Hear first hand accounts from landowners who "get their cake and eat it too" as they set up conservation agreements with Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust.

More »

Gathering Waters Conservancy applauds the announcement of the largest land conservation project in Wisconsin history – the Brule-St. Croix Legacy Forest property, which comprises approximately 67,000 acres of working timberland and globally significant Pine Barrens in northwestern Wisconsin.

Read more »

Stewardship Project Sets State Record

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has announced the largest land conservation purchase in Wisconsin history - a transaction that protects more than 100 square miles of forest land in four northern counties.

Read more »

Forest land deal sets state record

State officials on Thursday announced plans for the largest land conservation purchase in Wisconsin history - a transaction that protects more than 100 square miles of forest land in four northern counties.

» Full Article at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Historic Twin Bluffs in Buffalo County preserved

The state Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund awarded The Nature Conservancy a grant of $300,626, about half of the appraised value, to help pay for the acquisition. The group paid the remainder of the purchase price, surveys and closing costs. George Howe, conservation director for the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, met with the Hemions in 2009 to discuss options for preserving the land, but Dwight Hemion died in 2011 before a preservation plan was completed. The Nature Conservancy stepped in to secure funding for the acquisition.

» Full Article at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

WWLT Annual Member Meeting at the Eau Claire Rod & Gun Club

Eau Claire Rod & Gun Club 1:00 PM
Join us for a presentation on a pine-barrens in western Wisconsin with a tour of a restoration in progress. For more information call (715) 235-8850.

» Find out more

Spring is here! Time to get outside! View our listing of upcoming hikes, tours, workdays, and other special events on land trust properties across the state. (And don't forget your camera. Submit photos from your land trust outings to GWC's photo contest!)

Read more »

Join us July 19-21 in Minocqua for the Wisconsin Land Trust Retreat! This event is an opportunity for Wisconsin land trust staff and board members to come together to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from conservation experts.

Read more »

At our 5th annual Land Legacy Gathering, attendees were able to explore the fruits of partnership demonstrated by the Wheelhouse Property and Beerline Trail in Milwaukee.

More »

Mississippi River Bluffs listed in America’s Great Outdoors

America's Great Outdoors Report, which is part of President Obama’s initiative to establish a community-based agenda for conservation, recreation and reconnecting Americans to the outdoors, lists the Mississippi River Bluffs in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin as one of more than 100 projects in the 50 states designed to protect special places and increase access to outdoor spaces.

» Full Article at Journal Standard

Monitoring Wisconsin Bats

3960 Valley Ridge Road, Middleton 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Stay up late and join the DNR's Wisconsin Bat Program crew for an evening presentation about bats followed by mist netting for bats. See live Wisconsin bats up close and learn about bat biology and natural history first hand. Learn how the crew uses an acoustic monitoring system to detect and identify bats as they fly at night. Explore part of the Conservancy to find out who's flying. Bats won't emerge until around 9pm and bat activity is weather dependant. Bring a lawn chair if you have one.

» Find out more

Invasives – the why, what, where and how

Meet at the Dane County parking lot entrance 4864 Pheasant Branch Rd., Middleton 1.2 miles north of Century Ave. 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Please RSVP and bring your work gloves if you have some.

» Find out more

Green Team: Mitchell Glen Tour

Contact Paulie at the Green Lake Sanitary District (920.295.4488) for details and reservations. 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Miss the tour in June? Participants will have another opportunity to visit Mitchell Glen with the Green Team. Enjoy breathtaking trees displaying their fall foliage while exploring Mitchell Glen. Local biologist, Tom Eddy, will educate participants about the 12.2 acres of maple-basswood climax forest, unique biological formations, outstanding biodiversity, and spring-fed waters draining into Green Lake. The tour includes walking steep, descending steps down into the ravine. Space is limited and reservations are required. Two tours are available, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

» Find out more

Green Team: Walk the Conservancy Trails

Please contact Tom Schultz (920.960.1796) or Bur Zeratsky (920.294.3592) 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
How familiar are you with the Green Lake Conservancy walking trails? Take a walk on your favorite trail or discover a new one with the Green Team as they showcase the Conservancy’s four walking trails: Winnebago Trail, Hammers Trail, Sunnyside Trails and the Norwegian Bay boardwalk. Check out each of these locations ahead of time by visiting the Green Lake Conservancy website and clicking on “Special Places' and then 'Conservancy Lands.” Green Lake Conservancy and Green Lake Sanitary District representatives will be available at each trail to provide insight and answer questions.

