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Sandy DeWalt: 2025 Land Trust Volunteer of the Year

A picture of Sandy DeWalt with the caption "2025 Land Trust Volunteer of the Year".

Gathering Waters presented Caledonia Conservancy with the 2025 Land Trust Volunteer of the Year Award at Sandy DeWalt’s celebration of life on October 12, 2025 in Caledonia, Wisconsin. The award is presented in memoriam after her passing earlier in 2025.

From left to right: Mike Carlson, Sandy's daughter Terri, and Sandy's husband Bill.
From left to right: Mike Carlson, Sandy’s daughter Terri, and Sandy’s husband Bill. Photo credit: Wendy McCalvy

Sandy DeWalt was an inspiring model of volunteerism and environmental education. She was a mentor and volunteer at Caledonia Conservancy for over 30 years, serving as president for 15 years. She worked tirelessly to expand and improve protected lands and the trail system used by hikers and equestrians. 

A commemorative bench for Sandy that will be placed on a Caledonia Conservancy property this fall.
A commemorative bench for Sandy that will be placed on a Caledonia Conservancy property this fall. Photo credit: Mike Carlson.

Sandy helped organize Caledonia Conservancy’s annual Mane Event, welcoming horseback riders to conserved lands for adventures on their trails. She also planned monthly workdays and led an all-volunteer trail maintenance team, which won a statewide award for pulling the most garlic mustard. 

Sandy was also instrumental in envisioning and creating the School to Nature outdoor education and field trip program at Caledonia Conservancy. For the past 15 years, the program has hosted school groups at the Conservancy—working with over 10,000 students from local public and private schools. 

“Sandy lived a life of active volunteerism with Caledonia Conservancy and is greatly missed by those who knew her,” said Mike Carlson, executive director of Gathering Waters. “She leaves a lasting legacy on land conservation in southeastern Wisconsin.”

We honor Sandy’s memory and will continue to celebrate her countless contributions to the Caledonia community.

Sandy DeWalt (second from the left, bottom) pictured with other Caledonia Conservancy volunteers and students in the School to Nature program.
Sandy DeWalt (second from the left, bottom) pictured with other Caledonia Conservancy volunteers and students in the School to Nature program.

About the Land Conservation Leadership Awards

The awards, presented annually to conservation leaders by Gathering Waters, recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of people and organizations who devote their time and talents to protecting Wisconsin’s land, water, and wildlife.

About the Land Trust Volunteer of the Year Award

This award recognizes a land trust volunteer that demonstrates commitment to supporting and serving a land trust through leadership, pursuits, projects, and partnerships that further a land trust’s goals.