Door County Land Trust
Posts by Cinnamon
New Conservation Easement in Egg Harbor Protects Forest and More
The Door County Land Trust (DCLT) is excited to announce a newly protected property south of Egg Harbor. Landowners Michael and Ann Morgan donated a conservation easement agreement on their property, protecting it from future development and contributing to nearby protected lands within a unique area between the Niagara Escarpment and the Green Bay shoreline.…
Read MoreNew Property Protects Nature and Memories at Three Springs
Many times when land transfers from private ownership to the Door County Land Trust more than the land itself is exchanged. For Ingrid Nelson Lawrenz, the Sister Bay property she recently sold to the Land Trust holds memories of a lifetime spent indulging in the joys of the wild places just outside her girlhood home. …
Read MoreDonated Land Extends Legacy Nature Preserve at Clay Banks
A generous land donation by the Bogdanowicz family that includes 150 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline was recently accepted by the Door County Land Trust (DCLT). Located in the Town of Clay Banks, this land is directly to the south of the Land Trust’s Legacy Nature Preserve at Clay Banks. The donation extends the preserve’s boundary, which…
Read MoreFischer Family Inspires Generosity
The children of Anne Fischer are putting forth a challenge to those who value the future of Door County’s wild spaces. The Fischer Family’s goal is to inspire fellow members to give generously before December 15, 2022, to match their $350,000 grant. Donate Now! Childhood memories of immersing themselves in the wilderness around what is…
Read MoreDoor County Land Trust Office Moves to New Location
The Door County Land Trust will be moving its office to a more expansive space at the newly developed Door County Epicenter at 217 N. 4th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, the former home of Baylake Bank and Nicolet Bank, in June. The organization’s need to increase staffing over the years to address important land protection…
Read MoreThe Big Plant: Native Tree and Plant Give-Away 2023
Native Plant and Tree Give-Away Aims to Improve Wildlife Habitat Throughout Door County Upcoming tree and plant giveaway events: 2023 Dates to be announced *** How to Plant Trees and Perennials: How to plant The native tree and plant give-away is a part of The Big Plant coordinated by the Climate Change Coalition of Door…
Read MoreWinter Hiking Basics
Winter Hiking Basics for Door County Land Trust trails!
Read MoreEgg Harbor Public Arts Initiative and The Kress Pavilion present scenes from Door County Land Trust as envisioned by Jim Perry and Terri Warpinski
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”25″ gal_title=”A Sense of Place”] The Egg Harbor Public Arts Initiative and The Kress Pavilion are pleased to be featuring scenes of Door County Land Trust as envisioned by local artists Terri Warpinski and Jim Perry Opening Reception at Kress Pavilion February 5, 2022, 4 – 7pm Exhibition runs through May 29, 2022.…
Read MoreLeadership Transition Planned at Door County Land Trust
Dear Friend, For every thing there is a season. After five years at the helm of Door County Land Trust, I have made the difficult decision that it is time for my wife Lisa and I to return to Illinois to be closer to family. It is with both sadness and anticipation of new opportunities…
Read MoreHappy New Year
Happy New Year from Door County Land Trust!
Read MoreHappy Holidays
Happy Holidays from Door County Land Trust!
Read MoreTwo Gifts of Land Donated to Door County Land Trust
Two Gifts of Land Donated to Door County Land Trust Washington Island, WI— In this season of giving, Door County Land Trust is thrilled to announce that two gifts of land on Washington Island are now permanently protected. The permanent conservation of these lands ensures that forests remain intact, that wildlife move freely across the…
Read MoreFond du Lac has returned!
