Linda Schenk

Freedom Park
200 S Monroe St
Prescott, WI 54021
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For those traveling along the Great River Road, a stop at the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center – Freedom Park offers more than just a break —it’s an opportunity to learn, reflect, and be inspired to care for the Earth. Through our commitment to sustainability, education, and community involvement, the Center is proving that stewardship of the land is not just about protecting natural resources, it’s about ensuring a better future for all.

"Being responsible stewards of the land means making sure that the Great River Road experience is available for generations to come," said Jared Schmitz, President of the Board of Directors. "We want to not only educate people about the beauty and importance of this area but also encourage them to engage with nature in a sustainable way."

Our center has organized a family-friendly Earth Day celebration intended to not only entertain attendees but to educate people about sustainable practices such as planting a container pollinator garden; how to keep bees, featured along with a sampling of honey from around the world. Learn how the Agricultural Extension Services out of Ellsworth can assist you. How can you get involved in Coulee River Trails? Let the organizers tell you how you can get involved with helping to make our community parks and trails a better place for all. We have plenty of children’s activities; decorate a pot and plant your own seeds for your garden and St. Croix Stars 4H has an activity planned. Our center has a newly designed children’s area featuring a Children’s Learning Cart among other items.

Come and learn from one of our many educational presentations on topics such as bee keeping, Farmer Angel Network, Young Acres Orchard, St. Croix Stars 4H and many more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26. For more event information visit: www.freedomparkwi.org

Many companies realize the importance of teaching good environmental stewardship practices to their employees by encouraging them to go out into their communities on Earth Day to help with clean-up projects, or to plant gardens and trees. Companies like Marathon Petroleum Corporation practice sustainability measures all year long and are committed to reducing the impact that companies make on the earth. They are doing their part on a daily basis to make our world a better place to live in. We are extremely thankful to Marathon Petroleum Corporation for in part sponsoring our bluff line restoration project and our Earth Day Celebration, along with all our 2025 programs. Support such as this allows our small non-profit to offer programs, events, and educational materials that offer tangible ways of empowering people to make environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives. Becoming a good steward of our earth has a direct impact on the environment, which helps in preserving not only the natural resources that define our community, but down the Great River Road and beyond.

It is these important partnerships that allow us to keep looking ahead to developing long-range environmental plans for our center and our park. It is our hope that, through partnerships such as Marathon Petroleum Corporation and involvement with everyone who visits the Center, people will leave with a renewed sense of responsibility toward the planet.

"We believe that every act of conservation matters," said Board Member Jason Akey. "If we can inspire even one person to make a positive change, then we’ve succeeded."

Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center – Freedom Park is located at 200 Monroe St., Prescott, WI 54021. Visit www.freedomparkwi.org for more information.