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Green Lakes State Park Expands

John Smith
/
WAER News

Green Lakes State Park is expanding with the purchase of 160 acres of bordering land previously owned by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.  The State is making the purchase and will include walking trails.  Right now, there are areas to bird watch and see the panoramic views of the hills and nature. 

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid says the expansion will also protect the parks most precious resources.

"We buffered the park right over the ridge is Round Lake and Green Lakes and we're protecting the watersheds for those very special places, and really it's bird conservation, walking fields, observing habitat for some bird species, it's really going to be a great place to protect nature and allow the public to enjoy it."

The additional area is accessible on a long and winding road and is currently known as the Spirituality and Nature Center.  General Minister Sister Barbra Jean Donovan has many fond memories at the property.

"The turkeys and the deer, the snow, I have never lived on the property but I have come here to spend time and the beauty always refreshes me."

Sister Donovan says the sisters are thrilled it will continue to be free land and a true piece of beauty. It’s located at 7770 Green Lakes Road in Fayetteville, and is part of the Governor’s proposed $3 billion ‘Restore Mother Nature Environmental Bond Act’ to protect the state’s bodies of water and fish and wildlife habitats and defend against climate change.