Fond du Lac has returned! Fond du Lac, the snowy owl who visited Door County in 2020, has returned after an absence of 18 months! Fond du Lac, a fourth-year female, was trapped and tagged by Project SNOWstorm on Feb. 23, 2020, near Waupun, WI. She was fitted with a cell phone transmitter that…
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From Farm to Forest
Hilltop Conservation Easement
From Farm to Forest: Hilltop Conservation Easement near Mink River Estuary Ellison Bay, WI – Door County Land Trust is excited to announce a newly protected property in Northern Door County. Working with Door County Land Trust, landowner Lisa Barker voluntarily donated a conservation easement on her property, protecting it from future development…
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Wetland, Woodland, and Wild land
Protected in Southern Door County
Wetland, Woodland, and Wild Land Protected in Southern Door County Door County, WI – Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce the permanent protection of one mile of stream bank along Stony Creek in southern Door County. This is the first time a conservation organization has purchased land within the 13-mile Stony…
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Chambers Island Nature Preserve Grows
with a Key Addition Near Marina
Chambers Island Nature Preserve Grows with a Key Addition Near Marina Chambers Island, WI – Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce the addition of a newly protected parcel at the Chambers Island Nature Preserve. The new property contains a mature upland forest with red oak and butternut, and an open meadow.…
Read MoreHigh Quality Forest Protected at Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp
High Quality Forest Protected at Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Ephraim, WI – Door County Land Trust is happy to announce the protection of ecologically rich forest and wetland habitat within the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp State Natural Area. The addition of this protected property is an exciting step toward preserving the coastal wetlands and natural filtration abilities…
Read MoreAppreciating Spring
Appreciating Spring By Dale Goodner, hike leader, volunteer, and curious citizen To the avid hiker, ecologist, or wood thrush, there is much more to a forest than just trees. From the very top of the canopy, to the secret recesses of soil, countless life forms occupy and embody the fundamental fabric of the forest.…
Read MoreA Win for Water Quality: Wetlands Protected at Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp
A Win for Water Quality: Wetlands Protected at Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Ephraim, WI – Door County Land Trust is thrilled to announce the protection of two additional forested properties within the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp State Natural Area. With these additions totaling 75 acres, Door County Land Trust now protects 383 acres within the swamp, which is…
Read MoreThe Twelve Hikes of Christmas
A Holiday Nature Celebration The Twelve Hikes of Christmas is our holiday celebration, encouraging you to get outside and see what your favorite nature preserves have to show you this season. For the twelve days leading up to Christmas we will share a new winter wildlife photo and coloring book page for free download. Enjoy…
Read MoreA Watershed Moment for Washington Island’s Coffey Swamp
A Watershed Moment for Washington Island’s Coffey Swamp Washington Island, WI – Door County Land Trust is thrilled to announce the protection of a forested property on Washington Island as part of the Coffey Swamp State Natural Area. This property is home to a high quality wet northern forest largely covered with mature white cedar…
Read MoreLand at Heart of Kellner Fen Donated into Permanent Conservation
Land at Heart of Kellner Fen Donated into Permanent Conservation Sturgeon Bay, WI – Door County Land Trust is excited to announce the recent acquisition and protection of a 40-acre property at the center of the Kellner Fen wetland complex located north of Sturgeon Bay near Lake Michigan. The property was donated by Jim…
Read MoreAnonymous Donor Inspires Giving for Land Protection at Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp
Anonymous Donor Inspires Giving for Land Protection at Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Ephraim, WI – An anonymous couple is inspiring others to give to the Door County Land Trust’s ongoing land protection efforts at Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Natural Area. The couple have a love of the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp and have been long-time supporters of the efforts to protect…
Read MoreThe Perfect Cozy Conservation Gift
The Perfect Cozy Conservation Gift. Give the perfect gift this Christmas! Place a bid for a gift basket featuring a hand-crocheted afghan donated by member Maureen McGrath, a copy of the ‘Guide to the Places We Protect’, and candied nuts homemade by Land Trust president Donna DeNardo. Each gift comes with a gift membership for the…
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Landings Journal –
News Splash Winter 2020-2021
Read our 2020-2021 Winter Landings News Splash! Landings News Splash: Stories About the Places YOU help protect!
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Landings Journal –
News Splash Fall 2020
Read our 2020 Fall Landings News Splash! Landings News Splash: Stories About the Places YOU help protect!
