Veterans, Volunteers Restore Historic Greenhouse

Vets Learn Different Skill Trade Near Cable

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Many of our nation’s veterans struggle to find work after leaving the service. 

But, when it comes down to helping veterans, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is finding them jobs that might fit a different skill trade. 

The Forest Service has partnered with Veterans HistoriCorps and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to help vets gain skill in construction and carpentry while re-purposing historic buildings. 

This summer’s task includes restoring a century year old greenhouse.

“I didn’t know too much about historic preservation before I got here,” said Marine Veteran, Geoff Wilson.

“I love working with my hands.  I love being outside especially in the summertime.”

New trade skills have helped him ease his way back into the community. 

“We’re painting. We are going to put shingles on,” Wilson said. 

He’s just one of the dozens of veterans learning the ropes of the construction industry in the forest lodge project. 

“Just getting the buildings to look as much as the same as we possibly can and the same as they were before,” Wilson said. 

The greenhouse was built in the 1920’s and compared to the other buildings it needs some extra tender loving care. 

“You’ve got dollars being used to preserve a historic building,” said team leader, Jason Maloney.

Those dollars are also providing the job training for veterans. 

“It’s amazing for us to be able to come and learn,” said Wilson. 

Learning the tricks of the trade is important. 

“It’s therapeutic for some of our veterans.  They might have PTSD,” said Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Jon Scocos.

And, the biggest thing is getting them into the right skill.  

It’s a way to assimilate them back into civilian life. 

“It really gives a sense of purpose tot hem and getting them back into the groove in being part of the community,” said Scocos.

What better place than right here at the historic forest lodge. 

“To see history come back to life and get ready for the public. So, the public can experience it is magic,” Maloney said. 

The project is expected to wrap up in 3 weeks. 

The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

This is the 4th year the program has been offered to vets.