A large donation from a Rhinelander couple to the UW-Stevens Point Foundation will enhance outdoor learning opportunities at Treehaven, UW-Stevens Point’s residential education and conference facility located between Rhinelander and Tomahawk.

Jim and Jean Miazga, longtime residents of Rhinelander, gave $10,000 to support the development, coordination and implementation of many of the programs conducted at Treehaven that benefit school children, college students and the general public.

According to Corky McReynolds, director of Treehaven, the Miazgas are well known and respected in the Northwoods as neighbors and supporters of the community and the School District of Rhinelander. Jim has served on the Treehaven Board of Advisors since 2005, and is a member of the development committee. An avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman, he enjoys hiking at Treehaven and, after most board meetings, he marches off on his own to explore one of Treehaven’s many scenic trails.

“Operational support for programs is very difficult to obtain so this wonderful gift from Jim and Jean Miazga will greatly enhance our ability to serve area youth and the public,” said McReynolds.

Jim Miazga owned and operated Oneida Sales and Service, a Rhinelander-based beer distribution company he took over from his father and expanded to cover most of northern Wisconsin. In 2010 he sold the firm and retired from the beverage industry. His wife, Jean, retired recently from a 30-year teaching career in the Three Lakes School District, mostly with fourth graders at Sugar Camp Elementary School. In retirement, the Miazgas now spend the winter months in Arizona, although they clearly keep a place in their hearts for Treehaven and their hometown Rhinelander northwoods community.

Treehaven serves as a key field training facility operated by the College of Natural Resources. The 1,400-acre facility opened in 1985. Treehaven annually instructs more than 200 resource management students during the summer months, and becomes an environmental learning center offering public programs, K-12 experiences, continuing education and professional conferences.

For more information, visit uwsp.edu/cnr/treehaven.