Shoreline Property Becomes Land Trust Conservation Easement 

The Schmitz conservation easement. Kay McKinley photo Shoreline property on the bay of Green Bay owned by Michael Schmitz, of Ellison Bay, was recently protected by a conservation easement with Door County Land Trust. The agreement ensures that the four-acre property, which includes 589 feet of rocky shoreline, will remain undeveloped forever. The easement’s size…

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Trio of Land Projects Expand Land Protection

Hibbard Creek photo by Julie Schartner   With the recent addition of three land projects, DCLT now protects more than 9,400 acres across Door County and its surrounding islands. The three projects are an addition to the Hibbard Creek Natural Area, the creation of the new Oak Bluff Natural Area, and a new conservation easement.…

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Oak Bluff Natural Area: Land Protection by the Bay 

  Door County Land Trust’s portfolio of protected properties includes a variety of ecologically sensitive lands protected for the plant and animal inhabitants. The latest land protection project, completed on December 6, 2023, is a perfect example of why some lands are best protected for wildlife.  When it comes to the Land Trust’s recent creation…

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Hibbard Creek: Extending an Important Wildlife Corridor

Hibbard Creek. Photo by Julie Schartner   The recent purchase of 77 acres near the Hibbard Creek Natural Area aligns with the Land Trust’s goal to extend protection in wildlife corridors that provide for movement across the landscape. These corridors are crucial for the survival of animal species as they provide new home territories for…

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Southern Door Ecological Gem to Become 15th Land Trust Preserve

An exceptionally scenic and ecologically significant 75 acres in the Town of Clay Banks has recently been added to Door County Land Trust’s roster of protected properties. The former dairy farm features a half-mile of Bear Creek that flows into Lake Michigan that supports coldwater fish. Within its eye-catching landscape of open fields, wetlands, native…

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Hiking During Hunting Season

Ice-Age-Trail-Blaze-Orangeweb

Door County Land Trust nature preserves accommodate a wide variety of public uses including hiking, cross country skiing, wildlife observation, scientific research, and hunting. In order to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors to our nature preserves, we ask hikers to review hunting safety guidelines and be aware during the season. Hunting…

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Kellner Fen Natural Area Addition Expands Land Protection

Sandhill Crane

Sand Hill Cranes are one of many species that will be protected on the new acreage. The success of Door County Land Trust’s (DCLT) most recent land purchase is the direct result of the generosity of the Fischer family. The new addition of 63 acres extends the protection of water quality and wildlife surrounding the…

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Now Streaming: Water Protection

Three springs

Below the still surface of Door County’s landscape, under and through the bedrock, water moves rapidly—a mixture of rainwater, snow melt, and dissolved particles collected from life above. In many areas, both nutrients and pollutants find their way quickly into the county’s waterways—as well as Lake Michigan and Green Bay—at a rate that can overwhelm…

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New Preserve to Deliver Drama

Bear Creek Nature Preserve

It’s hard for the Door County Land Trust Land Team to temper their excitement when describing the property slated for the Land Trust’s fifteenth nature preserve. “It’s spectacular,” said Land Program Director Jesse Koyen. “Over a half mile of Bear Creek and its surrounding forested banks make up the heart of the property. There are…

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Land Donation Protects Water Quality on Washington Island

CoffeySwamp

A long-time Washington Island naturalist has recently donated a 10-acre white cedar forest adjacent to the Coffey Swamp State Natural Area on Washington Island. The newly protected property is key to providing water quality protection for Coffey Swamp and Lake Michigan. With the forest ideally situated on the rim of the area’s wetland basin, it…

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Hikes and Events Fill Land Trust Calendar

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Learn, appreciate, and support nature through hikes and special happenings planned by the Land Trust. Fresh off DCLT training, hike leaders are ready to inform and engage hikers in the discovery of the unique history, terrain, and species of Land Trust preserves. Themed hikes range from a survey of a preserve’s flora and fauna to…

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Digging deeper into new activities

digging-deeper

The Door County Land Trust is expanding its roster of activities so you might dig a little deeper into your involvement. Join others as you increase your knowledge of the natural world and play a part in research with citizen science projects. Enjoy an immediate sense of satisfaction when working on two-hour tasks during stewardship…

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Donated Land Extends Legacy Nature Preserve at Clay Banks

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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…

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Kellner Fen Addition Extends Protection of Rare Species

Dragon's mouth orchids.

