What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
When Culver’s in Rhinelander opened its doors last Sunday, something special was happening alongside the usual lunch rush. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., every custard cone and ButterBurger sold wasn’t just satisfying hungry customers — 10% of those sales were heading straight to Wild Instincts, the nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center that’s been rescuing injured and orphaned animals in the Northwoods for years.
It’s the kind of partnership that makes sense up here. The Northwoods runs on two things: good people and wild places.
Wild Instincts volunteer Dale Lane says they reached out to Culver’s specifically to gear up for their busiest season. Spring in the Northwoods means baby season — fawns, eaglets, bear cubs, and countless other young critters who sometimes need human help to survive.
Ask anyone who works in wildlife rehabilitation, and they’ll tell you the same thing: spring is chaos. Newborn animals are everywhere, and not all of them make it without intervention.
“Spring is extra busy because of the young wildlife being born,” Lane explained. When a mother deer is hit by a car or a nest of baby raccoons is discovered in an attic, Wild Instincts becomes the safety net.
The organization operates almost entirely on public donations. Lane noted it costs thousands of dollars each month just to keep the doors open, the animals fed, and the medical supplies stocked. A fundraiser like Sunday’s Culver’s event — which aimed to raise at least $500 — might seem modest, but every dollar stretches further than you’d think.
“It’s very gratifying to have commercial support for an organization such as ours and we’re eternally grateful to Culver’s and the other organizations that allow us to do this.” — Dale Lane, Wild Instincts volunteer
Culver’s Manager Samantha Wagler says supporting local nonprofits aligns perfectly with what the restaurant stands for. Unlike typical fast-food chains, Culver’s brands itself as a family-oriented dining experience — and that extends beyond the dining room.
“We kind of brand ourselves on not being a fast-food chain, but a family oriented dining experience,” Wagler said. “And when we’re able to put our benefits into the community it just returns back to us.”
The Rhinelander location at 620 W. Kemp Street is locally owned and operated by Josh and Jen Clark, along with partner Krystal Fochs. It’s positioned right on a snowmobile trail, making it a natural stop for riders fueling up between runs. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant offers dine-in, drive-through, and curbside service.
Sunday’s fundraiser had an extra layer of collaboration. Wild Instincts volunteers didn’t just show up to collect a check — they rolled up their sleeves and helped run food to customers.
It’s a small gesture that says a lot about how nonprofits and businesses can work together. The volunteers got to interact with potential donors face-to-face, and Culver’s customers got a firsthand look at the people dedicating their time to saving wildlife.
Wagler hit on something important when she said, “Who doesn’t like cute animals?” It’s true — the Northwoods is known for its wildlife and wilderness, and protecting that isn’t just feel-good work. It’s essential to the region’s identity and economy.
Lane offered one crucial piece of advice for anyone who comes across injured or orphaned wildlife: call Wild Instincts first before doing anything else.
Here’s why that matters:
Not every animal you see needs rescuing, but when one does, knowing who to call makes all the difference.
Sunday’s fundraiser is over, but Wild Instincts’ work never stops. The organization accepts donations year-round through their website, and every contribution — whether it’s $5 or $500 — helps cover the mounting costs of animal care.
The partnership between Culver’s and Wild Instincts shows what’s possible when local businesses recognize their role in protecting what makes the Northwoods special. It’s not just about the wildlife. It’s about understanding that the forests, lakes, and creatures we share this place with are part of what brings people here — and keeps them coming back.
Next time you’re grabbing a concrete mixer or a Wisconsin cheese curd basket, remember: supporting businesses that support the community creates a cycle that benefits everyone. Even the critters.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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