Education
LA CROSSE’S NATURE PLACE ON JOBS LOST FROM FUNDING CUTS: “Without them, our building, our programs and our energy simply won’t feel the same”
The Nature Place in La Crosse said six people there have lost their jobs due to AmeriCorps funding that was suddenly terminated.
“Without them, our building, our programs, and our energy simply won’t feel the same,” The Nature Place posted.
Formerly the Myrick Park Center, the Nature Place said it will lose two community program educators, two environmental educators, a visitor assistant and a gardens and grounds member.
“These individuals are at the very heart of what we do,” The Nature Place added. “They are mentors, educators, and environmental stewards who make our mission—to connect people with nature for the benefit of both—come to life each day.
“If you’ve attended Nature Saturday, this news affects you. If your child has gone on a field trip to The Nature Place, this affects you. If you’ve ever rented our space, walked past our native gardens, or received produce from our community bin, this affects you.”
The sudden cuts come right as The Nature Place’s work starts to ramp up for the season. They planned 50 summer camps serving 575 children, multiple educational school field trips and community programs for all happening through the fall.
“We are working in real time to adapt, adjust staffing, and preserve the experiences you expect from us — but we can’t do it alone,” The Nature Place continued. “We need your help.”
A request from the group asks the community to share its stories, raise its voices and come together to continue to offer environmental education. Donations can be contributed here.
The cuts come after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) abruptly terminated nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps funding nationwide last week, according to Central Conservation.
Along with the six people who lost their jobs in La Crosse, another 11 were cut serving across WisCorps partner sites and 43 AmeriCorps members statewide for summer work.
Mike Hochertz
May 1, 2025 at 1:16 am
If the 50 summer camps provided value the parents would pay for their children to go. But this is a typical “government bloat” program. Certainly the parents will send children to camp if everyone else’s taxes go to pay for their children.
If the parents saw substantial value they would save up through our the year to send them.
The Nature Place business model needs to be self sustaining just like resturants, factories, stores, etc. If the business cannot generate enough revenue to remain viable, they need to restructure.
Welcome to the business realization that government funds (your neighbors taxes) should only go towards essential infrastructure.
kevin
May 1, 2025 at 7:11 am
Mike – nailed it.
Bill
May 3, 2025 at 1:29 pm
Myrick Park was a lot more fun when I was a kid. At 10 years old, we would watch the monkeys on monkey island, get sno-cones, stare at the wolves, look down the rattlesnake pit, swing on the swings, then walk the marsh trails and smoke cigarettes. A lot more fun than listening to some drab adult talk about plants.