Joanne Johnson

I joined the Friends of MacKenzie in 2014 and have volunteered in the Finishing House canning maple syrup with Don Jackson and my husband, Don Buttery (there are a lot of Dons here!)  I became a new board member in 2018 and am currently the President.

I have been a fan of the MacKenzie Center since I was a child (over 70 years), visiting with my aunt, uncle, and cousins from Rio every summer.  I came up from South Milwaukee often and we would go to the “Game Farm” for a picnic and a fun day outdoors — watching the animals, visiting the museums, and just walking. As an adult I moved to Poynette and I brought my children to the Center.  We even had some 4H meetings in the “new” Lodge.  Then I brought my grandchildren, too.  All of my family love this place.  My husband has been a Friend since he retired and suggested I check out the opportunities at MacKenzie.

After learning what is involved with “finishing” maple syrup, I decided to share some of that knowledge with the student groups that come to MacKenzie each spring to learn about the maple program.  I also help with some of the maintenance projects and with Fall Festival and other events.

One of the best things about being a Friend is that I have found new friends who share my love of the outdoors and of the MacKenzie Center.  I hope to help keep it open for generations to come.  It’s a special place.