Nature in the City
Another Successful Zoopolis Tour
The fourth annual Zoopolis Tour was held on
Sunday, August 7th. The weather cooperated nicely
with some sun and clouds and even lower humidity
by the end of the day. About 153 people attended
and of those, 25 adventurous types bought the bike
tickets. The bikers were quite enthusiastic about being
able to park close and get some extra exercise. Many
favorable comments were heard about the interesting
variety in the sites. A special thanks to all who
volunteered their property for showing and to the
many volunteers who helped the Tour run smoothly
and efficiently. We continue to work on educating the
public about yards and habitat.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
11am–6 pm Rain or Shine
Ticket Price: $10
Special Bike Rate: $8
(5.6 mile route)
(Children under 12 are free)
The 2011 Zoopolis Tour features many small private yards
that are promoting bio-diversity, earth friendly practices
and wildlife habitat. Discover pockets of nature in tiny
urban spaces and hidden backyard oases right in the heart
of the city. Learn more about the trend to reduce turf grass,
plant more native species, create rain gardens and make
the city greener. Profits will be used for habitat restoration
in the Fond du Lac area and for public environmental
education opportunities. For more information, call
920-922-7931, email dbeck7931@charter.net or check the
Audubon website at www.fdlaudubon.org.
More info / brochure:
Zoopolis Tour
This is a self-guided tour.
Drive or bike at your
convenience to the locations
on the map between
11 am–6 pm on August 7.
A ticket can be purchased
at any of the sites.
1. Margaret Jarek–120 E. Johnson Street
Explore a wild kingdom of natural beauty on one of the busiest streets in
Fond du Lac. The owner encourages a lush profusion of all kinds of plants,
and believes also in “letting go and trusting the innate wisdom of nature.”
A large container garden utilizes even the land along the driveway. Cars
should park on Amory Street just five houses west.
2. A Second Street Neighborhood
Lisa and Bob Reber–242 East Second Street
Enter a magical garden hidden behind a tall privacy fence.
The owners honor nature and the spirits of nature with a space
that is dedicated to beauty, peace and symbols of earth.
Marlene and Stephen Wirth–249 East Second Street
Enjoy a lovely, peaceful, green oasis in a city backyard, filled
with the sounds of water and birds. An inviting deck overlooks
a small pond, stones and lovely plants.
3. A Third Street Neighborhood
Margaret and John Nonestied–368 Third Street
Easy to locate due to an outstanding elm tree in the front yard.
Wander back through the property that extends 250 ft. from the
street. Sectioned with gates, the gardens host a great variety of
flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees for humans, birds and insects.
Sue and Steve Hoepfner–386 Third Street
See an example of replacing turf grass with native plantings.
When the owners moved in twenty years ago, there was almost
nothing but grass lawn. They began with the strip of land by
the west side of the property and incrementally created habitat
surrounding the house.
4. Cindy and Kevin McDermott–394 South Park Avenue
Discover a hidden backyard garden with a lovely pond, beautiful
plantings and a few whimsical surprises. A native plant garden graces
the side of the house and offers habitat for wildlife.
5. Nancy and Terry Thomas–959 Martin Avenue
Although the natural habitat has always been visible from the street,
this is an opportunity to examine the yard up close. Much of the
backyard is maintained as lawn for a play area for the grandchildren.
Returning even a part of a property to nature can help the eco-system.
6. Jeanne and John McDowell–77 Eastbrook Lane
Learn about and see a great example of a rain garden. The owners,
very dedicated to earth friendly practices, have also installed 18
solar panels on the roof of their house. This site will have the
exhibit tables.