Springbrook leader to retire from Itasca nature center

When Fred Maier joined the staff of the new Springbrook Nature Center 32 years ago as a fresh college grad, he planted 500 trees.

Initially, they resembled a bunch of Popsicle sticks poking out of an open field, said Maier, Itasca’s environmental services coordinator. But today they have grown into a forest filled with oak trees that reach up to 50 feet high.

“That gives me a rush beyond all,” Maier said.

His passion for nature is one reason retiring this month will be tough for Maier, who joined Springbrook in late 1978. In fact, Maier is remaining a few extra weeks beyond his official retirement date to finish leading the Junior Naturalists 4-H group, which learns skills such as wilderness survival.

“I’ve been meeting with these amazing young men and women for several years and the hardest thing is that I won’t be seeing them on a regular basis anymore,” Maier said.

But that sadness is also mixed with pride, as Maier’s dedication to Springbrook has helped make it one of Itasca’s top attractions. Maier first became involved with the nature center when he was a college naturalist student, before Springbrook was even a reality.

“I was in my senior year and visiting with my next-door neighbor, (Wesley) Jerry Usher, who was then the mayor,” Maier said. “He mentioned the village was working with the park district to create the nature center and asked me for feedback on the proposal and maps, so I put my two cents in.”

That two cents led to Maier’s dream job, helping to “create a nature center right here in my hometown.” He eventually became director, helping create programs for students, the public and Scout troops, improving water and plant quality, and overseeing Springbrook’s popular birds of prey program.

By 2008, Itasca could no longer afford to operate Springbrook and the Itasca Park District took it over, Maier said. His title was changed, and the raptor program was privatized by Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation. Ultimately, the birds of prey left the center this year.

He said the park district is now seeking other groups to use its outdoor cages, since the raptors were so popular with visitors.

“It really became sort of our iconic program,” Maier said.

He also hopes school programs such as Junior Naturalists, which started three years ago, and Mighty Acorns programs for middle school students also remain popular staples.

“I’m really hoping those continue on as a living legacy,” Maier said. “The nature center was doing environmental programs long before they became mainstream.”

Itasca leaders will play host to a barbecue to honor Maier on Aug. 25 at Springbrook, although he will remain on staff as a part-time employee working about six days a month.

Not surprisingly, Maier said he will spend his extra free time gardening, fishing and completing a “whole lot of housework.”

He also confesses one other hobby that will take up a bit of his retirement: the role-playing game “Dungeons and Dragons.”

“Yes, I’m a nerd,” Maier said, laughing.

If you go

What: Fred Maier retirement barbecue

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 25

Where: Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca

Details: RSVP by Thursday to Melody Craven, (630) 773-0835