Natural History Interpretive Trail
OUR ANNUAL "PASS THE HAT" FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
Fundraising Goal: $50,000
Click to Make a Donation via Your Clearing User AccountPass the Hat
The Clearing’s Pass the Hat Campaign is an annual fund-raising event for special projects at The Clearing. Beginning in 2009, this campaign has raised over $625,000! This has helped support many projects, including the renovation of historic buildings, restoring historic gardens, the construction of a new forge and metals studio, a complete kitchen renovation, improved trail accessibility and so much more!
2023: A Natural History Interpretive Trail
This year’s campaign will focus on raising $50,000 for a new natural history interpretive trail. Work will include printing & constructing 34 outdoor interpretive signs, constructing an interpretive trailhead kiosk and implementing various trail improvements. Work is scheduled to begin this fall and finish in spring of 2024.
So, once again, we’re Passing the Hat and inviting you to join our efforts to create a truly unique educational experience by making a contribution, in whatever amount, to our new interpretive trail.
2009Root CellarRenovation
2010Schoolhouse Mural Recreation
2012Lodge Kitchen Garden Restoration
2017New Forge & Metals Studio
2018Visitor Center Road & Parking Updates
2020 New Kitchen
2021-2022Flagstone Walks
2023Natural History Interpretive Trail
A New Way to Tell Our Story...
Dear Friends,
The 2023 Pass The Hat For The Clearing fund raiser will support an exciting project that has been on the list for many years—a natural history interpretive trail. The trail will be along a hiking path that was established in 2015 and 2016 to the east and northeast of the Jens Jensen Center—between the Jensen Center and Garrett Bay Road.
Signs along the trail will provide information on a wide variety of topics. Many will focus on the birds, wildflowers, trees, shrubs and other plants found at The Clearing. Others will be about mushrooms, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, butterflies and moths, invasive plants, Door County geology, land conservation and forest ecology. In total, 34 signs will provide a wonderful introduction to the natural history of The Clearing and Door County.
A colored pencil drawing by Kimberly Mullarkey, long-time Clearing instructor, will grace each sign. The signs will also include photos of featured items—plants, animals, birds and others.
The interpretive trail will be a great addition to the property for everyone—those visiting The Clearing, along with Clearing students and instructors.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 from this year’s Pass The Hat For The Clearing campaign. This will allow us to design, create and install 34 beautiful, educational interpretive signs.
Please consider making a donation for this important project. Thank you.
Michael Schneider
Executive Director
Thank You!
Your gift today is an investment in The Clearing’s continuing efforts to promote Jens Jensen’s legacy at The Clearing and throughout Door County. Your enthusiastic support will allow us to create a unique learning experience for all Clearing guests to gain greater appreciation for the land Jensen loved and called home.