Door County Land Trust
In The News
New 2018 Acquisitions Underway at the Chambers Island Nature Preserve
For the 171 species of birds migrating annually on the 2,000 mile journey along the Mississippi flyway, Chambers Island is a haven, a rest stop, and a much needed place to refuel. The Door County Land Trust Chambers Island Nature Preserve has grown to 600 acres and our 2018 plan continues efforts to acquire several…
Read MoreNew Acquisitions Underway at the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Natural Area
The Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Natural Area is comprised of cedar forest and ephemeral wetlands—two components contributing to Door County’s most unique environments. In 2017, the Land Trust completed a 120-acre purchase in the heart of the swamp. Landowners in the neighborhood are helping the Land Trust acquire several more key parcels within the natural area, which…
Read MoreHabitat Restoration Planned for Grand View Scenic Overlook
When the opportunity to protect the Grand View Scenic Overlook arose, the community stepped forward to complete the seemingly impossible task of raising the funds for such prime real-estate. Within the protected view, lay two small ponds and surrounding lands in need of special care. Recently, the Door County Land Trust implemented two initial landscape…
Read MoreGrants Received for Restoration Project at Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve
Door County Land Trust and Bay Shore Property Owners Association continue to battle invasive plants with a new multi-year community conservation project to eradicate non-native common and glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.) and exotic honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) at the Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve. The project, known as the Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast, began last…
Read MoreInvestments in Stewardship Endowment Fund are Working for Our Land
Thanks to the many thoughtful Legacy Circle donors who have included the Land Trust in their will or bequest, the Stewardship Endowment Fund will be carefully put to use beginning this year. The Board of Directors and the Endowment Trustees have calculated a sustainable draw from the fund which will be applied toward the Land…
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 MoreLandings is Available Online!
Did you know that memberships provide more than 40% of the funds necessary for land acquisitions? You can find out more in the 2017 issue of Landings Journal of the Door County Land Trust. To commemorate our 30th anniversary, Landings looks back at 30 years of protecting the peninsula’s exceptional lands and waters and includes…
Read More8,000 Acre Milestone!
The Door County Land Trust announced today that in its 30th year, we have now surpassed 8,000 Door County acres protected from development through the addition of 106 acres to the Chambers Island Nature Preserve. We are pleased that with this most recent acquisition we surpassed two milestones—8,000 acres protected in perpetuity and at 593…
Read MoreWe need your vote to purchase the islands!
Town of Gibraltar voters – We need your vote to purchase the islands in Lake Mackaysee on Chambers Island! Wednesday, August 2, 6 pm, Town of Gibraltar Special Agenda The two islands in Mackaysee Lake on Chambers Island owned by the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands are being sold. The islands can be…
Read MoreDoor County Land Trust Surpasses 8,000 Acres Protected
106 Acres Added to Chambers Island Nature Preserve The Door County Land Trust announces today that it has now surpassed 8,000 acres protected from development through the addition of 106 acres to the Chambers Island Nature Preserve. Door County Land Trust Executive Director Tom Clay says, “We are pleased that with this most recent acquisition…
Read More“Land is my…” Video Contest
Land is my… What do you do outside? Where do you go when you need a break? Make a quick video that shares what land means to you and enter it in the Land Trust Alliance “Land Is My…” video contest for a chance to win cash prizes—and WE could win $10,000 too! Visit www.landismy.org for details…
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 MoreDoor County Land Trust Acquires Critical Habitat on Chambers Island
The Door County land Trust (DCLT) is proud to announce first, the acquisition of 113 additional acres for the Chambers Island Nature Preserve and second, a $150,000 grant from the David V Uihlein Sr. Foundation of Milwaukee toward acquisition of additional land for the preserve.
Read MoreGet to Know the Three Springs Nature Preserve
Get a glimpse of one of the Door County Land Trust‘s hidden gems, the Harold C. Wilson Three Springs Preserve, and learn more about the significance of this property here >>
Read MoreBirds of Washington Island
Washington Island birder and volunteer photographer Melody Walsh shares these photos, fresh from the Island! Washington Island is known for its charm and relaxed pace of life, but did you know the island is also home to a wide variety of birds? Spring is a great time to see the feathers residents of the island,…
Read MoreMany thanks to Door County Board of Realtors
The Door County Board of Realtors recently held a reception at Björklunden to honor retirees with more than ten years of service in the community. Ten realtors were recognized for their collective years of service. A tribute donation to the Door County Land Trust was made for each honoree. We thank the Door County Board…
Read MoreVote for your favorite Door County Photos!