» Find out more

Green Team: Farming Toward Sustainability: Draft Power and the Organic Farm

Participants meet at Boerson Farm located at W4047 Huckleberry Rd. Princeton, WI 54968. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Come walk the fields and pastures at Boerson Farm, where Mat and Danielle Boerson are building soil and growing a dream. Together with the help of their team of draft mares, beef and dairy cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, and bees, the Boerson’s are farming organically and living lightly on the land. Follow the nutrients around the farm and see what it takes to keep the whole farm organism healthy and productive. Try your hand at the compost sifter, sink your teeth into a ripe tomato, or see the draft team in action to experience the vitality of the farm. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please contact the GLA to reserve your spot. Contact the GLA office at 920.294.6480 or email ainsleyrubbert@greenlakeassociation.com.

» Find out more

Green Team: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour

Please contact Jerry Specht (920.229.4468) or Charlie Marks (920.291.6688). 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where does that sewage go? The Green Team is touring the Green Lake Sanitary District's Wastewater Treament Plant to learn about the process of sewage. Find out where your sewer water flows, how it is treated, and where it’s discharged. Charlie Marks, Green Lake Sanitary District Administrator, will discuss the many responsibilities required by the GLSD to keep Green Lake clean. Following the tour, enjoy a cup of coffee and listen in as core members from the Green Lake Management Plan will provide a status update on the lake management plan.

» Find out more

Green Team: Kayak/Canoe the new Silver Creek Water Trail

Indian Point property, N5506 County Rd. A, Green Lake (located on the eastside of Co. A, across from the sailing school at the north end of Sunset Park) 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Water enthusiasts can experience some of Green Lake’s “preserved and protected” with the newly mapped Silver Creek Water Trail, which connects five Green Lake Conservancy Properties (including two that are accessible only by water). Bur Zeratsky will lead participants via kayak or canoe along Silver Creek as they paddle up the Inlet beyond Spaulding Bridge to view the properties and learn about Green Lake’s tributaries. Participants will also learn about the newest Conservancy property, Spaulding’s Bridge Landing, which marks the easternmost access point to the Silver Creek Water Trail. This access point has a pier/small craft landing that was installed as an Eagle Scout project. Participants should bring their own kayaks/canoes, life vests, and drinks.

» Find out more

Baraboo conservationists celebrate $1.5M land purchase along Wisconsin River

More than 110 people gathered Friday, May 4th, at the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo to celebrate the purchase of 305 acres for conservation in an area important for preserving birds along the Wisconsin River north of Baraboo.

» Full Article at Wisconsin State Journal

Conservancy group acquires large Door County parcel

In the largest land conservation deal in Door County since state expansion of Newport State Park in 1967, the Door County Land Trust announced Monday it recently purchased 483 acres within a pristine natural area for $1.2 million from several private landowners.

» Full Article at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Group broadens efforts to keep Kinnickinnic River flourishing

For the past 18 years the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, with 600 members, has been working to preserve wild land and farmland in the vicinity of the Kinnickinnic River through permanent property leases or purchases. That's the type of thing land trusts normally do. Now the Kinnickinnic trust is also involved in a plan to keep phosphorus and other nutrients out of the river, preventing them from flowing into the St. Croix River, which the Kinnickinnic feeds. Nutrient buildup in waterways promotes algae growth, harming water quality

» Full Article at Eau Claire Leader Telegram

We can agree on conservation easement: On Earth Day, let’s unite behind this important bill

Here's a new way to celebrate Earth Day: Urge your representatives in Congress to help pass the Conservation Easement Incentive Act. This bill would restore a tax break to modest-income landowners who want to protect the valuable natural resource that is their property. It expired on Dec. 31, so landowners have less of an incentive today to donate a conservation easement - a voluntary agreement that limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values - to a land trust in their community.