Read MoreDoor County Land Trust and The Ridges Sanctuary Conclude Merger Discussions
Door County Land Trust and The Ridges Sanctuary Conclude Merger Discussions The Ridges Sanctuary and Door County Land Trust decided to conclude their exploratory discussions for a possible merger. While the organizations determined now is not the right time to combine, they are committed to continue working together in various ways. Both organizations developed a…
Read MoreHigh-quality forest and wetland habitat protected on Washington Island
Door County’s Newest Conservation Project: High-quality forest and wetland habitat protected on Washington Island Washington Island, WI – Door County Land Trust is excited to announce the protection of 20 acres on Washington Island as part of the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area. This property is home to a northern hardwood forest with…
Read MoreDoor County Land Trust and The Ridges Sanctuary Begin Partnership Discussions
Door County Land Trust and The Ridges Sanctuary Begin Partnership Discussions The Door County Land Trust and The Ridges Sanctuary are pleased to announce they have entered into discussions surrounding the combination of the two organizations into one operating entity. The combined organization would build on the strengths of both groups to become a stronger community…
Read More20 Acres Protected at Washington Island’s Big and Little Marsh
Door County’s Newest Conservation Project: 20 Acres Protected at Washington Island’s Big and Little Marsh Washington Island, WI – Door County Land Trust completed the acquisition and protection of 20 acres of remnant boreal forest on Washington Island adjoining the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area which is known for its rare and imperiled…
Read MoreA New Conservation Easement Protects Forest in Baileys Harbor
A New Conservation Easement Protects Forest in Baileys Harbor Baileys Harbor, WI – Door County Land Trust is thrilled to announce the protection of 40 acres in Baileys Harbor with a perpetual conservation easement agreement. Landowners Tom and Cynthia Wolfe protect the property from future development and add to protected lands within a nearby important…
Read MorePollinator Garden at Bayshore Blufflands Nature Preserve
An oasis for butterflies, birds, bees, and other pollinators The three-year community conservation effort to battle buckthorn and other invasive shrubs at the Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve has begun a new chapter as Door County Land Trust installed a new planting of native species this past summer. The lower trailhead now is home to…
Read MoreDoor County Land Trust will be featured on Discover Wisconsin!
Wisconsin Land Trust Days Highlighted on Discover Wisconsin Watch now! On June 13th at 6:30pm CST, Discover Wisconsin airs the Wisconsin Land Trust Days episode on television stations across the Midwest. Tune in to watch wild mushroom expert Charlotte Lukes share her passion for conservation and fungi during the Fungus Among Us hike at Kangaroo Lake…
Read MoreNature Notes Calendar
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”21″ gal_title=”Nature Notes Calendar”] Donate $20 or more to receive your Nature Notes Calendar! Stunning monthly images and stories 19 months! June 2020-December 2021 Bloom times and locations Bird migration and nesting seasons Insect, fish, amphibian, and mammal life cycles Moon phases and meteor showers Dates of historical significance Sun rise and set times…
Read MoreLove the Land…Leave it Wild
We are thrilled to see new and familiar faces walking the trails and enjoying the outdoors. Thank you to everyone who is taking time to love the land! Here are a few reminders, so the nature preserves you love can stay open, healthy, and protected.
Read More2020 Events, Hikes, and Activities
From colorful wildflowers blooming across the peninsula to the calming roll of Lake Michigan waves on the shore, Door County has shed its winter coat and is buzzing with new life and summertime sunshine. Normally, this is the time for exploring preserve trails through a guided hike, gathering together at events, or celebrating community…
Read MoreDoor County Daily Nature
Join us in celebrating the rhythm of the days and seasons by sharing photos, observations, and reflections from nature. Just as spring pushes forward, so too does our community-focused conservation work. We invite you to reach out to us and stay connected. Share your thoughts and pictures below. After review, we’ll post them on this page…
Read MoreDoor County Ecology: Yellow Bellied Sapsucker
Door County Ecology at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve. Learn how to spot signs of a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker! – Mary and Dale Goodner
Read MoreDoor County Ecology: Difference Between Red Pine and White Pine
Door County Ecology at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve. Learn the difference between Red Pine and White Pine! – Mary and Dale Goodner
Read MoreFinding Sanctuary at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve
“We are very privileged to have this outdoor space to safely go to,” says photographer Miora Rajaonary. “It is more than a playground. It has become our sanctuary, an invitation for us to look closer and longer and contemplate.” Video from Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, by Jim Perry.
Read MoreSigns of Spring: Hazelnut Flowers in Bloom
Signs of Spring at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, hazelnut flowers in bloom! – Mary and Dale Goodner
Read MoreLongnose Suckers at Heins Creek Nature Preserve
Watch the Longnose Suckers at Heins Creek Nature Preserve, monitoring and video by Joe Taylor.
Read MoreEnjoying Ephraim Nature Preserve at Anderson Pond
Wanted to share some photos of my walk at Ephraim Nature Preserve at Anderson Pond! – Amy Watts Dwyer
Read MoreSigns of Spring: Club Moss
Signs of Spring at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, club moss! – Mary and Dale Goodner
Read MoreSunrise at Legacy Nature Preserve at Clay Banks
Enjoy the beautiful sunrise from Legacy Nature Preserve at Clay Banks – Jim Perry
Read MoreSigns of Spring: Wood Frogs Mating
Signs of Spring at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, wood frogs mating! – Mary and Dale Goodner
Read MoreSigns of Spring: Balsam Poplar
Signs of Spring at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, Balsam Poplar! – Mary and Dale Goodner
Read MoreSigns of Spring: Skunk Cabbage
Signs of Spring at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, Skunk Cabbage! – Mary and Dale Goodner
Read MoreGolden-crowned kinglets, Spring Peepers, and Wood Frogs – Oh My!
