Dear <<First Name>>,

From the President’s desk:

My term as President is coming to a close, I would like to thank all of you (Friends of MacKenzie members ) for your support. It has been an honor and privilege too have led you through these last 2 years.

On January 22nd we held our Annual Membership Meeting including a bison dinner. We had about 40 attendees. We had an election and filled 2 spots on the board, with 1 remaining open. If interested in joining the board, please send an email to friendsofmackenzie@gmail.com.

A slide show (put together by John Frank), was the discussion topic. A brief history of the Mackenzie Center, followed by an ongoing discussion with Central Office DNR. These discussions have been ongoing for the last 2 months. The DNR is requesting that the Friends of MacKenzie pull together a $5,000,000 fund to rehabilitate the wildlife area exhibit. Along with that, they are requesting a $150,000 annually to cover the wildlife operation and associated expenses. A q&a session followed.

We are looking for someone who would like to take over our gift shop as Susan is wanting to retire. She is willing to help the new Gift Shop Manager help in learning the inner workings (operation, ordering, etc). If interested, please send an email to friendsofmackenzie@gmail.com expressing your interest.

Below is a picture of Gracelynn Shultz with her parents. She had created an award winning poster on the Mackenzie Center. She is presented a Friends of MacKenzie sweatshirt, and has gotten a scholarship.

Below Tony Schwarz is presenting kids snow skis, ski boots, waders, and scat that was purchased through a grant from Cabelas for $2,000. These items are donated to the Mackenzie Center. Thank you Tony for putting this together!

Below are Steven Kaylor (Property Manager), and Rachel Padour (MacKenzie Center Educator) with a Bard Owl. The owl resided at the Mackenzie Center Wildlife exhibit, and is thought to be 37 years old. The Friends of MacKenzie had the owl processed and mounted to be used for educational purposes.

All the best,

Carl Bujanowski, President

Highlights from December Board Meeting

DNR Report -
12/20—Winter Solstice Night Hike & Bonfire, 4:00-6:00

12/27—Winter Youth Archery Clinic, three sessions offered

01/01/2026—First Day Hikes at four different times (7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.)

04/22/26—Learn to Cook Wild Game-Turkey, 5:00-8:00 p.m., class offered by Pheasants Forever, jmotoviloff@pheasantsforever.org, 608-640-6956.

The Owl Prowl on Nov. 20 th had 28 participants.

The Winter Greenery Workshop on Dec. 6 th had 20 participants.

Special Track Wheelchair update - Tony worked closely with DNR ADA coordinator to purchase the item.

Discussed the annual membership meeting logistics.

Set up Maple program dates.

Discussed using Cabela's funds to purchase items for MacKenzie Center.

Master Plan update-DNR is asking the Friends to take on the annual $150,000 operational costs of the wildlife exhibit and make a commitment to cover the $5 million development costs related to the wildlife exhibit.

DNR stated that their goal for the Master Plan draft is to have it ready for public feedback in the first quarter of 2026.

Next meeting is February 10th at 6 pm. Contact Carl if you would like to attend the meeting via zoom.

MOHEE

What is MOHEE? It is Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo
(MOHEE or Mo'-hee) and this event returns to the MacKenzie Center this spring! The dates are May 6th and 7th, 2026.

MOHEE is presented by the Outdoor Heritage Education Center (OHEC)
(OH'-heck), a non-profit conservation organization that organizes this annual FREE field trip to the MacKenzie Center for students each May. The Friends of MacKenzie are proud to support OHEC, the MacKenzie Center, and DNR in this educational event.

MOHEE is the largest FREE outdoors skills field tip in the Midwest. It provides an opportunity to extend learning outdoors while gaining awareness and interest in outdoor skills while they get hands-on experiences with outdoor activities. MOHEE in 2025 reached over 4,200+ individuals and expects to grow in 2026. Share this opportunity with a teacher and learn more about MOHEE by visiting https://ohecyes.org/unicdn/expo/.

Join MacKenzie as a Friend

and make a difference! We thank you!

https://friendsofmackenzie.org/donations/membership-form/

Important Dates to Know

February 19 - Maple Fest Volunteer Training

Month of March - Maple program for students

April 4 - Maple Fest

May 6 & 7 - MOHEE

August 16 - Annual membership picnic

October 17 - Fall Fest

Friends of MacKenzie Center

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Mailing address: PO Box 225, Poynette, WI 53955

W7303 County Road Cs And Q
Poynette, Wisconsin 53955-9690
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