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The State Game Farm adjacent to the
MacKenzie boasts of over 65 years of operation for
the Game Farm and education programs at Poynette.
It all began in 1934 when H.W. MacKenzie
(Wisconsin Conservation  Department Director -- 1933-1942)
discontinued several small scattered game farms
and moved operations to Poynette. Here the
Wisconsin Conservation Commission established the
State Experimental Game and Fur Farm as its
general game division headquarters. Much of the
construction was done with the assistance of WPA
labor.
From chicken coops and cluck hens
used to incubate and raise pheasants, the farm
grew to become what was called by many the
greatest game farm in the world. The experimental
game and fur farm served as a base for propagation
and stocking of exotic and native upland game
birds and fur bearing animals in Wisconsin. Other
state-wide game management programs such as public
hunting grounds, wildlife refuges, winter feeding,
and contact with cooperating conservation clubs
were also centered here. The game farm itself
served as a place for wildlife management
education, scientific management demonstration
areas, research and laboratory facilities, and a
clearinghouse for confiscated live birds and
animals. Intensive research and study of
parasites, diseases, breeding, housing, rearing
and feeding of game birds and fur farm animals
were regularly carried on. The Game Division also
set up many traveling exhibits to inform and
educate the public in the many phases of and need
for conservation.
A zoological exhibit of 40 species
of native and exotic upland and migratory birds
and 20 species of game and fu rbearing animals was established.
Many of the animals for the exhibits came from a
supply of sick, injured and orphaned animals that
were brought to Poynette because of the facilities
and staff available. This exhibit drew in so many
visitors that a uniformed guide service was
established to provide educational tours.
By the late 1950's, much of the
experimental work involving propagation and
stocking of exotic and native game birds and
furbearers (raccoon, fox, mink and Karakul sheep)
was being phased out with propagation efforts
centering on ring-necked pheasant production. Due
to the diminished game farm operation and in
recognition of the educational potential of the
farm, about 250 acres were transferred, in 1961,
to the Department's Bureau of Information and
Education for development into a center for the
study of conservation.
It was called the Conservation
Education Center. New exhibits and museums were
added and self-guiding nature trails were
developed.
In 1971, the name was changed to the
MacKenzie Environmental Center to reflect an
expanding awareness of the total environment and
to honor H. W. MacKenzie for his role in
establishing this facility. Further development
took place including an overnight or resident
facility in 1975, accessible trails in  1981,
and a new wildlife exhibit in 1984. In 1997, as
part of the Department's reorganization, the
Center became a part of the South Central Region's
Bureau of Community Assistance and External
Relations (CAER).
Construction of new breeder and
chick brooding buildings at the farm was completed
in 1983. Now the Game Farm is one of the largest
and most modem facilities of its kind in the
country.
Thousands continue to visit the
Center each year. They come as participants in
Resident Center programs, registered day users,
and tourists. They walk the trails, view the
native wildlife exhibit and learn about the
environment. | 
Welcome to Columbia County
The
MacKenzie Environmental Education Center is one
of the most complete environmental education
centers anywhere in Wisconsin. It is
situated on 280 acres of rolling fields and
forest land making it a wonderful place for
family outings, picnics and out of the classroom
adventures.
The Center features an
exhibit of live Wisconsin wildlife, self-guided
hikes and trails, museums, a fire tower, a
picnic area and much more, so whether on your
own, with your family and friends, or as an
organized group, you can come enjoy and learn
about resource management in Wisconsin.
See how
Wisconsin conservation practices developed.
The MacKenzie
Center has assembled a living collection of native
Wisconsin wildlife on exhibit year around! See and
learn about deer, bison, wolf, eagle, mountain
lion, lynx, turkey and much, much more. Get up
close to animals you have probably only read about
or watched on television. A learning experience
and great fun for the entire family!
Center
at various ages for different reasons. Many new
arrivals are born right at the MacKenzie Center.
Just like any new "parents", we want to share our
excitement with you. We invite you to visit us and
meet our newborns and "toddlers"...and the more
mature additions to our
family!
