Sullivan’s Woods

Sullivan’s Woods, a 40-acre parcel near Fisk, was purchased by the Oshkosh Area School District in 1977 for its outdoor education program. The site offers a variety of experiences to help students appreciate the natural environment. Plant communities include a hedgerow, a wetland of predominantly reed canary grass, an old field, and remnants of a lowland hardwood forest, oak forest and oak opening. Eight Mile Creek cuts diagonally across one corner of the property.

The area has been altered by various human activities. At one time, cattle grazed here and a pond was dug to provide water. The creek was dredged to drain farmland upstream. Where disturbance has occurred, weeds are the predominant plant species.

Approximately one acre of reed canary grass was replaced with a native prairie planting in July 1989. Consultant Don Vorpahl worked with Winnebago Audubon volunteers to prepare the site for planting by hand pulling weeds and a regime of plowing and waiting for weed seeds to sprout between plowings. Since 1988, the Rill Prairie at Sullivan’s Woods has matured into a creditable example of the original prairies and is a valuable teaching tool.

The school district’s Science Curriculum Committee and an outdoor education coordinator oversee the site. Fourth graders visit in the spring and fifth graders in the fall. (This schedule changed late in 2019 and students have not visited since due to COVID-19. We will see what the new school year brings in Fall 2021.)

Winnebago Audubon created an Ad Hoc Committee called Friends of Sullivan’s Woods. Teachers who bring their fourth graders in the spring and fifth graders in the fall appreciate The Friends that assist by guiding the students on the trails and assisting with their assignments. The Friends also provide help maintaining the prairie and work to keep invasive plant species under control in the other habitats.

Volunteers interested in becoming “Friends” are always welcome. Teaching experience is not required as you can learn by shadowing a veteran guide. For more information, contact Zaiga Freivalds at 233-5914 or zaigam@charter.net.

Sullivan’s Woods CLOSED to public due to storm damage

     Sullivan’s Woods, the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Environmental Education site, received extensive storm damage on July 28, 2021.

     The extent of the damage has caused the district to close the property for now. The downed trees have been cleaned up. The boardwalk received extensive damage and was also removed. The trails are currently not being maintained.

     Several of our members toured the area soon after the damage took place and alerted OASD personnel. As a group, we understand the district faces an immense challenge.  It will take a lot of time and effort to restore the area to the point where it can continue to serve the Environmental Education needs of the OASD. Winnebago Audubon looks forward to the opportunity to work with the OASD as they plan for the future of Sullivan’s Woods.

Here are some photos of the aftermath at Sullivan’s Woods.