Dan Davis was a lovable 57-year-old father, husband, brother, friend, and devoted executive of CG Schmidt who we lost to cancer in May 2021. He was also a skilled engineer and leader who worked incredibly hard for the community. Before Dan passed, his friends and family asked if they could do something in his memory. He was quick to request an engineering project for Riveredge Nature Center in Southeastern Wisconsin. 

 

Through this Dan Davis Memorial Project, you can help raise funds for Riveredge to acquire and install a working circa 1910 agricultural windmill and pump to irrigate crops grown for a local food pantry and for hydroponics education. Volunteers will provide engineering expertise and some labor for the project, but your donation will make Dan’s request fully possible, as an existing abandoned well on-site will need to be sealed, a new well drilled, a well pump installed, and the new (reclaimed antique) windmill tower and mill erected.

 

Dan was a passionate and committed board member at Riveredge - a tranquil 400 acres of beautiful woods, farmland and river shoreline. It promotes education, wellness and research, giving people of all ages a wondrous place for discovery, adventure and joy. He loved this place, its staff and volunteers, and visiting it with his family. From helping to plan and build a river outpost classroom and new maintenance barn, to assisting with the center’s long-term vision, Dan’s support never wavered. He’d be proud to see all of us continue his community service in this way!

 

In addition to providing historic charm, the windmill will help reduce energy consumption and support the farm’s watering needs. Riveredge staff and volunteers tend numerous fruit and nut trees and grow organic vegetables on several acres of tillable land. They donate the harvest to a local food pantry and also use it for a yearly farm-to-table dinner event at the center. With your help, the potatoes, tomatoes, squash and other organic produce can soon be irrigated with windmill-supplied water!

 

The Daniel J. Davis Windmill Fund is arranged through Riveredge Nature Center for your tax-deductible contribution to support this project. Thank you!