Sheldon Nature Area (School Forest)

Tucked behind Oakwood Elementary School, Sheldon Nature Area, offers endless learning opportunities for students and the public. Encompassing 26-acres, the Sheldon Nature Area is located at 1225 N Oakwood Road in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At least eight native Wisconsin ecosystems exist or are under development in the area including prairie, wetland, wet-mesic forest, old field, evergreen forest, oak savanna, pond, and stream.

History and Progress

In 1991 the area was donated to the District, and with the help of a lot of hardworking volunteers and a grant from the EPA, the area was cleaned up and redesigned. Since then, numerous improvements and investments have been made to the area including planting native plants, creating two miles of gravel trails and bridges, constructing a floating classroom in the pond, and constructing an outdoor classroom and pavilion. In August 2022, the OASD school board designated the Sheldon Nature Area as a school forest. School forests present teachers and students with numerous opportunities to learn in the outdoors. As a designated school forest, the area will benefit from Department of Natural Resources (DNR) support, including curriculum resources, land management assistance and more. In the 2023-2024 school year, the nature area came under the umbrella of the Oshkosh Recreation Department (a department of the Oshkosh Area School District) to continue its legacy as an invaluable community green space for recreation and educational opportunities.

Future

The OASD and Sheldon Nature Area Committee (SNAC) volunteers are committed to preserving and enhancing the Sheldon Nature Area. Check out the latest news and updates below!

Latest Updates and Resources

Responding to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
An Overview of Sheldon Nature Area

Responding to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

Unfortunately, the Sheldon Nature Area - along with many areas in Wisconsin - experienced a severe infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). An invasive beetle that has decimated ash trees all over the midwest. At Sheldon, 95% of the seven-acre forested area is Green Ash and much of it was infested and dead or dying due to EAB. The OASD and SNAC volunteers worked to develop a solution to stop the spread and preserve the area as an incredible natural resource and educational space for students and community members. While it may look different, the OASD and SNAC volunteers are confident that the Sheldon Nature Area will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Update as of June 5, 2023

(View as PDF)

The logging project to remove and stop the spread of EAB in the Sheldon Nature Area will begin on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. During this time, the Sheldon Nature Area will be temporarily closed. The area will be off-limits and signs will be posted to allow for the planned logging project. Logging is expected to be completed on June 17, 2023. The Sheldon Nature Area will be re-opened for regular public use, as well as summer programming through the Oshkosh Recreation Department on June 20, 2023.

This project was expected to occur next winter. However, due to current unexpected dry ground conditions, the logger is able to complete the project now. The current dry ground will minimize damage to the wet soil and vegetation.

Update as of July 2023

After completing the planned logging project, the Sheldon Nature Area reopened for the public to enjoy.

While the landscape may look different with the removal of impacted ash trees, the Sheldon Nature Area remains a remarkable natural space. The logging project was a necessary step to halt the spread of EAB and promote the long-term health of the area's diverse ecosystem.

Visitors will notice some changes to the tree canopy and ground cover, but the trails are intact and many native trees, plants, and wildlife remain. This provides an opportunity to experience the forest's natural cycle of regeneration over time.

The community is encouraged to visit and appreciate the transformed yet resilient Sheldon Nature Area.

An Overview of Sheldon Nature Area

Learn More

Questions regarding the nature area can be directed to:

Kabel Helmbrecht, Director of Recreation - Oshkosh Recreation Department, at kabel.helmbrecht@oshkosh.k12.wi.us
Drew Niehans, Executive Director of Business Services - Oshkosh Area School District, at drew.niehans@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

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