Passport to the Ledge

Click here for brochure:
Passport to the Ledge brochure

Passport

Passports are available at the Fond du Lac Public Library Children's Section.

The Wisconsin State Legislature proclaimed 2010 as
“Year of the Niagara Escarpment.” Consistent with
this year-long celebration, Fond du Lac County
Audubon is sponsoring a “Passport to the Ledge”
program for area children. The Niagara Escarpment,
commonly called “the Ledge,” is a unique and
important resource that is intermittently exposed in
Wisconsin from Mayville to Rock Island in Door
County. Although high ground projects prominently
above the city of Fond du Lac, many residents, especially
children, are unaware of the geologic, ecologic,
historic, and recreational resources contained in this
natural feature. One purpose of our “Passport to the
Ledge” program is to disseminate Ledge information
more widely, and thereby instill an appreciation for
the value of this distinctive land form.
In addition to promoting Ledge appreciation,
the Passport program will provide an opportunity
and reward for children’s greater connection with
nature and outdoor activities. Such recreation is
considered important for children’s emotional and
physical health. The Passport program will encourage
visitation to a variety of sites along the Ledge, and
hopefully families will return for continued enjoyment
of these areas.

Early in 2010, passports and informational flyers
were distributed to children through youth
organizations and public venues. Nine
locations have been selected as visitation sites, and a
stamp will be placed in the passport at these sites on
designated days. Audubon members will stamp passports, identify birds, wildflowers, and
natural features at some sites on at least two days per
site. Children completing five
visits will receive a patch, and those who
complete at least two will receive a participation
certificate. Details of the program are in the brochure available on this web site, at the Fond du Lac Public Library or at participating sites. .
The committee (Kathleen and Dave Stetter, Earl and
Carol Jewett, Amy Haak and Jim Prosser) welcomes
suggestions and assistance.

Passport to the Niagara Escarpment Update

Generous donations from Mid-States Aluminum and Fond du Lac Rotary Club have added to the donation from Mid-America Geographic Foundation and together have made FDL Co. Audubon's Passport to the Ledge Program become a reality.  As part of the 2010 celebration of the "Year of the Niagara Escarpment," Fond du Lac Co. Audubon will provide passports for area children who may then visit ledge sites to earn a patch or participation certificate.

Thanks to Evelyn McLean-Cowan for attractive brochures and kid-pleasing passports, and to Theresa Cowan for passport cover and patch artwork.  Stamps, record books, and materials were delivered to ledge sites in Mid February; passports and brochures are available at the Fond du Lac Public Library; and brochures have been sent to area schools, public libraries, and youth groups.

Children may visit staffed ledge sites ( Dodge Co. Ledge Park, Ledge View Nature Center, Calumet Co. Park, and High Cliff State Park) on any day that the facilities are open.  Help is needed for leading hikes and explaining ledge features at the other sites.  Stamping dates and facilitators for the other sites are:

Breakneck Hill: 
Diana Beck, May 23, 2-4:30; June 12, 9:30 to 12:00.

Belle Renyolds School:
Liz Roy; June 20 & August 8; 11:00 am and 12:30

Hobbs Woods:
Amy Haak; May 23 & Sept. 18, 1:00 to 3:30; Margie Winter: May 16, 12-2:00 and Sept. 26, 10:00 to 1:00

Izaak Walton:
Kathleen Stetter; May 8, 9:00 to 12:00; Liz Roy, August 11, 11:00 to 3:00

Kiekhaefer Park:
Earl Jewett; May 1, Oct. 9, 9:00 to 12:00

If you are willing to assist with this program, contact site facilitators or Passport committee members (Kathleen Stetter; 920-872-2250 or Stetter@Centurytel.net; Earl Jewett, ejcj14@charter.net; Amy Haak, haakprosser@milwpc.com; Evelyn McLean-Cowan, evelyn@mcleancowan.com)