MONROE — The Green County Forestry Education Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The Forestry Center is located in the former Clarno School building on County P, south of Monroe.

The Center was established in 1968 to educate people about the value of local small woodlots and help owners learn how to preserve this important resource. The organizing and incorporating committee included; Albert Deppeler, Arleigh Frautschy, Harry Williams, and John Marty of Monroe; Phillip Brown, of Brooklyn; Myron Jeglum, county agent and Rodney Kittelsen, attorney, both from Monroe.

When the Monroe School District decided to sell the Clarno School building, it was purchased by Albert Deppeler so it could be made available to the area for forestry education purposes. 

Deppeler owned a 20 acre woodlot behind the building which had already been used for woodland study. He was the woodworking leader for area 4-H clubs and felt it was important for youth to understand the importance of local timbers. 

The group met and formed The Green County Forestry Educational Center which was incorporated in 1968. The building was purchased from the Deppeler’s and they donated the adjoining timber to the center.

The development of the Center along with Albert and Marion’s timber management practices were instrumental in them being named 1983 Wisconsin Outstanding Tree Farmer and 1984 Regional Tree Farmers of the Year and runner-up for national honors in 1986. Albert was a charter member of the Wisconsin Woodland Owner’s Association.

Financial support for the center comes from memberships, which are still set at the original $25 for lifetime membership, sale of timber products from the adjoining timber, and donations. The Forestry Center is a 501c3 corporation, so donations may be tax deductible. Anyone interested in woodland is encouraged to join.

Many local organizations and educational groups have utilized the Forestry Center over the years with state and county foresters helping with the achievement of the center’s goals. Local school groups, 4-H clubs and Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups use the facility and help with its maintenance.

Scholarships are awarded to local high school graduates who show interest in furthering their education in fields related to timber preservation or other natural science areas.

Bequests made to local organizations by the Deppeler Family Trust created by Albert and Marion Deppeler’s Estates, included the Forestry Center. These funds have made it possible to not only continue the mission of the Center, but to preserve the Clarno School building. The groups and individuals who visit the Center have an opportunity to learn from the many educational exhibits. They also have a rare chance to see how many of us started our education in a one room country school.

The Forestry Center is managed by volunteers who serve as officers and directors. The current board members are; Keith Ginner, president; Dennis Matzke, vice president; Lauren Meinert, secretary; Steve Frazier, treasurer; with directors Jason Kundert, James Sacker, Alvin Tschudy, Jim Deppeler and Richard Wehinger.

Organizations and families are invited to rent the facility for events or gatherings by contacting Keith Ginner at 608-558-7562.