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11140134_10153155495123971_5406804781754385916_oLittle is known about Marilyn Wilson, a woman who left River Bend Nature Center about $100,000.

She wasn’t a past board member, and none of the long-term volunteers remember serving with her. The only clue about why she gave the money to River Bend was that she loved gardening, according to her obituary.

Wilson died in November 2013.

Officials at River Bend just received a letter from a lawyer stating that Wilson bequeathed River Bend $98,230.

“It was a very welcome surprise to get the letter from the lawyer telling us we were in the will,” said Sandra Johnsrud, of River Bend.

River Bend Nature Center, 3600 N. Green Bay Rd., offers environmental education and outdoor recreation for adults, children and families of Racine County.

“The Board of Directors and staff are extremely grateful for this unexpected gift.” said River Bend executive director Jeanne Dernehl. “Through Marilyn Wilson’s generosity, this gift will be utilized as a significant step to secure the long term sustainability of the nature center.”

Editor’s Note: River Bend Nature Center issued a correction on their press release to clarify that the name of the donor.

Denise Lockwood has an extensive background in traditional and non-traditional media. She has written for Patch.com, the Milwaukee Business Journal, Milwaukee Magazine and the Kenosha News.