TWO RIVERS — Sue Crowley has been named the next executive director for Woodland Dunes Nature and Center and Preserve.
She will follow in the footsteps of Jim Knickelbine, who is retiring at the end of the year after lead the popular nature center for 19 years. Crowley will assume the role Jan. 1, 2024.
“I am honored to be chosen for the position,” Crowley said in a news release. “I am excited about working together with staff, our board and all of our great partners to continue to uphold our mission — providing general education about our natural world while protecting and enhancing the water and land we are entrusted to care for.”
She most recently served as land management coordinator for Woodland Dunes, which is at 3000 Hawthorne Ave.
Before that, Crowley worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, where she held positions as forest tax law team leader, staff and partner services section chief for the Northeastern region, and also Mississippi River Area Forestry Leader, responsible for state and private land forestry practices, tax law plans, budget management and supervising staff.
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“I have known Sue for many years and I am very pleased that she will be taking over the reins,” Knickelbine said in the release. “She is a dedicated professional who understands land management, the importance of environmental education and who believes in the mission of the organization. Her knowledge and experience will help Woodland Dunes answer conservation concerns and make great strides into the future.”
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Crowley earned a bachelor of science degree in forestry and a master’s degree in soil science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve contains more than 1,500 acres of hardwood and conifer forests, wetlands and prairies. It is located between Two Rivers and Manitowoc and has 7 miles of hiking trails.
Knickelbine had served as the center’s second director, taking over for founder Bernie Brouchoud when he retired. During Knickelbine’s tenure, the nature center grew in size and more than 15,000 trees were planted to mitigate the damaging effects of emerald ash borer. He also oversaw a significant addition to the center in 2020.
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