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Film on landscape architect

Danes Hall to screen ‘The Living Green’

By Angie Landsverk


The first in a series of ecological presentations will take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Danes Hall of Waupaca.

“The Living Green” documentary will be shown, with an introduction by Justin Sipiorski, associate professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Released in 2018, the documentary is about the life and work of Jens Jensen.

Jensen was a Chicago landscape architect and conservationist.

He emigrated to the United States in 1884 from his native Denmark, and played a role in creating the prairie style of landscape architect.

Jensen advocated using native plants in parks and garden design, and also in conserving natural spaces for human recreation and reflection.

He founded The Clearing near Ellison Bay in 1935.

It is a folk school for adults.

The documentary will be followed by a viewing of the Jens Jensen Exhibit currently on display there.

Here is a preview of the film.

The panel exhibit was organized by the Museum of Danish America.

“This is the only time the movie will be shown, but the exhibit will be here until April,” said Jane Haasch.

Haasch and Kari Esbensen are helping Michael Koehler with the program.

Both are interested in preserving natural areas.

Danes Hall and Jensen’s life

Koehler, a descendant of Danish immigrants, owns Danes Hall.

He brought the Jens Jensen Exhibit here as part of the 125th anniversary and rededication of Danes Hall.

“He wanted to craft an event to draw interest,” Esbensen said of the ecological series.

Koehler grew up in Chicago, where he was exposed to Jensen’s work.

The Danes Hall project was underway when Koehler learned a documentary about Jensen was also being developed.

As Koehler spent more time at the corner of Granite and Main streets, he saw four ideas related to Jensen meeting there.

They are Danish immigrants, natural ecology, industry and commerce.

Koehler began discussing with the city the idea of incorporating Jensen’s ecological landscape style into Washington Park, which is north of Rasmussen Park.

The ideas are included in the updated master plan for Waupaca’s riverfront area.

Koehler’s objective with the Dec. 21 program is to start a conversation with community members about ecological landscape for recreational and educational purposes.

Haasch said future topics for the series will include ecological landscapes of Waupaca County; creative park and trail development; local birds over the last 130 years; and ecological education opportunities in Waupaca.

A youthful perspective on climate change is scheduled on Monday, Jan. 20, she said.

“We will not schedule any talks on the same nights, times as Winchester (Academy),” Haasch said.

Conservation Hall of Fame

Esbensen also noted Jensen will be inducted posthumously into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame in April.

“The Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame strives to keep alive the ideas and ideals of men and women whose foresight has preserved and enhanced our environment,” said Executive Secretary Michael John Jaeger.

He said with the three 2020 inductees, more than 100 conservation advocates will be honored in the Hall of Fame.

“Jens Jensen was a tireless advocated for preserving natural areas, incorporating natural elements into human landscapes and providing spaces where all people can immerse themselves in nature,” Jaeger said. “Those efforts make him a perfect addition to those already inducted into our Hall of Fame.”

Esbensen said Jensen recognized it is important to protect key natural areas before they are developed.

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