» Full Article at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Bill Berry: Nilsestuen’s legacy lives on through fund

When Rod Nilsestuen drowned in Lake Superior in July 2010, there was shock and an outpouring of affection. Shortly afterward, a group of friends led by Tom Lyon of Cambridge decided to create a fund in Rod’s name. The goal was to perpetuate Rod’s legacy, which was marked by an ability to bring all voices to the table to find common ground on tough issues. He used that skill as a state and national cooperative leader and as secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Wisconsin.

» Full Article at The Capital Times, madison.com

Be ‘water-wise’ to mark World Water Day

In a relatively "water-rich" place such as Wisconsin, it is hard to believe that approximately 1 billion people in the world lack access to clean drinking water and that, without swift corrective action, more than half the world's population will face water shortages in the next 10 years. As we celebrate World Water Day on Thursday, it's good to pause and think about the many ways that water touches our lives in Wisconsin and what we can do to ensure we will always have a safe, reliable supply. The Nature Conservancy and the Milwaukee Water Council are hosting the North America initiative, and it is supported by several Wisconsin corporations including A.O. Smith, Badger Meter, MillerCoors and Veolia.

» Full Article at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Mary Jean Huston: Celebrate World Water Day by being ‘water-wise’  Read more: http://host.madison.co

In a relatively “water-rich” place like Wisconsin, it’s hard to believe that approximately 1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water or that rivers like the Colorado and Rio Grande are going dry. As we celebrate World Water Day on March 22, it’s good to pause and remember that water is a fixed asset. Launched in 2010 by University of Wisconsin scientists, the Nature Conservancy, Dane County, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Geological Survey and other partners, the group is testing the idea that water quality can be improved by targeting conservation practices on those fields and pastures with the greatest potential for contributing phosphorus to streams. Read more: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/column/mary-jean-huston-celebrate-world-water-day-by-being-water/article_337f7d53-92d8-59c1-86f2-12051523c10e.html#ixzz1rGUD6SfN

» Full Article at The Capital Times, madison.com

Guest column: Take steps to keep bay water clean

From our spot here in Green Bay on one of our magnificent Great Lakes, it's hard to believe about 1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water and that, without swift corrective action, more than half the world's population will face water shortages in the next 10 years. A group of citizens, public agencies, universities, the Oneida Nation and nonprofit organizations including The Nature Conservancy have joined together to restore the health of the bay for people and nature. We are protecting and restoring coastal wetlands, which help clean polluted water, protect our shorelines from erosion, and serve as nurseries for fish and other aquatic life.

» Full Article at greenbaypressgazette.com

‘Citizen science’ fights climate change

University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant professor Benjamin Zuckerberg says the two most pressing environmental forces shaping ecological systems in the world are climate change and habitat loss. “This really concerns me,” Zuckerberg said as he spoke Thursday to more than 40 people at the Baraboo Civic Center. His speech was part of the Cabin Fever lecture series presented by the Baraboo Range Preservation Association.

» Full Article at Baraboo News Republic

Conservancy’s Tunnelville Cliffs Featured on Statewide Magazine Cover

A familiar place is featured on the back cover of this month's Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine. The Mississippi Valley Conservancy's Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area property is featured on the publication. The site is located along the east branch of the Kickapoo River in Vernon County.

» Full Article at News 19 La Crosse, WXOW.COM

Door County Sea Kayak Symposium

Rowleys Bay Resort in Rowleys Bay, Door County, WI.
Rutabaga Paddlesports of Madison sponsors this annual event held each July and donates part of its proceeds to the Door County Land Trust. It’s a great weekend for novices and seasoned kayakers alike!

» Find out more

Volunteer/Member Cookout

8288 Highway Q Baileys Harbor Wisconsin 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Join the staff, volunteers, and the Board of The Ridges in a cookout on the lawn of the Upper Range Light. Lots of visiting and fun around the grill! Bring a dish to pass and your own place setting if you can.

