Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund

The Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund is a beacon of hope for cancer patients and survivors of our local community. This organization assists in providing financial "gestures" for eligible cancer patients and survivors in an effort to help ease the stress of the financial burdens associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Over the years, the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund has approved nearly $2 million in "gestures" to assist local cancer patients/survivors. To learn more or to donate to this cause, visit their website: Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund

The Christopher Farm & Gardens is thrilled to have formed a great partnership with this organization over the last few years, strengthening relationships with so many wonderful members along the way. 

Another way that the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund is able to support cancer patients and survivors is through a variety of healthy and active activities. Activities hosted at The Christopher Farm and Gardens for this group include special events, restoration projects, bonding bonfires, game nights, hiking/snowshoeing excursions, and more. These activities provide opportunities to local cancer patients and survivors to be physically active, to create connections with others at various stages of the cancer experience, and to promote their enjoyment of nature through the peaceful and healing qualities of the gardens.

Restoration Projects 

For the past few years, many individuals that are a part of the Survive, Thrive & Be Fit activity group have taken part in CFG land restoration efforts. These efforts include:

• Removal of Invasive Species
• Planting Native Tree & Plant Species
• Collecting Native Prairie Seeds
• Creating Habitat for Native Animal Species

An area of focus for this group has been the Turkey Trot Trail, a system of trails near the Lake Michigan bluffs. This natural area was once used as agricultural land and had become rife with invasive species over time. This area is now being managed by garden staff, along with necessary help from this group of go-getters. Thanks to their efforts, this restored land will be an excellent resource for environmental education as it transitions back to a natural habitat full of native species of plants and animals.

Members of the Survive, Thrive & Be Fit group plant native tree species in the Turkey Trot Trail restoration area. 

Project Tweety B.I.R.D.

In early 2023, a new project was proposed to help one of Wisconsin's most beloved species, the Eastern Bluebird, by creating a "bluebird trail" of specially designed birdhouses to accommodate the specific needs of this species. Project Tweety B.I.R.D. (Bluebird Investigation, Rejuvenation & Discovery) was formed and now involves weekly monitoring sessions of all birdhouses along the trail.

Members of the Survive, Thrive & Be Fit group participate in a weekly monitoring rotation to record info about the types of nests, eggs, hatchlings, and ultimately fledged adult birds that grow up along our bluebird trail. The collected data is sent to the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) at the end of each season, where it is included in their annual state-wide data set. This helps us better understand the status of this precious native bird species, which can be indicator of overall environmental health. 

2025 Bluebird Season Results

Thanks to the efforts of this amazing group of volunteers, the bluebird population at the farm has increased! The group's data from 2025 shows that 11 bluebird eggs laid in these birdhouses went on to fledge from their nests. The birdhouses also helped other native bird species, with tree swallows being frequently seen using these birdhouses.

The Survive, Thrive & Be Fit group's bluebird trail consists of 14 birdhouses, spread across the farm property in bluebird-friendly environments. The spring bluebird migration to Wisconsin begins in late February-early March - we will keep any eye out for the first arrivals looking for real estate in 2026! 

Click HERE to view the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin's (BRAW) newsletter archive, where they keep annual statewide bluebird trail population data!