Friends of Van Vliet Hemlocks

The Friends are organized to protect and preserve the unique ecology of the Van Vliet Hemlocks. We help maintain the trails and provide educational materials and programs for the public.

Van Vliet Hemlocks State Natural Area

The Van Vliet Hemlocks encompass 400 acres, 4 ½ miles of trails, and more than 1 ½ miles of shoreline in “Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness,” Presque Isle, Wisconsin. The site showcases unique ecology and Northwoods wildlife and represents a rare remnant of the northern hardwood-hemlock forest.

Owned by the State of Wisconsin (Site #673) and a member of the State Natural Area program, the beautiful forest inspires an ethic of care in its visitors. In 2011, the Friends of the Van Vliet Hemlocks was formed, and played an instrumental role in state ownership and SNA establishment. The Friends remain active in their mission: to protect and preserve this special site into perpetuity.

Learn More About Van Vliet Hemlocks Van Vliet Hemlocks Trail Map Van Vliet Hemlocks Photo Galleries

Join Us!

Friends' members may quietly support our efforts or may choose to participate in, support, or lead:

  • Activities that protect and preserve the site.
  • Projects that develop or maintain trails, signs, and interpretive materials.
  • Education and recreation efforts aimed at supporting activities consistent with the Friends' purpose and in collaboration with the Discovery Center, area schools, and partnering organizations.

We are founded under the Discovery Center, a nonprofit 50lc(3) organization. Due to this, the Friends comply with NLDC bylaws. We are self-sufficient in the pursuit of organization programs and activities but are partially supported by NLDC via facility, equipment, professional and volunteer staff, insurance, and communications assets.

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Friends of VVH

Board of Directors

Board Officers

  • Tom Olson, President
  • Phil Sobocinski, Vice President
  • Al Drum, Secretary
  • Eric Benn, Treasurer


Board Members

  • Ed Brodsky
  • Bob Berdan
  • Allen Eschenbauch
  • Bob Horswill
  • Licia Johnson
  • Sarah Johnson
  • Richard Phillips
  • Jenna Richardson
  • Zach Wilson


Board Liaisons

  • Don Anderson, NLDC
  • Neil Brown, VVLA
  • Beth Feind, WDNR