» Find out more

Lewis Savanna

Saint Croix County, County Road A - Turn North off County Road A onto 80th St. (between towns of Burkhart and Boardman) Turn East (right) on 126 Ave End of 126th turn north (left) to cul-de-sac for parking. GPS coordinates: N45 02.920 W92 37.927 6:00 PM
This is 9 ac. savanna remnant is in the fourth year of restoration. In January 2008 most of the trees were removed,. In April 2008 it was burned for the first time in recent history. The plan is to burn annually, control exotic invasives and disperse seed collected on the site. After seeing the transformation that occurred during the first year it will be interesting to follow the changes over the coming years. About 50 native plants were identified the first season. Come and help find more. People could gather after the walk at the original farmhouse on the river. It's a short drive east on A. (1270 Cty. Rd A) Difficulty moderately difficult, hike through cropland, rough uneven ground with no trails.

» Find out more

Rare Earth Farm - Bauer-Beckwith Property

Meet at N 9075 York Center Road about 8 miles west of New Glarus. Take Hwy 39 west from New Glarus to York Center Road (one mile beyond radio tower & County J). Turn left/south on York Center Road and go 1 mile to the second farm on the right. Turn into the driveway and park immediately on the left in mowed area, or at bottom of driveway. Meet near big red barn. All paths are mowed and trails are easy. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Come hike comfortable mowed trails on our managed 82 rolling acres, offering dry upland prairie remnants, oak savanna openings, brush-free oak woodlands, a showy 18-acre restored planted prairie of great richness, along with moist, low areas newly seeded, and more. Pay your respects to at risk species such as American gromwell, giant yellow hyssop, prairie turnip, plains muhly grass, and others. Discover how restoration efforts can peacefully co-exist with Managed Forest Land areas, and see what only ten years of steady restoration work, regular seed collection and dispersal, coupled with relentless invasive species control, and prescribed fire, can accomplish.

» Find out more

Meinert’s Prairie

Meet at the Faesslers at W1156 State Line Road,(south on County G from Hwy 11/81) between Brodhead and Juda. 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Prairie Bluff chapter's only meeting of the summer is the annual hike at Meinert's Prairie and chicken barbeque at the Faesslers. Please bring a dish to pass. Before the meal We will visit nearby Meinert's Prairie, where We will learn about an interesting pair of native shrubs, lead plant and New Jersey tea, plants that attract a variety of insects, on a moderate hike through hill prairie. We'll also see puccoons, pale purple coneflower, sedges and panic grasses.

» Find out more

Zimmerman Prairie/Wood Lilly Hill

The site is just outside of the village of Muscoda. Call Scott Sauer for directions, meeting location and to arrange travel from the Madison area. 10:00 AM
The Prairie Enthusiasts have a short-term management agreement on this very high quality prairie remnant that is seldom visited in the growing season. If our timing is right, we should be able to see the name sake wood lilies on this site, along with lead plant and early compass plants. Tour leader Scott Sauer, an expert in prairie invertebrates, will also be looking for a rare leafhopper that is driving our conservation work at this site. There is a short walk along a field and a mild uphill walk to reach the prairie itself. We may tour other nearby places of interest afterward if participants are willing.

» Find out more

Birds & Flowers of Underwood & Schurch-Thomson Prairies

From the intersection of US Hwy 18-151 and County F (south of Blue Mounds in western Dane County), take F approximately 5 miles south. Turn right onto Reilly Road, and proceed to parking lot and kiosks at the end of the road (past the barn). (Note: A half mile down F from 18-151, pay close attention to the road signs, for F turns to the right & the straight ahead road becomes County Z. Stay on F.) 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Come see Schurch-Thomson Prairie, which is a part of TPE’s 570-acre Mounds View Grassland preserve, and the adjacent Underwood Prairie which is privately owned by the Hanley Family Trust. These are dry and dry-mesic prairies in a 400-acre sea of CRP grassland rich with grassland birds such as bobolinks, meadowlarks, grasshopper sparrows, upland sandpipers, and Henslow’s sparrows. Evening is the ideal time to hear the cryptic call of the state listed (Threatened) Henslow sparrow. Early summer prairie flowers such as pale-purple coneflower, white wild indigo, white prairie clover, Coreopsis, leadplant, and other flowers will be in bloom. Be prepared for a long hike. Bring binoculars.

