Choose Marshall Chamber Welcomes Wilder Creek Conservation Club as a New Member

The Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA)/Choose Marshall held a ribbon cutting to welcome Wilder Creek Conservation Club as a new chamber member.

Pictured left to right: Choose Marshall; Patty Williams, Business Development Manager, Choose Marshall; Marikje Guerin, Wilder Creek; Dr. Jim Dobbins, President, Wilder Creek; Chamber Ambassador Carl Gibson, Heritage Commons Senior Center; Sandi Dobbins, Secretary, Wilder Creek; Tim Cook, Wilder Creek Board; Pat Cook, Wilder Creek; Sharon Robinson, Treasurer, Wilder Creek; Jeff Robinson, Wilder Creek; Chamber Ambassador Dora Presecan, Spartan Podiatry; Dave Goedde, Wilder Creek Board.

Wilder Creek Conservation Club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, membership-based conservation and nature area created to protect, conserve and educate future generations to become caretakers of our natural resources. Featuring 63 acres of rolling hills, wooded acreage, ponds, a creek and nature trails, Wilder Creek is a wildlife sanctuary tucked just a few miles south of Marshall. The club is a cherished part of the local outdoor scene and offers membership to individuals and families who share a passion for the outdoors.

Wilder Creek was named for Oshea Wilder, a land surveyor, who was an early settler of the Marshall area. He and his wife, Cornelia, came to Marshall in 1831 and purchased the land in Eckford Township. On the Wilder Creek property is a railway bed that was part of the old Interurban line that ran between Marshall, Albion, and Homer.

“Wilder Creek is thrilled to join the Choose Marshall Chamber,” said Jim Dobbins, Board President of the Wilder Creek Conservation Club. “Our mission has always been to connect people with nature while promoting sustainable outdoor activities. Becoming a part of the chamber allows us to better connect with the community and collaborate with other local businesses. The club is committed to educating the public about sustainable practices and fostering a love of nature in future generations. With a mission to protect and preserve local ecosystems, Wilder Creek also provides educational programs for adults and children that promote conservation awareness and sustainable practices.”

As the club continues to grow its membership, it hopes to further its outreach efforts, providing education on conservation practices and increasing community involvement in environmental preservation. Dobbins added, “The club offers members a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities and community engagement along with a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts while fostering a strong sense of community.”

Wilder Creek is open to all members for exploration, offering hiking, bird watching, catch-and-release fishing, and more. Sandi Dobbins, Board Secretary, loves to speak about the wildlife that visitors might encounter during their time at Wilder Creek. “Hopefully, during your visit, you will have an opportunity to witness in their natural habitats, deer, Canadian geese, cranes, turtles, beaver, birds of all kinds, snakes, frogs and our pride and joy, a nesting family of Bald Eagles.”

Wilder Creek Conservation Club is located just a short distance from downtown Marshall at 19833 D Drive South. For more information or to inquire about memberships, visit wildercreekconservationclub.org

The Choose Marshall Chamber serves as a catalyst for business growth and community development in the Marshall area with a focus on promoting economic vitality, advocating for local businesses, and fostering a supportive business environment. The Chamber offers a variety of programs and services to support its members, including networking events, grant funding and educational workshops. For more information about Choose Marshall Chamber services, call 269.781.5163 or visit choosemarshall.com.