Friends of Toft Point

How We Began

The original 325-acre Toft Point property along Lake Michigan northeast of the Village of Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, was sold by the Thomas Toft family to The Nature Conservancy in 1967. The deed was then turned over to the Regents of The Universities of Wisconsin and management responsibilities were given to the Green Bay campus. Additional acreage to the south, the Lighthouse Point area, was purchased in 1976 by The Nature Conservancy and added to the Toft Point property. Today, this 743-acre preserve is a State Natural Area, and a part of the large Ridges Sanctuary-Mud Lake Wildlife Area-Toft Point National Natural Landmark.

The friends group originated in the late 1990s when Bonnie Burnham and several volunteers began refurbishing the log cabins in the late 1990’s. They re-roofed and repaired the structures with materials provided by UW-Green Bay and a local man, Harry Wehling. Bonnie suggested that a Friends group should be organized to oversee Toft Point activities and help keep the area safe, natural and protected. The University was 65 miles away and faced budget cuts which did not allow staff to spend much time at Toft Point. For a few years, some cabins were used by graduate students doing research projects, but now all the buildings at Toft Point are considered historical structures and are no longer occupied.

A steering committee formed, and a meeting was held on April 19, 2000, at the home of Roy and Charlotte Lukes. Attendees besides the Lukes’ were Bonnie Burnham, Bob Davis, Warren DeWalt, Gary Fewless, John Turner and Marsha Wilson. They discussed the purpose of this group and set goals. The first general meeting for all people interested in participating was held on August 21, 2000 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor. Twenty-four people attended, and a Board of Directors was elected. Officers were Roy Lukes, president, Lyle McGinnis, vice-president, Charlotte Lukes, secretary and Judy Turner, treasurer. Carl Scholz and Marsha Wilson were the other board members. Bonnie Burnham joined the board in January 2001.

By the end of 2001, the group had 192 members, and the board expanded to nine members each with a three-year term. Since that time, membership has increased to over 350 members including almost 175 lifetime members.

Learn About Toft Point

Accomplishments

• Refurbished log cabins: Bonnie Burnham and several volunteers began refurbishing the log cabins in the late 1990s. They reroofed and repaired the structures with materials provided by UW-Green Bay and a local community member, Harry Wehling.
• Built kiosk: John and Judy Turner built a kiosk and set it at the main gate in 2002.
• Remove invasive plants: Started by volunteer members.
• Installed bike rack: Dave Nevelainen, Toft Friends life member, built and installed a bike rack near the main gate.
• Installed dolomite marker & bronze plaque: Richard Boockmeier of Portage, WI, donated a plaque commemorating the Toft family for their farsighted preservation efforts over the course of many years at Toft Point. On Saturday, June 18, 2005, Richard installed the plaque securely onto the stone at a memorial dedication ceremony attended by many members of the Toft family.
• Placed two wooden benches of white pine: Jim Jauquet of the Ridges Sanctuary Wednesday work crew constructed and donated the benches to Toft Point to be placed near the new monument in 2005.
• Incorporation of Friends of Toft Point: In 2007, the Friends of Toft Point became incorporated and registered as a 501c3 non-profit organization through the efforts of Charlotte Lukes and treasurer, Nancy Rafal.
• Established the Operating Endowment: This endowment helps facilitate the eradication of the many exotic plant species entering northeast Wisconsin and Toft Point in 2009. Funds provided by Life Membership income and an Invasive Species Endowment.
• Support student research: Established an endowment in support of student research at Toft Point in 2010.
• Merged with UW-Green Bay: In August 2021, the Friends of Toft Point merged with UW-Green Bay and relinquished their 501c3 status. Donations are still tax deductible through UW-Green Bay.