ROSCOMMON – There’ a gem in Roscommon that not everyone knows about. But ask the students from area schools if they’ve been to Gahagan Nature Preserve, and they will most likely say ‘yes!’.
In 1997, when Marguerite Gahagan passed away, she left her 10 acre property and cabin as a nature preserve. It has since expanded to include 60 acres of woods and water at 209 Maplehurst (at Southline Rd.), Roscommon – within walking distance of Roscommon Area Public Schools.
The preserve is a non-profit organization run by volunteers and funded by its members, donors and an endowment left by Marguerite Gahagan herself. In 2000, Gahagan Nature Preserve added an Environmental Education aspect to the organization as well. But as with most non-profits, revenues are always a concern.
Over the years, thousands of school children from the COOR Intermediate School District have taken field trips to the preserve for an outdoor experience tailored for school objectives for grades K-7.
‘We cover a seven county area,’ Gahagan’ Education Director Jalen Williams said. ’10 to 15 schools come here a year, including Surline, Grayling, the Catholic Schools, Fairview, Hale, Houghton Lake and Roscommon.’
And many Boy Scouts from Roscommon Troop 944 have done their Eagle Badge community project at the preserve adding boardwalks, pavilions, deer exclusion areas, and outdoor seating.
In addition to the field trips to the preserve, Gahagan educational professionals regularly take their programs to the schools and the community. Environmental Learning of the Future (ELF) is brought to the schools by Tracy Bosworth, Jalen Williams and Tom Dale.
A visiting naturalist, Bosworth takes one of four different programs to the classrooms and libraries in the area. A new pelt and skull were recently purchased for this year’ program – Wolf Songs. Bear Tracks, Cat Tales, and Wonders of Weasels are rotated through the years. Nature Camp is offered each summer at Gahagan.
And you can find Gahagan volunteers and their programs at local festivals and events including those at Hartwick Pines, Kirtland Warbler Festival, and Roscommon Riverfest.
So, while the kids in Roscommon County may be familiar with Gahagan, it is time to get the adults familiar and involved with the preserve. Because all of these educational programs take money to continue, and the small fees they receive from the schools and libraries aren’t covering the expenses.
Gahagan’ sustaining annual budget is $48,060. With an income of $9,160 that leaves $38,600 needed in sponsorships to break even each year. (see www.gahagannature.org for breakdown).
Gahagan has sent out a plea for funds to local companies and community members to sponsor the education programs.
‘The only thing that is going to save our community program is the community,’ Williams said. ‘Without community support and a way to fund our educational programs, we are just a woodlot.’
Williams went on to assure that the Nature Preserve will continue to be available for hiking, snowshoeing, bird watching, and enjoying in person even if the educational programs do not continue.
Williams will be leaving Gahagan at the end of this season to continue his education. He plans on getting a degree in secondary education. They have candidates in mind to replace him, but at reduced hours.
If you want to ensure that the school children in the area (Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, and Roscommon Counties) can visit and learn at Gahagan, please donate. If you enjoy the library programs on wildlife, please donate.
Visit www.gahagannature.org and click on the ‘Donate’ tab to donate through Paypal; stop by the Nature Preserve and leave a donation; or mail a check to them at Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, PO Box 421, Roscommon MI 48653.
‘Please be here for us and we will be here for you,’ Williams said.
