Dear <<First Name>>,
To the Friends of MacKenzie community,
There is a specific kind of quiet you can only find at the MacKenzie Center—the sound of wind through the pines, the distant call of a hawk, and the steady pulse of a place dedicated to the natural world. It is a place that has long felt like a peaceful refuge to me, and it is my absolute honor to introduce myself as the new President of the Friends of MacKenzie.
My Connection to the Land
My connection with MacKenzie started years ago. Like many of you, I was drawn in by the majestic bisons, the winding trails, and the many educational opportunities. Over time, I realized that MacKenzie isn't just a destination; it’s a vital resource that teaches us how to be better stewards of our environment.
Sweet Traditions: The Maple Program
One of the things I am most proud to support is our Maple Program. It is one of the highlights of our educational outreach. Every year, we watch students and visitors transform from observers to participants in the centuries-old tradition of making maple syrup.
From the first tap in the sugar bush to the steam rising off the evaporator in the sugar shack, this program teaches the science of forestry and the rewards of patience. It’s a hands-on lesson in how we are provided for by nature right in our own backyard.
Save the Date: April 4 for Maple Fest & Pancake Breakfast
Of course, the pinnacle of this season is our annual Maple Fest and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 4. There is nothing quite like seeing the MacKenzie Center buzzing with energy, families gathered around tables, and the community coming together to celebrate the “sugar bush".
As your new President, I am looking forward to this event as a chance to meet you face-to-face. Whether you are there for the guided tours of the sugar bush or simply for a tall stack of pancakes topped with pure Wisconsin maple syrup, I hope you’ll join us on April 4. It is the perfect way to celebrate the hard work of our volunteers and the bounty of our state.
Looking Ahead
While the maple season is the apex, my goal for the coming year is to ensure that the spirit of community lasts all year long. We are focusing on:
● Growing Our Volunteer Base: Ensuring our programs have the "people power" they need.
● Educational Reach: Expanding our scholarship and youth engagement efforts.
Let’s Walk Together
The "Friends" aren't defined by a board of directors; we are defined by you. Your passion is what keeps these trails open and these educational programs running. There is still an open position on our board of directors, if you are a member and would be interested in serving and helping support the Friends of MacKenzie, please email us at
friendsofmackenzie@gmail.com.
I look forward to seeing you in the sugar bush or at the breakfast table soon. In the meantime, if you see me out on the trails, please stop and chat. I’d love to hear what MacKenzie means to you.
With gratitude,
Paul Alexander, President
