Did you know that . . .

These are a few of the facts revealed in “University Wild,” a new video about UW-Madison’s Lakeshore Nature Preserve produced by the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies with financial support from the Brittingham Trust and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

“We have something that’s probably unique among university campuses – 325 acres of undeveloped woodlands, wetlands, fields, and scenic lakeshore,” says the Nelson Institute’s Tom Sinclair, who wrote and produced the program. “And because they’re clustered together in the heart of the city, they’re really a priceless asset.”

“University Wild” takes viewers on a memorable tour of these areas.  Some, like Picnic Point and the Lakeshore Path, are bona fide landmarks.  But lesser-known natural areas like the Biocore Prairie, Class of 1918 Marsh, and several tracts of woods also lie within the boundaries of the campus.

“We can’t visit all of these places in 18 minutes,” says Sinclair. “But I think the video gives viewers a good overall sense of their variety, their history, how they’re used and cared for, and some of challenges they face.”

Making people more aware of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and its value to the university and community is critical to managing and protecting them, says Sinclair.  That’s why  “University Wild” was made.

“Our hope is that ‘University Wild’ will be widely seen both on and off campus.”  Tom Sinclair