Left, a foot bridge in Jordan Park. (City-Times photo)

City-Times Staff

Jordan Park recently became larger thanks to one local resident.

Richard Schneider of Stevens Point has donated 51 acres of natural land to the Portage County Parks Department. The land, which the Schneider Family often referred to as “Woodtick Woods” will now be added to Jordan Park and be managed as a natural area.

No form of development, agriculture or mining will be allowed on the property. Best Management Practices for both the forest and wetlands will be followed.

The area is primarily wooded with a scattered open wet meadows. Most of the woodlands are in a high water table area and the trees consist of red maple, birch, ash and aspen. The few higher spots have oak, white pine and red pine.

A small parking lot and trail may be established in the future.

The land addition brings Jordan Park, located just off Hwy 66 east of Stevens Point, to a size of 322 acres. The park is home to Jordan Pond and part of the Plover River. The park also boasts a picnic area, lodge, open pavilion, camping/showers, boat ramp, playground equipment, nature center trail, beach, and baseball field.

“The area will remain as a wetland natural area that will provide wildlife habitat, can be enjoyed by the public and continue to be available as a study area for local students” said Gary Speckmann, Parks Director.

Speackmann also said the area is part of the Jordan “swamp “ and its wetlands provide important flood control by acting as a sponge absorbing flood waters and protecting the areas water quality.