» Find out more

La Crosse River State Trail’s Rockland Prairie

Meet in Rockland, WI (near I-90 in eastern La Crosse County) at the railroad crossing on Commercial St. (CTH J). 1:30 PM
We’ll return to the scatter railroad remnants of this State Natural Area to look for some cool-season grasses (June Grass and Porcupine Grass) and Penstemon, Goat’s Rue, Coreopsis and other early summer bloomers. The hike will be a leisurely walk on level terrain.

» Find out more

Evening at Black Earth Prairie

From the west side of Madison/Middleton/Beltline Highway, take US Highway 14 west to the Village of Black Earth. At the traffic light (Shoe Box corner) turn left on County F. At the south end of the village turn right (west) on County F. In about a mile turn left on County F and immediately right on Fesenfeld Road. The preserve will be on your left. Continue about 1000 feet on Fesenfeld Road to the preserve entrance. Park on the right side of the road. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
This outstanding prairie remnant is being lovingly restored by The Prairie Enthusiasts. In 2007, this State Natural Area preserve was transferred from The Nature Conservancy to The Prairie Enthusiasts. It is known for its fantastic display of wood lilies. The trip date is set for what is usually the peak of flowering. The site is about 30 minutes drive from the west side of Madison, and very little walking is required (a single low hill). This is a joint trip with Madison Audubon Society.

» Find out more

Buffalo Skull Prairie

From the south- hwy 35 through East Farmington. go West/left approx. 3-4 miles on 55th Ave to the parking area on the north- is approx 1/2 mile once you leave the paved road. 6:00 PM
This site has been managed with tree removal and several fires over the last 6 years. Good dry site remnant and oak savanna. There are even several burial mounds located here. Difficulty: easy to moderate.

» Find out more

Birding at the Holland Sand Prairie

Exit McHugh Road (Cty Rd MH) off Hwy 53 north of Holmen. Go west (left) approximately 1/2 mi. and park on the south (left) side of the road. 11:00 AM
Join Dan Jackson and Pat and Bobbie Wilson for a guided bird hike of the Holland Sand Prairie. Learn about the variety of birds, many that are threatened, that are thriving at HSP. When not looking up for birds, you can enjoy the prairie species on this 60+ acre parcel largely covered by remnant prairie on the Mississippi River terrace prairie. The hike will be short in distance, and on fairly level terrain.

» Find out more

Sugar River Oak Savanna

From the intersection of CTH M and PD (north of Verona and SW of Madison) take PD west 3.0 miles to Timber Lane, turn right (north) on to Timber Lane and then immediately turn left into a joint driveway. Proceed to the brick house (2845 Timber Lane). Park in mowed lawn (please do not block the neighbor’s driveway). 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Come see a display of spiderwort flowers in full glory before they close up for the day. This diverse 9-acre oak savanna is a preserve of The Prairie Enthusiasts, managed by the Empire-Sauk. Although it still shows some signs of past use as a pasture, 35 years of fire has fostered a remarkable recovery of native prairie and savanna vegetation. There are now nearly 400 native plant species present. Besides spiderwort, there will be pale spiked lobelia, rock rose, wood lily, white Baptisia, and many other flowers in bloom.

» Find out more

Bird Walk and more at Mounds View

From the intersection of US Hwy 18-151 and County F (south of Blue Mounds in western Dane County), take F approximately 5 miles south. Turn right onto Reilly Road, and proceed to parking lot and kiosks at the end of the road (past the barn). (Note: A half mile down F from 18-151, pay close attention to the road signs, for F turns to the right & the straight ahead road becomes County Z. Stay on F.) 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Come for an early morning hike to learn about birds and flowers (maybe a few butterflies as well). This TPE preserve has an excellent variety of grassland birds, such as upland sandpipers, eastern meadowlarks, Henslow's sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, and bobolinks. But there is also habitat for savanna/woodland birds such as bluebirds, rose-breasted grosbeaks, orchard and northern orioles, flickers, and red-headed woodpeckers. Birds are most active with territory calls and displays during early morning hours, so it is worth getting up for this hike. Bring binoculars, hat, and boots for dew covered grass.