Tom Clay and I spent a beautiful “signs of spring” morning at Three Springs Nature Preserve. This is a perfect time to visit, there are so many spring activities taking place, from birds migrating overhead, to northern pike in Three Springs Pond visible from deck if you are lucky (I was). We saw lots of …
Read MoreSnowy Owl Spends the Weekend on Chambers Island
“Snowy owls don’t know about coronavirus, fortunately — they only know that the days are lengthening toward spring, and the tug of the Arctic is getting stronger and stronger. Some have already started migrating back north, and may soon be out of cell range for the summer. It’s a welcome reminder that, however dark and…
Read MoreSurge of Support to Protect Pebble Beach
Surge of Support to Protect Pebble Beach Sister Bay, WI – Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce a remarkable gift from angel donors Mary and Bob Wiley of Sister Bay, to protect Pebble Beach. Door County Land Trust and the Village of Sister Bay are partnering to protect 600 feet of shoreline and…
Read MoreConservationists of the Year – Chambers Island Nature Preserve Executive Committee
Gathering Waters, Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts is excited to honor as part of the Land Conservation Leadership Awards Chambers Island Nature Preserve Executive Committee as Conservationists of the Year Conservationist of the Year – Chambers Island Nature Preserve Executive Committee is made up of a team of four women who own property on Door County’s…
Read MoreLandings Journal – Spring 2019
Read our 2019 Spring Landings News Splash!
Read MoreNew Land Conservation Protects Headwaters and Springs within Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp
Ephraim, WI – The Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce a newly protected property containing wetlands, springs and streams within the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp State Natural Area. The 80-acre property is the second property in the area to be protected this year, and brings the total protection of these headwaters and springs to 277…
Read MoreDoor Peninsula Coastal Wetlands BioBlitz
Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands BioBlitz June 18- 21, 2019 We’re doing an ecological inventory of our natural wetlands treasures—and we need your help. Become a citizen scientist for a day! It’s called a BioBlitz—a community science activity for people of all ages and experience. Discover and document the variety of species found at the Three Springs…
Read MoreHeadwaters of Eagle Harbor Protected!
The Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce a wetland property containing portions of the headwaters of Ephraim Creeks and Hidden Springs in the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp State Natural Area is now protected! The property was purchased from a local landowner who wished for the property to remain conserved in its natural state. The property…
Read More9 Acres Donated at Chambers Island Nature Preserve
Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce the donation of 9 acres of land at the Chambers Island Nature Preserve. The donation of land, made by Pete and Fawn Rogers, long-time summer visitors on the island, is the fifth conservation project to be completed on Chambers Island during 2018. The donated land connects other…
Read MoreChambers Island Nature Preserve Expands with 50 Newly Protected Acres!
We are pleased to announce that Thursday, December 13, the Door County Land Trust completed two more land acquisitions on Chambers Island! These two additional projects are the third and fourth of five planned land protection projects on the island this December! The two properties, one a 10-acre hardwood and hemlock forest and the other…
Read MoreHoliday Hunt Dec. 24-Jan. 1: Safe Hiking and Hunting
Holiday Hunt! A special deer hunt will take place December 24, 2017 – January 1, 2018. Hikers may wish to avoid these Door County Land Trust nature preserves open to this special hunting season: Three Springs Nature Preserve, Heins Creek Nature Preserve, Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve, Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve, Legacy Nature Preserve at Clay…
Read MoreNewly Protected! 17 Acres Adjacent to Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve
Conservation Easements Protect Homes for The Wildest Things Short-tailed weasel at Aten-Collins Conservation Easement. Photo by Nancy Aten Visionary landowners Nancy Aten and Dan Collins completed the donation of a 17-acre conservation easement to the Door County Land Trust this fall. The property, located near the 274-acre Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve, adds to a…
Read MoreLandings – News Splash! Read the Winter Newsletter Online
The 2017 Winter Newsletter has arrived! This season we’re saving on paper and providing more content on our website. Click below to view the newsletter online. Click the links to see related webpages, photos or additional content.
