nature Club.

I was first introduced to the power of Audubon when I was granted an internship to work with the endangered A’lala or Hawaiian Crow in 1993. Hawaii Audubon had just won a lawsuit levied against a private landowner and the USFWS for failing to uphold the Endangered Species Act. Congress allocated millions of dollars to save the crow and paid for my plane ticket for an amazing six month education on conserving biodiversity. I am thrilled to be given an opportunity to give back to Audubon by serving in the Winnebago Audubon Chapter that has been a key player in conserving habitat, educating the public and saving birds in Wisconsin.

Carmen Meuret

Hi there! You may recognize me as the former and inaugural author of our previous column, A Kid’s Eye View. I’ve had the joyous opportunity to be involved in activities and connected with Winnebago Audubon for the past 15 years– and now I have the privilege of joining your Board!

My love for birds, plant life, and nature in general began at a young age. I’ve always found the art of birdwatching, gardening, and simply enjoying the beauty in our natural world a very mindful, grounding, and humbling experience. Through Audubon’s many events/programs over the years, from monarch tagging to frog night hikes to Bird Fest, I have come to appreciate the many valuable lessons and whimsy the great outdoors has to offer us. As our world becomes increasingly hectic and complex, I find great hope and comfort in turning to our feathered friends. Winnebago Audubon has played a significant role in my life over the past several years and I am grateful for the chance to educate and cultivate our next generation of nature appreciators – much like Winnebago Audubon did for me so many years ago.

Evelyn Meuret

As the mother of an active, curious, nature lover, I found myself frequently taking my daughter, Carmen, to events held by the Winnebago Audubon Society in 2007-2008; about 4th grade for Carmen. After becoming a familiar face, Janet approached me and asked if I’d like to become more involved in Winnebago Audubon. I happily joined the Board of Directors in 2008.

Over the years I have and continue to coordinate some of our community events, including the Annual Midwest Crane Count held every April. To my joy and surprise, we had many new counters participate in this event this year. I also coordinate my favorite event of the year– Monarch tagging. Over the years, our totals of Monarchs tagged have dwindled; however, I am hopeful these beloved butterflies will return with abundance someday. Every year we have some die-hard Monarch taggers and newcomers who show up regardless if the butterflies do – you all make this event so fun.

It continues to prove a pleasurable and wonderful experience maintaining my involvement with the Winnebago Audubon Society. I’ve learned a great deal over the years thanks to the many nature enthusiasts I meet through this group. This organization offers much to our community for all ages and we welcome any recommendations for events our members would like to participate in.

Dave Moon

Growing up on a farm just outside of Oshkosh I always enjoyed exploring outside and participating in sports. These interests led me to achieving a double major in biology and physical education at UW Oshkosh. I taught high school biology for over thirty years and coached football and wrestling.

My interest in physical fitness and environmental fitness resulted in running 7 marathons including “Boston”. And, I took a dozen groups of high school students to the Bahamas to study marine biology. Both endeavors were memorable and inspiring.

I joined Winnebago Audubon in the 1980’s enjoying the programs, field trips and the camaraderie of like minded people. For a number of years I coordinated field trips and a program called Audubon Adventures. I also was the treasurer and vice president for a period of time. Today I help out with programs like monarch butterfly tagging. A few years ago I organized a small group from Winnebago Audubon to go to Mexico to see where the monarchs spend their winter. At that time at the El Rosario sanctuary it was estimated to have between 35-38 million roosting in the trees.

I have also helped guide 4th and 5th graders from the Oshkosh Area School District through Sullivan’s Woods which is a 40 acre site west of Oshkosh. And I wrote and produced audio/visual presentations for the schools to use prior to coming out to the woods for their field trips. To help maintain the woods I’ve organized students from UW Oshkosh to help clear buckthorn and willow from over taking the woods and prairie.

Exploring and enjoying the outdoor environment and keeping fit continue to be my passions as well as passing my passions on to the next generation.

MaryBeth Petesch

A Wisconsinite through and through from Luxembourg/German stock I was raised with my two sisters in the town of Belgium, Wisconsin, on a small dairy farm my great grandfather John Baptist Petesch purchased in the late 1800’s. My best memories were biking with my red “Schwinnie” around the farm and down to our woods where I became fascinated with little yellow birds with an interesting call. (Common yellowthroat warblers!) Active in 4-H, athletics and most every other school opportunity, I flourished in school and realized I loved biology best. (Thank you Ozaukee High School teacher Mr. Montaba!)

