Program scheduled on history of Buena Vista Marsh

By Patrick Lynn

The Aldo Leopold Audubon Society is sponsoring a presentation on the history of the Buena Vista Marsh on Jan. 15.

Art Stevenson and Neil Heywood will explore the geological, cultural, and natural history of the “marshless” Buena Vista Marsh south of Stevens Point. Long known as the last stronghold for the greater prairie chicken in the state, the “marsh” represents one of the most extensive grasslands east of the Mississippi River.

Stevenson has lived in central Wisconsin nearly all his life, and first visited the Buena Vista Marshes as a child in the 1960s, during family birding trips. Stevenson has taught physics and astronomy at UWSP for over 20 years. He lives with his wife Stephanie near Babcock.

Heywood has taught in the Department of Geography and Geology at UW-SP for over 30 years. His most recent research has been on the climatic and biological responses to the last total eclipse in 2017. He and Stevenson plan to extend that research next into Texas during the pending eclipses there in 2023 and 2024. Before becoming a teacher, he experienced and learned from some 65 countries while serving as a navigator with the United States Navy. He currently resides in Stevens Point.

The free program begins at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, 1519 Water St. The public is welcome to attend.