» Find out more

Early Summer at Dower Prairie

Meet at the FS gas station in Gratiot, and we'll carpool to the site. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Prairie phlox is just one of the rarities in full flower at this hike to a privately-owned, 15-acre remnant prairie with an amazing history of recovery and stewardship. Expect to see quinine, puccoon, golden alexander, thimble weed, shooting star, solomon's seal, panic grasses, bastard toadflax, pale spiked lobelia (with a stop to see a wild hyacinth colony on the way). This is a moderate 2-hour hike, so bring water, hats, and binoculars.

» Find out more

Creating a Plant Inv. for a Native Remnant - Alexander Prairie

Alexander Prairie is located on State Hwy. 65 approximately 2 miles south or River Falls. Traveling south on Hwy 65 , you will pass the River Falls Township Hall on your left. The parking area for Alexander Prairie is located another 1/2 mile further south on your right (west side of road). 6:00 PM
The St. Croix Valley Chapter of TPE is actively managing several native prairie and oak savanna remnants in the River Falls area. A part of our management activities includes the development of comprehensive plant species lists for each site. These outings will provide everyone with an opportunity to hone their plant identification skills while helping develop the species lists. Everyone is encouraged to attend, even if their identification skills are at the beginner level. Several members with good plant identification skills will be at each event to help those who wish to further develop their own skills.

» Find out more

Iron Horse prairie

From Hayfield, go 2 miles S on MN Hwy 56, then 0.5 miles E on Co Rd M to the old railroad grade. 6:00 PM
This rich soil prairie remnant is small, but has a good show of spring flowers, including small white ladyslippers. We will walk over a mile on rough terrain, through vegetation. Wear long sleeves and pants and bring insect repellent.

» Find out more

Bird Hike at Erbe Grassland

US 181-151 west from Madison 2 miles west of Mt. Horeb. Left on Erbe Road for about 1 mile. Park at kiosk on right side of the road (across from quarry). 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Here is an opportunity to observe and learn grassland birds with expert Dave Sample of WI DNR Science Services. Erbe Grassland is a 63-acre site acquired by TPE in 2007. This and the adjacent Goplin property (100 acres) are being managed/restored as prairie. The lands contain a mix of remnant prairie, old prairie pasture, and prairie plantings. Grassland birds such as upland sandpipers, eastern meadowlarks, Henslow's sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, and bobolinks are likely to be present. These species are in decline and in need of habitat protection and creation. You will also get a chance to prairie restoration efforts and early season forbs such as prairie violets, wood betony, and prairie phlox. Moderate hike of 2-3 miles.

» Find out more

Grassland Bird Monitoring Training

Training will be held at Simply Dunn in Downsville. Take State Highway 25 South off of I 94 at Menomonie. Go about 10 miles south to County Road C and turn left (east). Simply Dunn will be on the right. Watch for their large Simply Dunn sign and renovated school house where the training will occur. 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Participants will be trained in identification of grassland birds and take part in avian surveys along the Lower Chippewa River which will occur in June and July. Field portion will take place in the Dunnville Wildlife Area which is located on the north bank of the Chippewa River. Over 4,000 acres in size, this area contains several large tracts (300+acres) that are currently being managed by the WDNR for dry prairie and floodplain savanna, offering high-quality habitat opportunities for birds favoring sparse and short vegetative conditions with woody structural diversity. The Lower Chippewa River is considered a critical Important Bird Area due to large numbers of rare and high priority avian species this area supports. Trip requires preregistration, $5 fee for materials.