Read MoreGift Exchange
Gift Exchange By Francha Barnard, Door County poet and volunteer As for me, on a trail hike, you wouldn’t want me to lead; can’t identify the ten different mushrooms or four or five ferns we’d see. Can’t tell the various orchids apart or the birdsong we’d hear nearby; can’t even find the bird in the…
Read MoreMapping Guides 2018 Restoration Work
This four-person crew spent part of their summer mapping invasive species in preparation for a restoration project to begin in 2018. Door County Land Trust’s Three Springs Nature Preserve is one of several sites prioritized in this partner project to map, monitor and reduce invasive species within Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands Ramsar site, an…
Read MoreRestoring Balance to an Interconnected Ecosystem
Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve ridge and swale wetland. Photo by Jason Wilke, restoration and invasive species removal contractor 399 acres at the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve and 50 acres at Heins Creek Nature Preserve are being restored, thanks to funding from the North American Wetland Conservation Act Grant. The project,…
Read MoreDoor County Land Trust Protects 37 Acres Near Rowleys Bay
Door County Land Trust Protects 37 Acres near Rowleys Bay In late August, landowners Bruce and Joan Pikas donated a 37-acre conservation easement on their boreal forest tract to the Door County Land Trust. The conservation easement adds to existing protected land in the area which includes several other conservation easements, The Nature Conservancy’s Mink…
Read MoreJoin us at the Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast Kick-off Event!
You are invited to join us for a community gathering to kick-off the Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast project September 1, 9:30-11:30 a.m.! Learn about the invasive species and unique ecology of the Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve. Take a hike with staff experts and meet stewardship volunteers committed to the Buckthorn Blast. Sign up…
Read More120 Acres of Coastal Wetland Property Protected!
Door County Land Trust Protects Wetlands at the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp State Natural Area Sturgeon Bay, WI July 15, 2017 – The Door County Land Trust (DCLT) is pleased to announce it has protected 120 acres of coastal wetland property in the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp State Natural Area. The property was acquired from landowner John Wehling,…
Read MoreVolunteer at Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve!
Join the fun at our next Door Stewardship Alliance work day at Door County Land Trust’s Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve on Tuesday, July 11th. The work will consist of clearing vegetation encroaching into the trail corridor as well as replacing parking area posts. We will meet at the preserve parking area located at 5519…
Read MoreStewardship Work Day at Gilson-Peterson Natural Area.
Our next volunteer opportunity will be Tuesday, June 6th, at Door County Land Trust’s Gilson-Peterson Natural Area. Gilson-Peterson is a 40-acre sanctuary located near Ellison Bay. The forest is dominated by a mixed-aged stand of hemlock, white pine, sugar maple, and beech. We will be hand-pulling forget-me-nots that are invading the forest and crowding out native herbs,…
Read MoreFrom Conservation Vision to Nature Preserve
Land Selection Process Is a Grand Equation for the Door County Land Trust By Laurel Hauser With 308,480 total acres of land in Door County and natural features as diverse as bluffs, forests, farmland, cedar swamps, streams, and lakeshore, how does the Land Trust decide which properties are most deserving of protection? This question goes…
Read MoreEvil Weevils and Thistles with Nets
The Land Trust’s Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve is host to one of the region’s most robust populations of the federally-endangered Pitcher’s dune thistle, a rare plant that depends on open sand dunes. Researchers from Chicago Botanic Gardens and Land Trust staff hope joint efforts can keep this population healthy for years to…
Read MoreA Travel Back Through Time on Chambers Island
The Land Trust staff recently spent two days on Chambers Island working on activities related to the establishment of a 1,000-acre Chambers Island Nature Preserve. While many hours were spent walking through the magnificent forest on the island to evaluate properties the Land Trust is interested in acquiring and post boundary markers on the recently…
Read MoreThree Springs Nature Preserve Recognized as a Wetland of International Importance
The Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands complex has recently been designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty for protection of exemplary wetland systems around the world.This 11,443-acre wetlands complex joins Everglades National Park in Florida and Chesapeake Bay Estuary in Virginia as one of only 37 sites in the…
Read MoreA New Milestone: 7,000 Acres Protected
In 1986 landowner Ruth Neumann donated a conservation easement to the newly formed Door County Land Trust, with the faith that the property would be permanently protected for the future. Since that first parcel, the Land Trust continues to accept conservation easements and land donations and purchase properties of high scenic and ecological importance.…
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