Wisconsin’s conservation community is full of dedicated people doing incredible things to protect the places that make Wisconsin special. At Gathering Waters, we are always looking for ways to tell people about the great work being done across the state. We have developed the Land Trust Stories section of our website to do just that.
We believe strongly in Wisconsin’s land trust movement and in the idea that everyone benefits when land trusts become well-known, valued community institutions. To that end, we have been putting a lot of time and energy into getting the word out about the remarkable work going on in the Wisconsin land trust community.
The Johnson family worked with the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust to preserve their family farm. It is so gratifying to see Lyle & Roberta talking about their decision to set aside their beautiful piece of land for future generations. The Johnson’s story is a wonderful reminder of the huge benefits of land trusts and landowners working together.
Recently, three Wisconsin land trusts, Bayfield Regional Conservancy, Caledonia Conservancy, and Mississippi Valley Conservancy, applied for national Land Trust Accreditation status. We spoke with each land trust to hear, in their own words, why they are pursuing this seal of excellence. We are very pleased to be able to share their story with you.
The Northwoods Land Trust recently completed their largest single conservation easement to date on over 800 acres of land in the towns of Newbold and Pine Lake in Oneida County. These wild lakes, shorelines, and flowages are now preserved in perpetuity thanks to the determined efforts of two generations of the Wellenstein family and the dedicated staff of the Northwoods Land Trust. The photos tell the entire story of a special piece of land being protected by special people.
In the coming weeks, we will be adding to our ever-growing library of Land Trust Stories, so please stop back frequently to learn more about the great work being done all across Wisconsin. If you know of a story or just a land trust doing great things, please let us know. If you are a land trust and have a story you’d like to have told, please contact Conor Moran or Kate Zurlo-Cuva.