» Find out more

Sugar River Oak Savanna

From the intersection of CTH M and PD (north of Verona and SW of Madison) take PD west 3.0 miles to Timber Lane, turn right (north) on to Timber Lane and then immediately turn left into a joint driveway. Proceed to the brick house (2845 Timber Lane). Park in mowed lawn (please do not block the neighbor’s driveway). 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
This diverse 9-acre oak savanna is a preserve of The Prairie Enthusiasts, managed by the Empire-Sauk Chapter. Although it still shows some signs of past use as a pasture, it is recovering nicely with nearly 400 native plant species now present. It has been managed with frequent fire since 1976. A wide array of late-spring wildflowers will be in bloom, including wood betony, shooting star, cream Baptisia, wild lupine, and golden Alexander.

» Find out more

Creating a Plant Inv. for a Native Remnant - Foster Cemetery

From North Main Street in River Falls, turn west at stoplight on to West Maple Street. Proceed approx. 9 blocks on Maple. Turn south on Apollo Road. There is a sign on a pole directing to the River Falls Waste Water Treatment Plant. Drive south to the plant gate parking area. We will meet at The River Falls Waste Water Treatment Plant and from there we will shuttle to the starting point of the hike. 6:00 PM
The St. Croix Valley Chapter of TPE is actively managing several native prairie and oak savanna remnants in the River Falls area. A part of our management activities includes the development of comprehensive plant species lists for each site. These outings will provide everyone with an opportunity to hone their plant identification skills while helping develop the species lists. Everyone is encouraged to attend, even if their identification skills are at the beginner level. Several members with good plant identification skills will be at each event to help those who wish to further develop their own skills. Difficulty: The hike includes hills, valley, and uneven terrain.

» Find out more

Restoration of bluff prairie and oak savanna in Chester Woods

This Olmsted county park is on US 14, 3 miles west of Eyota and ~5 miles west of Rochester. Check at the park contact station that evening for exact meeting place. 7:00 PM
Prairie Smoke contributed $5000 to help with work to cut buckthorn and other brush to restore bluff prairie at this park and two other sites. Come see the results – how the vistas are opened up, prairie and savanna plants should be thriving, and providing a home for savanna dependent species. Co-sponsored by Zumbro Valley Audubon. There is an entry fee to this park. We hope to have motorized transportation available for up to 20 people, but some might have to walk the 2-3 miles to see the work sites.

» Find out more

Spring Flowers at Schurch-Thomson Prairie

From the intersection of US Hwy 18-151 and County F (south of Blue Mounds in western Dane County), take F approximately 5 miles south. Turn right onto Reilly Road, and proceed to parking lot and kiosks at the end of the road (past the barn). (Note: A half mile down F from 18-151, pay close attention to the road signs, for F turns to the right & the straight ahead road becomes County Z. Stay on F.) 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Come hike into the secluded valley of the Schurch-Thomson and Underwood prairies. Shooting stars should be in full bloom in spectacular displays of 10s of thousands, along with other late-spring prairie flowers such as the striking cream wild indigo, puccoons, and alumroot. We will also see prairie plantings and inter-seedings of various ages. Schurch-Thomson Prairie is a 160-acre unit of TPE’s 570-acre Mounds View Grassland preserve and it is adjacent to the privately owned Underwood Prairie (Hanley Family Trust), for which TPE has a management agreement to manage and restore prairie on approximately 20 acres. The hike will include extensive grassland bird habitat filled with bobolinks, meadowlarks, grasshopper sparrows, upland sandpipers, and Henslow’s sparrows. So bring binoculars, a hat, and sunscreen, and be prepared for a long hike.

» Find out more

Remnant goat prairie near De Soto

From La Crosse: Follow Hwy. 35 south (Great River Road) to De Soto, turn left onto State Highway 82, and turn right onto Mill Park Drive. Turn left on to Cheney St. and watch for the MVC sign. 10:30 AM
The Mississippi Valley Conservancy (MVC) will host a prairie hike on a new property with scenic views of the Mississippi River valley. The ridge-top contains a goat prairie where, among other species, bird’s-foot violet and hoary puccoon should be blooming. The trip will require a short steep hike to the ridge-top.