Gathering Waters Annual Photo Competition Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts has collected more than 350 photos from across the state, many from Door County! Your vote makes the difference for the People’s Choice Award. Vote for your favorite photos here >>
Read MoreStudents with Shovels: A Tree Planting Story
In pre-settlement times, Door County was covered shore to shore in dense forests. Our native plant communities and wildlife habitat depend on quality contiguous forests. Last week, at Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve, students from Sturgeon Bay High School worked alongside staff and volunteers to plant more than 2,500 trees, including white pine, white cedar, chokecherry,…
Read MoreMay 2017 eNews . Letter from the Executive Director
The season of visitors has begun on the Door Peninsula. Our travel-weary friends came from South and Central America, Gulf of Mexico environs and Southern United States locales. Many arrived under the cover of darkness, riding the southerly currents of low pressure weather systems. And upon their arrival, they feed, rest and commence their…
Read MoreApril 2017 Volunteer eNews . Letter from the Executive Director
Imagine a bird whose perfect winter home is dense cedar forest, near abundant fresh water… The Bohemian Waxwing is just such a bird, and Washington Island is that perfect winter home. In the coming months, Door County’s shorelines, islands and wild places will offer a resting spot or home to hundreds of species of migrating…
Read MorePlant Surveys, Species Inventories, Bird Counts and more!
The Door County Land Trust relies on volunteers to gather vital pieces of information in the field. Projects include spring bird counts, identifying invasive plants and more. The information gathered through these projects helps to show the value of land protection and restoration efforts. To volunteer for citizen monitoring projects, please contact [email protected].
Read MoreDining for Open Spaces needs YOU!
If you have ever considered hosting or helping at a Dining for Open Spaces event, we need your help this year! Members like you are at the heart of the Dining series . Proceeds from the member-hosted events in the Dining for Open Spaces series have raised more than $330,000 to date. What does hosting…
Read MoreHelp Us Plant Trees at Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve
Thursday, April 27, 2017 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve 6749 County G, South of Egg Harbor Join us for an afternoon of tree planting to celebrate Earth Week! We are continuing our efforts to plant native seedlings at our Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve. Please meet just north of the preserve parking…
Read MoreNative Landscaping “Spruce”-Up
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 23 North 5th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay Are you looking for fun, fresh air and the opportunity to dig in to some wildness right here in the middle of the city? Join us to help “spruce” up the native woodland landscape at the Door County Land Trust’s…
Read MoreSustain Our Great Lakes Grant
This key grant will help restore Door County Ramsar wetlands through removal of invasive species. Read more… This key grant will help restore Door County Ramsar wetlands through removal of invasive species. Read more… This key grant will help restore Door County Ramsar wetlands through removal of invasive species. Read more… This key grant will help restore Door…
Read MoreSaving the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has been providing funding to the state, local governments, land trusts, and other non-profits to protect land for more than 25 years. This fund has been vital to protecting Door County’s exceptional lands and waters. Wisconsin’s latest budget proposal maintains funding for this program, but community support is needed to ensure…
Read MoreWinter Exploration on Washington Island
Even though Washington Island is just a hop, skip and jump from the arctic circle, hike leaders took a weekend expedition in late January. Armed with skis and snowshoes, they embarked on a journey to the farthest reaches of the wetland areas that can only be visited when frozen. Check out pictures of their trip…
Read MoreThanks for a great Gathering!
This past weekend marked the 17th winter gathering for Land Trust members and friends. While the name of the event and the location has changed, the strong sense of community and a love of the land remain strong. Many thanks are due to those who attended and supported this fundraiser, but also to the many…
Read MoreHappy Holidays!
