Unni’s Forest Dedication

The Bippus/Ringer Family of South Shore

(previous article continued) communications industry. Jean introduced Ted to Walloon and as she likes to joke "He fell in love with me and with Walloon at the same time!”

Ted enjoyed a remarkable career in business and he and Jean were extremely active in community and church activities. Jean and Ted had two children, Jim, a bank wealth manager and former Marine pilot, and Anne, a kindergarten teacher. Jim and Anne each have two children, who represent the Bippus-Ringer family's sixth generation on Walloon. The Bippus family is also connected to the Sweet and Lohman families, two other longtime families with multiple generations still on the lake.

Fishing in the lake has always played a major role in the Bippus/Ringer family's Walloon traditions over the years. Judging by some of the vintage photos of their catches, the family was extremely successful in those fishing expeditions. "We've always had some secret spots," notes Anne. "And we would catch quite a few fish, mostly small mouth bass which are delicious fried in a little batter."

Sailing was also an integral part of lake life for the family as longtime members of the Walloon Yacht Club. Sisters Jean and Anne raced their Snipes around the lake, and later Jean's children Jim and Anne were both involved in sailing. After owning a Lightning, several years ago Jim bought a Walloon 17 sailboat that he races. Jim's 17 is easily recognizable on a windy day on the lake, his Marine Corps spinnaker flying, a testament to his days as a Marine pilot.

Sadly, Ted passed away in 2014 but Jean and their two children Jim and Anne keep the family's Walloon tradition alive. Jean herself has never missed a summer at Walloon in 88 years, and is already looking forward to next year. "You just get Walloon in your blood," she concludes. "I don't know what it is!" she smiles.

Unni’s Forest

DEDICATION

On a beautiful July afternoon, a group of dedicated volunteers, members, family, and neighbors gathered for a new preserve dedication – a cherished tradition at the WLAC.

Unni’s Forest, the new 40-acre addition to the Ellis Woods Nature Area, is a beautiful hardwood forest with maple, beech, and pine trees. With rolling hills and areas of open meadows this property is the outdoor enthusiasts dream. A neighborhood trail system crisscrosses the adjacent preserves and this addition will provide a connection and lays out a perfect opportunity for four season recreation and potential miles of trails for neighbors and friends to enjoy throughout the year.

This amazing gift from the Perkins Family was dedicated in honor of their mother, Unni Hoel - a nature lover, skier, conservationist, and mother. The notion of people cross-country skiing across the property on a brilliant winter day brought a tear to her eye, as she took a moment to walk the path leading away from the gathering. Conservation and giving are cornerstones of the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy, and the dedication and generosity of the Perkins family joining friends and neighbors to support the purchase of this property is both a happy ending and a new beginning.

Every property in the WLAC portfolio is unique, providing different opportunities and conservation values. Some properties protect fragile wetland ecosystems, some have trails and footpaths, and some even have barns and outbuildings on them. This particular property provides not only water quality buffering but it is also very well-suited for outdoor recreation. We hope to encourage active use by neighbors and friends, and the WLAC plans to create a trail from the main access point on Kent Road all the way to the neighborhood trails that have existed on the Ellis Woods Preserve for years. Unni’s Forest is a perfect location to get out and enjoy all the splendor the north has to offer!

Land protection and conservation are so important for the preservation of the Walloon watershed. With this addition, the Ellis Woods Nature Area is now 118 acres of rolling hills and hardwoods that provides protection from erosion, future development, and maintains the forest character of the Shadow Trails area. The WLAC would like to thank the Perkins Family, Tim Manchester, Sally Swanson, and all of the supporters who made this possible.