THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF FOR THE BIRDS a specialty retailer in De Pere, Wis., attracts wildlife and a steady stream of visitors to experience Barbara Brebner’s passion for nature. When a developer displaced the retailer three years ago, Barbara and Gerry Brebner cast their eyes on coveted property across the road, on the grounds of a century-old abbey. Barbara’s boundless enthusiasm and creative vision convinced the priests to support her idea for a nature store emphasizing education.

The Brebners soon had put up a small building whose recycled wood and tin roof evoke the region’s old Belgian farms. The prairie Barbara planted in front is thriving and she’s restoring the wetland in back.

Located in De Pere, a college town near Green Bay, For The Birds is a nature store in a very natural setting. St. Norbert Abbey was founded in 1893 by Norbertines, a religious order whose beliefs balance contemplation and action.

Barbara recently took time from her busy schedule to discuss how she operates her unique business.