The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay (UWGB) is home to a beautiful natural space for recreation and research – the Cofrin Arboretum – which is currently closed due to ongoing and unspecified construction.
A ‘Trail Closed’ sign on the Cofrin Arboretum. Photo provided by Chelsey Johnson.
The Cofrin Arboretum is an ecosystem that has more than 6 miles of trails located around the perimeter of the UW-Green Bay Campus. The ongoing construction, which is rumored to involve AT&T’s installation of power lines, has led to road closures, trail disruption, vegetation removals, and the placement of wooden planks throughout the Arboretum to allow construction vehicle access. The work is not only impacting the larger Green Bay community but also UWGB’s athletic teams, which rely on the trails for training.
The Cofrin Arboretum is widely used by students, faculty, and the broader Green Bay community and is known for its well-maintained trails and natural landscape. Designed as a multi-use path for running, hiking, walking, biking, and skiing, the Arboretum is an essential part of campus life. Its closure has left many without a convenient place for exercise, recreation, and sport. However, despite its significance, no completion date for the construction has been provided, leaving many people wondering how long this disruption will continue. The rumored involvement of AT&T has sparked concerns about potential changes to the campus if large-scale infrastructure, such as power lines, becomes part of the Arboretum landscape.
The wooden planks that have been placed all across the Cofrin Arboretum. Photo provided by Chelsey Johnson.
Wooden planks in wetland areas of the Cofrin Arboretum. Photo provided by Chelsey Johnson
For Green Bay residents, the trail offers a serene escape within a natural setting, and its sudden closure has impacted regular users. UWGB student and Arboretum user Kiera Rotar shared her thoughts, saying,“I have been walking and running on the Arboretum trail for the past 2 years, since I was a freshman. Having access to this trail right here on campus helps me stay fit and active.” Many have voiced their concerns not only for the inconvenience, but also the lack of communication around the construction. “I only first heard about the construction when I saw signs start popping up around campus. This closure means I can’t go for my walks and runs as per usual. It is an inconvenience,” Rotar added.
Road closures as a result of the Cofrin Arboretum constructions. Photo provided by Chelsey Johnson.
The construction has also posed some challenges for UWGB’s Nordic Ski Team, who use the arboretum for training. Sam Myers, the coach of this team, has been able to take these changes in his stride. “Once a week, we try to get on the Arboretum to run the trail, so every time we have that session, we have to run a different route. The route we usually take goes right through the construction,” said Myers. The team has found that the construction has fortunately not impacted their morale too much, more just their schedule. “I don’t think something as simple as a reroute is going to affect our team in terms of morale. If anything, it’s more just an inconvenience,” explained Myers. The team currently has to drive to a local trail nearby to campus to complete these sessions as they are unable to do them in the Cofrin Arboretum.
Construction workers and trucks laying wooden planks as they work on the Cofrin Arboretum. Photo provided by Chelsey Johnson.
Perhaps the most important aspect of this construction, and what the Green Bay community really wants to know, is what’s actually going on. University representative from the UWGB Facilities Planning and Management Department, John DeKeyser, cleared up some of these questions. He shared “The purpose of this project is to replace the old high voltage underground transmission lines that run through the campus Arboretum.” It is clear that AT&T is not involved in the construction, “AT&T is not involved in the project at all…ATC is the company running the project, and they are a company funded through multiple companies to protect and maintain the main trunks to the utility grid,” said DeKeyser.
There have been multiple challenges for the construction, but the UWGB community and campus, the broader Green Bay community, and the habitat and ecosystem have always been considered through the process. “Moving road closures to avoid campus events, avoiding or moving rare plantings, limiting tree removal, changing construction timelines for the rusty patch bumble bee, and maintaining wetlands” have all been obstacles that have been handled by DeKeyser. A large concern for this construction was whether the habitat would return to the state it once was. DeKeyserconfirmed that measures that are being taken to protect the environment and ensure the Arboretum’s preservation include “Adding matting (the railroad ties) to limit damage to the area. Changed timelines to avoid insects and bird habitat. Converted some of the areas to boring, instead of trenching, slightly moving the easement path to avoid more sensitive habitats as best as possible.” Another key piece of information the Green Bay community will be excited to know is that “ATC is reimbursing the Center for Biodiversity to hopefully be able to restore the area to its original condition.”
Construction vehicles and wooden planks on the Cofrin Arboretum ecosystem. Photo provided by Chelsey Johnson.
While the project’s timeline is currently due to be completed in September of 2025, the Arboretum’s closure has undeniably impacted both UWGB and the broader Green Bay community. For those who have made the trail a part of their routines and activities, the hope is that the university and the involved entities will prioritize restoring the Arboretum to its former state. The purpose of the construction is clear, and we can all look forward to the trail and ecosystem returning to its former state for all members of the community to enjoy.
Trail closed signs and wooden planks on the Cofrin Arboretum. Photo provided by Chelsey Johnson.
A map of the Cofrin Arboretum and the construction taking place. Photo provided by UWGB Facilities Planning and Management.