I pursued a BS degree from my beloved UW Stevens Point in biology, environmental/outdoor education and resource management. After two years of teaching in Boscobel, Wisconsin, I left for an eight-year adventure to teach science at the Frankfurt International School in (West) Germany. Naturally, I took advantage of the many opportunities to travel on the continent and beyond. What a tremendous way to learn about and appreciate the amazing natural history and diverse cultures of so many places!

After my return from Germany, I pursued a master’s degree at UW Madison in Curriculum and Instruction - Science Education. I met my husband in graduate school and when he took a professor position at UW Oshkosh, I explored a higher education career. Part time gigs for the biology and education departments and UW Fox Valley had me busy for a few years until I was hired as the Director of the Office of Field Experiences in 1999. After 20 years of seeking classroom placements for student teachers and certifying teaching licenses I retired – in the thick of Covid. Good timing for me and an opportunity to get more involved in causes and organizations that are important to me. I now work part-time remotely for Educators Abroad Student Teaching and am currently CoPresident of AAUW Oshkosh and active in the Emmaus Catholic Community.

My most exciting recent experience to add is acquiring my Luxembourg passport this summer in Luxembourg City! My affection and connection to my Petesch family’s homeland has now been realized. Dual citizenship might come in handy some day?!

I was honored to have been asked to serve on the board of Winnebago Audubon and hope that some of my skills and interests will help to advance the work and mission of this wonderful and important civic group.

Janet Wissink

My Aunt Thelma was a bird watcher and an art lover. When I was only 10 years old she gave me a signed copy of the 1st edition of Owen Gromme’s Bird’s of Wisconsin for Christmas, which I still have. I loved it! My parents encouraged my interest in birds and art, too. My Dad would draw with me and I have one of his bird sketches somewhere and I proudly display his small wood carvings of animals. I especially remember picnics and walks with Mom and Dad at Asylum Point looking for birds and using my little Golden Guide to Birds. You guessed it, I still have that, too.

The variety of jobs I’ve had always presented me with new learning experiences and skill-sets that I could use in many ways. And so many life-long friends! From dishwasher to library page; paste-up artist to art director of a magazine to owning/publishing a small local magazine; customer service rep at a printing company to data processing and bulk mail specialist.

Back in 1981, a friend asked if I was interested in going to an organizational meeting for an Audubon chapter. I was. We did. And I’m still here and active in Winnebago Audubon!

Winnebago Audubon opened up my eyes to the natural world. The people I have come to know in Audubon, who happily share their love of birds, plants, insects, etc., has really influenced my life. I never stop learning from them. And I want us to share our knowledge, passion, and importance of the natural world with as many people as we can.

Since my retirement 7 years ago, I have expanded my horizons and now serve on the board of the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park. My husband and I are volunteer camp hosts for a few weeks in summer and work on a variety of maintenance projects year round. But as a board member of the Friends, I am really enjoying the challenge of organizing the Naturalist Programs at the Park. My experience with Winnebago Audubon programming and field trips has helped me with this. It is very rewarding to connect more people to nature.

Tom Ziebell

I've been interested in nature, especially birds, since grade school. I attended UW-Oshkosh for a BS and MS in biology studying Blackcrowned Night-Herons and Least Bitterns. I have done breeding bird surveys, nest count surveys, and endangered species monitoring for federal and state agencies. I organized the first Sandhill Crane count in Winnebago County; was a regional coordinator for the WI Breeding Bird Atlas I; contributed to the WI Breeding Bird Atlas II; lead bird walks and big sits at Oshkosh Bird Fest; lead many field trips for Audubon, Oshkosh Bird Club, and the Natural Resources Foundation of WI. I coordinate the Oshkosh Christmas Bird Count and the May and September bird counts for Winnebago County. Birds are a big part of my life.

When attending UW-Oshkosh I became lifelong friends with Jack Kaspar, Bettie Harriman, Anita Carpenter, and Kay Rill. This was also when Kay Rill asked me to join SWANS (Saving Wetlands And Natural Systems) to fight the filling/destruction of area marshes and wild areas. SWANS was the predecessor to Winnebago Audubon, so I became a charter member of Winnebago Audubon. I look forward to being on the board and helping Winnebago Audubon encourage everyone to appreciate and enjoy our natural wonders, especially birds.

Meet Our Board

President’s Corner