FOUNTAIN LAKE FARM
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
A Pioneer Homestead that Influenced a Nation
The Birthplace of the American Conservation Movement
Fountain Lake Farm: A Pioneer Homestead that Influenced a Nation
Erik Brynildson describes, with narration and slides from 1988, the acquisition and landscape restoration of Fountain Lake Farm, the first Wisconsin home of John Muir.
John Muir's 150th Birthday- Newscene 15 April 21, 1988​
A short clip from evening news on John Muir's 150th birthday- April 21, 1988 filmed on Fountain Lake Farm.
Dave Iverson Interviews Erik Brynildson at Fountain Lake Farm on Earth Day April 22, 1988
Dave Iverson interviews Erik Brynildson at Fountain Lake Farm on Earth Day, 1988 in an exerpt from The Wisconsin Magazine television program.
Lewis Randall Poetry Reading May 28, 1989
Lewis Randall reads his poetry at a John Muir Gathering in Montello, Wisconsin on May 28, 1989. Photograph of Lewis in his van by Lewis Koch, June 2006
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bASz8Ky6Rig&t=7s
Fountain Lake Farm National Historic Landmark Dedication April 5, 1991​
Erik Brynildson, Senator Robert Kasten, and National Park Service staff speak at a dedication ceremony held at John Muir Memorial Park on April 5, 1991 for the official designation of Fountain Lake Farm as a National Historic Landmark. Hosted by William Schenk. (Note: Although Fountain Lake Farm is National Historic Landmark, it is a private residence and not open to the public.)
Presentation on Fountain Lake Farm by Erik Brynildson At New Holstein Pubic Library 11-10 -1998
Erik Brynildson presents a slide show talk with question and answer session on the landscape restoration of Fountain Lake Farm on 11-10-1998 at the New Holstein Public Library.
John Muir Meets Erik Brynildson​
(Aired on PBS 03/25/2010) Erik Brynildson discusses some of the questions he would ask John Muir if he were still alive.
https://www.pbs.org/video/in-wisconsin-john-muir-meets-brynildson/
An Overview of Some of the Problems Faced by the Fountain Lake Farm Restoration Project ​(Aired 03-25-2010)
https://video.indianapublicmedia.org/video/in-wisconsin-john-muir-threats-to-the-property/
Prairie Chicken Dance (Aired 03/25/10)​
https://video.indianapublicmedia.org/video/in-wisconsin-prairie-chicken-dance/
August Hummingbird Feeding Frenzy at Fountain Lake Farm 2018​
Ruby-Throated hummingbirds feed on over 50 pounds of sugar every season at Fountain Lake Farm. They empty five large feeders like these each day during August as they prepare for their fall migration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0aXPrvNLGg
A closer view was filmed in August, 2019:
Web Extras: Erik Brynildson on In Wisconsin Fountain Lake Farm (filmed March 25, 2010)
Web Extras from an edition of "In Wisconsin" where Erik Brynildson speaks passionately with Patti Loew about his landscape restoration work on Fountain Lake Farm, his perpetual aspirations to return the land to pre-settlement conditions, and its spiritual influence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8FvjkNqRkQ&t=31s
In Wisconsin: On John Muir and Fountain Lake Farm- Aired April 11, 2011
Erik Brynildson speaks passionately with Patti Loew about his landscape restoration work on Fountain Lake Farm, his perpetual aspirations to return the land to pre-settlement conditions, and its spiritual influence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvGjtbTWOq0&t=1s
The Little Red Hen
In this children's story of work ethic, initiative, self-reliance and persistence, the Little Red Hen pleads for assistance in the numerous steps she must take in her quest to make bread. The story juxtaposes the industrious, dedicated Little Red Hen with other lazy farm animals, and illustrates the value of interconnection and team work. The entirely altruistic effort of restoring Fountain Lake Farm brings similar lessons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlH01w565Ao
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Samuel Ennis Homestead Site Reclamation
In March, 2017, a two-acre parcel of land once owned by the Muirs and later sold to the Ennis' was acquired. Under Landscape Architect Erik Brynildson's direction, Daniels Excavating carried out demolition and clean-up of a century's worth of accumulated refuse. The Ennis barn foundation was saved, and the land was returned to prairie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaAVEg_hO9Y&t=18s
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In the Footsteps of Muir, Leopold, and Derleth
Robert Root, Author of “Walking Home Ground: In the Footsteps of Muir, Leopold, and Derleth,” shares the story of his journey toward understanding naturalists John Muir, Aldo Leopold and August Derleth. Root explored John Muir State Natural Area, Aldo Leopold’s shack and Sauk Prairie portrayed through the inspiration of August Derleth.
https://wpt4.org/wpt-video/university-place/in-the-footsteps-of-muir-leopold-and-derleth-f6d21q/
https://www.wpr.org/search/site/robert%20root?f%5B0%5D=sm_field_rel_program%3Anode%3A9986
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Sandhill Cranes in Muir's "Garden Meadow" (Fountain Lake Farm July 6, 2019)
This pair of Sandhill Cranes has lived around Fountain Lake Farm for a decade. Every evening, they return to Muir's "Garden Meadow" to roost for the night.