‘The Lakeshore Nature Preserve:’ A new name for a cherished resource

Reflecting its deep value to the campus community and the city, UW–Madison has formally renamed its collection of pristine natural areas tucked along Lake Mendota as the “Lakeshore Nature Preserve.”

Formerly known as the “Campus Natural Areas,” the new designation will better impart place and importance for a variety of cherished campus sites, including Muir Woods, the Lakeshore Path, Picnic Point and Frautschi Point, North Shore Woods and Eagle Heights Woods – all along the campus shores of Mendota.

The new name was recommended to the University Committee by the Campus Natural Areas Committee and by Alan Fish, the associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and management. The University Committee approved the change on Monday, May 9.

“As everyone at UW–Madison appreciates and as the current Master Plan will articulate more explicitly, these lands are among the best-loved features of our campus,” says Fish. “We believe this name change will help all of us better understand how critical our lakeshore lands are to what makes UW–Madison such a special place.”

The name change will also force a new moniker for the group that oversees its use – now the Lakeshore Nature Preserve Committee. That group, led by history and geography Professor William Cronon, has led a series of discussions and open hearings over the past year about ways to protect and enhance the Preserve.

Cronon says the name change is an important step in the larger goal of protecting these unique natural assets, and increasing awareness of “the location, integrity and value beyond price” of the Preserve.

While the name change is effective immediately, Cronon says a plan to update publications and online materials will continue over the next six months.