Capital Campaign
Help Preserve and Enhance Bubolz Nature Preserve
Connecting Our Community to Nature for Generations to Come
For over 50 years, Bubolz Nature Preserve has been a beloved cornerstone of the Fox Valley – an inspiring place where families, friends, and individuals of all ages can explore, learn, and connect with the natural world. Guided by our mission to connect all people to nature, Bubolz is more than just a preserve; it’s a vital part of what makes our community a vibrant and nurturing place to live, work, and play.
Why Bubolz Matters
Each year, nearly 10,000 children participate in hands-on, outdoor learning programs at Bubolz. These experiences are more than just a day in the woods – they’re moments of transformation. Research shows that time in nature can:
- Spark curiosity and engagement in kids
- Boost academic performance and focus
- Enhance attention while also improving behavior
And it’s not just the kids who benefit. With over 80,000 visitors each year, our trails, open spaces, and educational programs offer peace, inspiration, and a stronger connection to the community for all who wander here.
Caring for this special place requires ongoing stewardship. To protect the preserve’s natural beauty and expand its impact for future generations, we must invest in its future – together.
Our Capital Campaign Projects
This campaign supports six transformational projects that will strengthen Bubolz’s ecological resilience, enhance visitor experiences, and build lasting community connections.
- Restore and Sustain the Trail System
Our trails are the heart of the Bubolz experience, and they’re in urgent need of care. By restoring and improving the trails, we’ll ensure that everyone can safely and easily explore the beauty of the preserve for years to come.
- Create a Reforestation Nursery
The emerald ash borer has taken a devastating toll on our forests. But we’re fighting back. A new, onsite nursery will help us replant and renew the forest, supporting a thriving, biologically diverse ecosystem.
- Build the Bubolz Pavilion
Picture this: a space for field trips, educational programs, weddings, and community gatherings that’s surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The new pavilion will bring people together in all seasons and all weather, while fostering connection and countless memories.
- Add New Gathering Areas
We’re creating two additional outdoor gathering spaces where visitors can rest, reflect, and recharge. These scenic spots will invite quiet moments of connection with nature’s calming presence.
- Establish Outdoor Teaching Shelters
Rain or shine, learning must go on. Two new teaching shelters will give students and program participants a space to take cover from the weather while they stay focused on learning and exploring.
- Expand the Natural Playscape
Bubolz is a place where kids fall in love with nature, and we’re making it even more magical for them! An expanded natural playscape will fuel creativity and adventure, offering hands-on exploration for children of all ages.
Be Part of This Legacy
When you give to the Bubolz Capital Campaign, you’re not just supporting a place – you’re investing in a healthier, happier community. You’re nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards, providing opportunities for children and families to grow together, and protecting the natural wonder that makes Bubolz so special.
Together, we can ensure Bubolz Nature Preserve continues to inspire, educate, and connect our community – today, and for generations to come.