» Find out more

2012 Olde Ellison Bay Days celebrates “The Grand View”

Ellison Bay
As in years past, the 2012 Olde Ellison Bay Days festival will be held the last weekend in June. But this year's festival, running June 22-24, promises to be the grandest in its 46-year history because it will celebrate the March 7 acquisition by the Door County Land Trust of the scenic 16-acre Ellison Bay overlook traditionally known as "The Grand View." The new Grand View Scenic Overlook and Park officially will be dedicated and opened to the public during Olde Ellison Bay Days at 4 p.m. June 23, followed by guided hiking tours of the property.

» Find out more

The Ridges Sanctuary gains approval for boardwalk, range light improvements

The Door County Board has given its blessing to construction of an elevated walkway through The Ridges Sanctuary, along with restoration and repair of the Lower Range Light on the property. Much of the nature preserve in Baileys Harbor is on land owned by the county, and The Ridges is operating under a 99-year lease approved in 1990. Any improvements need the county's approval as the landlord.

» Full Article at The Green Bay Press Gazette

McDowell Hike

Directions from La Crosse: Follow Hwy. 35 south (Great River Road) to De Soto, turn left onto State Highway 82, and turn right onto Mill Park Dr. Turn left on to Cheney St. and watch for the MVC sign. Directions from Prairie Du Chien: Follow Hwy. 35 north (Great River Road) to De Soto and turn right onto State Highway 82. Turn Right onto Mill Park Dr and turn left onto Cheney St. Look for the MVC sign and park on side of road. 10:30 am
Hike and celebration honoring the McDowell family for their generous donation of land in De Soto, WI. Join Abbie Church, Conservation Specialist with Mississippi Valley Conservancy, on a guided hike of the new McDowell property in De Soto. A short, steep hike up to the ridgetop overlook reveals a remnant goat prairie of birdsfoot violet and hoary puccoon, and offers scenic views of the surrounding Mississippi River Valley.

» Find out more

Community Newsletter: Kenosha/Racine Land Trust

One way Kenosha/Racine Land Trust achieves its land protection mission is by helping land owners permanently preserve the land they love. Some have owned the land a relatively short time, others are from families like Howard Zabler’s that have been stewards for several generations. In either case they come to the land trust looking for an organization which will endure long after their time to watch over and protect the land.

» Full Article at The Journal Times

The Ridges is Recycling The Sandpiper

The Ridges Sanctuary not only wants to do what it takes to get the former Sandpiper Restaurant property in Baileys Harbor ready for the construction of an interpretive center, the organization wants to do so in a way that will recycle the existing buildings on the parcel.

» Full Article at WDOR 910AM

Officials announce plan to preserve southern Lake Waubesa shoreline for public use

Dane County officials announced on Thursday a plan to buy and preserve the land along the southern shore of Lake Waubesa for public use. The Natural Heritage Land Trust has sponsored a grant application to the Department of Natural Resources, which would cover up to 50 percent of the purchase price, if approved.

» Full Article at Wisconsin State Journal

Land Trust buys land for Amey Pond refuge

The Natural Heritage Land Trust this week purchased 10-acres around the Amey Pond near Briggsville in the town of New Haven. Jim Welsh, executive director of the trust, said it purchased the last 10.23 acres of privately owned shoreland at the Amey Pond from Tom Bruss, for $30,700. The pond is located on the west side of Highway 23 and water from it flows into Lake Mason by the Cove restaurant. It is a designated state wildlife refuge.

» Full Article at Wisconsin Dells Events

Through Gathering Waters Conservancy's 2012 Photo Contest we invite photographers statewide to lend their talents to our mission and celebrate Wisconsin's special places.

Read more »

Conversion fee funds should be used for intended purpose

Early last year, The Country Today published an editorial that praised the state Legislature for proposing legislation that would prohibit legislative raids on segregated funds for reasons unconnected to the fund's purpose. The proposal seemed to be a no-brainer. If legislators approve the collection of fees or taxes are levied for a specific purpose, then that's what the money should be used for. If it isn't needed for the intended purpose, then don't spend it.

» Full Article at The Country Today

Historic meeting 75 years ago led to The Ridges Sanctuary

An article from 1937 describes the beginnings of Wisconsin's oldest land trust.

» Full Article at The Door County Advocate