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Carl Thedens, Marv DeYoung and Ken Haak enjoy the new observaton deck. |
Carl Thedens & The Pheasant Branch Observation Deck Crew
Everyone who has hiked to the top of the prominent hill at Belle Fontaine (Pheasant Branch Marsh) raves about the beautiful old burr oaks and the spectacular view of Pheasant Branch creek and the Capitol in the distance. Now, thanks to the hard work of volunteers like Carl Thedens, a well-crafted observation deck awaits hikers on the crest of the hill. The deck was designed to blend into the landscape, and was made from materials donated by Middleton Ace Hardware and a generous but anonymous donor.
Originally from central Wisconsin, Carl Thedens taught Industrial Education at Middleton High School for 21 years. Observing the growing competence of his students was very rewarding. His career also included teaching agriculture, a tour with the army in Korea, construction work and six years as a territorial manager a few years ago for a seed company. He went to a Friends of Pheasant Branch program and liked what he heard about preservation of natural resources. He figured, “If more needs to be done, why not?”, and joined the crew working at Pheasant Branch.
Using the deck at the Nine Springs E-Way as a model, Carl modified the design to fit the location and his own high standards. The two-level deck, completed last September, includes accessibility ramps. Carl says it took longer to build than originally thought, because the volunteers spent so much time watching the resident hawks, cranes and deer.
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The view from the observation deck at Belle Fontaine |
The volunteers who built the deck with Carl, and who deserve equal amounts of glory are Cliff Frey, Bill von Kaas, Dennis Connor, David Hunzicker, Paul Helgesen and Ken Haak. Carl describes them as “a talented, easy-going and friendly bunch.”
(Park users are reminded that going straight up the hill will damage fragile soils and plant life. Please use the official, spiraling trail to reach the top of the hill).
Schmacher Farm News continued...
resemble wooden ones. The heirloom flower garden will be revamped, and the vegetable garden enclosed with authentic fencing. Most ambitious of all, Schumacher Farm will acquire two “new” (old) outbuildings: a sturdy granary and attached machine shed. Moving this double structure, donated by Fran Lacy, from its Fitchburg site to the Farm will cost $19,500. The MSP Trust Fund is providing $14,000, with the Friends covering the rest. If you know of people or organizations interested in historic preservation who might contribute funds toward this, please contact me (...for scraping and painting, too!).
A quilting bee and summer plays are in the planning stage. These events are confirmed for 1999: 1920s-’30’s Vintage Style Show: Saturday, May 8, 1:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. ($5, reservations required). Hymn Sings: Third Sunday of each month, April-October, 2:00 p.m. Harvest Fest: Sunday, October 3, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
We invite you to participate in any of the Friends’ projects and activities. Remember, this is your park and Dane County heritage. If you have any questions or wish to use the facilities, volunteer or make event reservations, please call 849-4559. |
