Founded in 1983, the Natural Heritage Land Trust has permanently protected more than 6,500 acres at 27 conservation parks, natural areas and scenic areas, in 5 hunting and fishing areas and on 23 working farms. The Land Trust has helped protect several iconic landscapes in South-central Wisconsin. They’ve conserved 284 acres in Cherokee Marsh, Dane County’s largest wetland. In the Towns of Dunn and Windsor, NHLT co-holds conservation easements on working farms. Along the Wisconsin River, the land trust has partnered with landowners, the Ho-chunk Nation and others to protect nearly 1,100 acres. Described as “disciplined,” “efficient,” “mature,” and “exemplary,” NHLT has become a model and mentor for land trusts statewide.
“In a region with dynamic boundaries between urban, suburban and rural places, NHLT has been a strategic champion of critical watersheds, an innovator for farmland preservation and a respected partner of federal, state and local agencies alike. We depend on input from their leadership as we work to support the land trust movement in the state.”
~Mike Strigel, Executive Director
Gathering Waters Conservancy
“Two things stand out to me about the NHLT. One, the ability to bring projects to a successful conclusion. This is always the hardest part of the long journey to conservation. Two, the vision and perseverance to engage projects in new parts of the county which then act as a magnet for other properties in that area.” ~Willi Van Haren
