“When you cross into Schlitz, you just feel your shoulders come down.”

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center aims to conserve its 185 acres of land to provide improved habitats for the wildlife found along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Located in Bayside, Schlitz Audubon also offers year-round environmental education programs for people of all ages. Lesley Houchin-Miller has worked at the center since September 2019, and her children attended the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool.

Chloe Hall: Why did you decide to work at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center?

Lesley Houchin-Miller: It’s close to my home, and, well, I love being outside. It’s a very relaxing place to be. No matter where you are in life, when you cross into Schlitz, you just feel your shoulders come down when you exhale. It’s a great distraction from the chaos in life. It’s just a great place to be.

Q: Can you tell me about its history?

A: This was originally the Nine Mile Farm. Back before there were cars, horses distributed beer for the Schlitz family. They would go to taverns and pubs and bars and distribute the beer out by horse and buggy. Horses would come back here to the Nine Mile Farm to rejuvenate at the end of the day. So then when times changed, the family didn’t know exactly what to do with the property now that they weren’t going to use it as a farm. The men wanted it to be a men’s golf course, and the women wanted it to be an educational place. The women won. So now it’s become this big place to educate all ages. We have a really great nature preschool here. Plus, we have adult education classes. It’s just really a great place. So yeah, it’s got a rich history.

Q: Do you have a favorite feature exhibit or season here?

A: All of the seasons are so cool. You start noticing more because you’re in it. Before, I didn’t pay as much attention as I do now. Every season is just full of new stuff.

Q: What is one thing that you would recommend visitors see here?

A: I like going to the tower. Checking out the sky is just, it’s a great view of the horizon. I try to do that every morning. You just see so much from the tower. And then trying to go down to the water is also really special.

Q: What can the community do to support Schlitz Audubon?

A: Just come. I think observance is the thing that gets people into wanting to do more. They come here and they observe and they say, “There’s got to be more of this around. Why aren’t we doing more to save this? Why don’t we keep coming and try to preserve this?” So I just think observation makes them more dedicated to coming in. It makes a difference. Getting outside makes people care a little bit more.