Thank you for your support of the Door County Land Trust. As we look ahead to 2017, there are many places yet to protect and many nature preserves that need our ongoing care. If you haven’t already, please consider renewing your membership or making a special end-of-year gift now. We invite you to take a moment to…
Read MoreLandings: A Journal of the Door County Land Trust
The Fall 2016 Issue is Available Online! 2016 has been a banner year with 663 acres protected, a new conservation easement at Lawrence University’s Bjorklunden center in Baileys Harbor and the Land Trust’s award of accreditation. View the stunning photos and stories about the places that you have helped to protect this year. Read Landings…
Read MoreHolly King Festival
Rare Beer Silent Auction to Benefit the Door County Land Trust Calling all Beer Lovers! Our friends at Bier Zot are hosting a Rare-Bottle Silent Auction this Friday, December 16 to benefit the Door County Land Trust. There will be over a dozen rare bottles including: Deschutes 2015 Abyss, Black Butte XXV, MKE’s Grand Madam…
Read MoreLawrence University, Door County Land Trust sign conservation easement agreement to preserve 305 acres of Björklunden property
Baileys Harbor, WI An agreement between Lawrence University and the Door County Land Trust (DCLT) will preserve more than 300 acres of Bjorklunden, the college’s 441-acre estate south of Baileys Harbor, from future development. Representatives from Lawrence and the DCLT signed a conservation easement agreement Thursday, Nov. 17 in the Björklunden lodge that will preserve and…
Read MoreThe Door County Land Trust Creates a New Conservation Easement at Claybanks Creek in Southern Door
Sturgeon Bay, WI November 14, 2016 – While “looking for a campground” as a young family, Ann and John Bladholm discovered a 40-acre woodland nestled along Claybanks Creek in Southern Door County. There, John and Ann would spend many years vacationing and in retirement, loving the land and exposing their children and countless guests to…
Read MoreA New Conservation Easement Protects Stream and Forest in Southern Door
While “looking for a campground” Ann and John Bladholm discovered a 40-acre woodland nestled along Claybanks Creek in Southern Door County. There, John and Ann would spend many years, loving the land and exposing their children and countless guests to the wonders of nature. In an effort to protect the land’s precious natural state…
Read MoreLand is the Answer!
“How do we secure local, healthy and sustainable food? Land is the answer. How do we ensure clean and abundant water supplies? Land is the answer. How do we foster healthy child development, physical vitality and learning? Land is the answer. How do we stem a national health crisis and provide opportunities for people to…
Read MoreProtecting Wetlands for Green-eyed Dragonflies
Three Land Purchases Ensure Protection of Water and Wetlands By Julie Schartner, Land Project Manager Once believed to be extinct and now found in only four states, the Hine’s emerald dragonfly is among the most endangered dragonflies in the United States. The largest population is found here— in Door County, Wisconsin. Through land purchases at…
Read More10-acre addition at the Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve
We at the Door County Land Trust are excited to tell you of our recent 10-acre addition at the Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve. The acquisition protects a key parcel, extending the contiguous forest cover needed to sustain this unique and fragile ecosystem along the Niagara Escarpment. We encourage you to take a hike and enjoy…
Read MoreDoor County Land Trust Earns National Recognition
Sturgeon Bay, WI August 18, 2016 – The Door County Land Trust announced today it has achieved accreditation – a mark of distinction in land conservation. The nationally-recognized Land Trust Accreditation Commission awards accreditation to land trusts that meet standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that their conservation efforts are permanent. Cathy…
Read MoreAnnual Gathering celebrating 30th Anniversary of the Door County Land Trust
On Sunday, August 14, 300 members, volunteers and friends gathered to celebrate 30 years of protecting Door County’s exceptional land and waters. The Annual Gathering was held at the first property ever protected by the Door County Land Trust, a property protected by Conservation Easement agreement by Ruth Neuman in 1986, which is now cared…
Read MoreDoor County Land Trust Announces Selection of New Executive Director
The Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce Tom Clay as its new Executive Director. He will officially join the Land Trust in mid-September. Tom will replace Dan Burke, who left the Land Trust last February. Tom, 55, comes to the Door County Land Trust after ten years as the Executive Director of the Illinois…
Read More170th bird species recorded on Chambers Island
For a small, four-square-mile island, Chambers Island’s list of nesting and migratory birds includes a remarkable number of species deemed as rare, endangered, special concern or of greatest conservation need. For the birds, Chambers Island provides a safe resting stop on their migration or a summer nesting site to raise their young. Earlier this…
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.…
Read MoreSwimming Upstream with the Chinook
Strawberry Creek, Wisconsin’s most important Chinook salmon stream attracts thousands of spawning salmon each fall. While relatively small in size, Strawberry Creek plays a vital role for the Lake Michigan fisheries. The creek is home to the first stocking and egg collection site for Chinook salmon in Wisconsin and continues to be Wisconsin’s primary source…
Read MoreDoor County Conservationists Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
When you think of the people in Door County who have fostered a love of nature through teaching and sharing their passion for the outdoors, two names always rise to the top. Roy and Charlotte Lukes were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gathering Waters Conservancy’s 12th Annual Land Conservation Leadership Awards celebration.…
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