The Door County Land Trust recently purchased 63 acres that will extend the protection of water quality and wildlife surrounding the organization’s Kellner Fen Natural Area, located near the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Sturgeon Bay. Kellner Fen is a unique type of wetland that features a large expanse of open water and an extensive,…

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Black History Month: Notable Black Conservationists

Cpt. Charles Young

From highly recognizable, historic names like George Washington Carver to modern day environmentalists like Rue Mapp, persons of color have made significant contributions to the conservation movement. In honor of Black History Month, the Land Trust would like to highlight the achievements of some notable Black conservationists. Solomon Brown 1829-1906 Solomon Brown was the first Black…

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Conservation Easement a Gift to Southern Door Water Quality

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Water quality in Southern Door has been handed a rare gift through a conservation easement agreement recently donated to Door County Land Trust. Owned by Patricia A. Nell, of Sturgeon Bay, the 158-acre property contains a portion of the headwaters of the Ahnapee River and surrounding wetlands that slow down water runoff and filter sediments…

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Chambers Island Landowners Purchase Additional Retreat Center Property for Preserve

Through a generous outpouring of private donations from Chambers Island landowners, The Door County Land Trust has acquired a 22.75-acre ecological gem that fits perfectly into the original 830-acre plan for the Chambers Island Nature Preserve. Formerly part of the grounds that hosted the Green Bay Catholic Diocese Holy Name Retreat Center, the parcel is…

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Land Trust Awarded Grant to Protect Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly Habitat

Dorsal-Male-Hines-Emerald-Dragonfly-by-Paul-Burton

Door County Land Trust (DCLT) was awarded a Midwest Coastal Grant from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) in the amount of $196,736 to conduct invasive species control at Kellner Fen Natural Area, just north of Sturgeon Bay. The control of these plants directly relates to protecting the Hine’s emerald dragonfly (HED) (Somatochlora…

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Ecologically Rare Nevins Property Donated to Door County Land Trust

Nevins Property

Two parcels of shoreline property with high ecological significance have been donated recently to the Door County Land Trust by the Nevins family’s third generation owners. Once full-time residents of Door County, Susan, Nancy, and Lori Nevins donated property totaling 9.27 acres near the Village of Egg Harbor in memory of their conservationist parents. The…

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Fischer 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…

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How to Stay Safe During Hunting Season

Ice-Age-Trail-Blaze-Orangeweb

Door County Land Trust nature preserves accommodate a wide variety of public uses including hiking, cross country skiing, wildlife observation, scientific research, and hunting. In order to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors to our nature preserves, we ask hikers to review hunting safety guidelines and be aware during the season. Hunting…

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Welcome Emily Wood: Door County Land Trust Selects Executive Director

EmilyWood

Door County Land Trust has appointed conservation leader Emily Wood as its next executive director. Wood will take over as Executive Director on August 1, 2022 and will lead the Door County Land Trust in its mission to preserve, maintain and enhance lands that contribute significantly to the scenic beauty, open space and ecological integrity…

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Door County Land Trust Office Moves to New Location

Door County Epicenter

  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…

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Egg 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.…

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Two 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…

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Fond 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.…

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High 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…

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Benefit Concert with Last Man Standing

lastmanstanding

Friday, July 9, 7pm • $20 tickets Purchase tickets by calling Woodwalk Gallery at (920) 629-4877 Classic and not-so-classic bluegrass music, Door County style. Their toe-tapping, danceable, catchy music is a joy to listen to! Each year, Last Man Standing has provided live music to benefit the Land Trust, whether at our volunteer appreciation parties…

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Can You Spare 6 Minutes to Protect More Land?

DCLT-and-KNSP8

This note is a request for six minutes of your time in the next few days. Your six minutes will help protect more of Door County’s exceptional lands and waters. Your six minutes can protect the the things you love about Door County! Please take six minutes (three minutes per call) to call our two…

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Door County Land Trust Seeks Renewal as an Accredited Land Trust: Public Comment Period Now Open

Accredited Land Trust

To all who love Door County’s wild beauty, Five years ago, Door County Land Trust was awarded the seal of accreditation by the national Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Door County Land…

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A 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…

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A 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…

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Door 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…

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High-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…

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Door 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…

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20 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…

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A 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…

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Door 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…

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2020 Events, Hikes, and Activities

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  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…

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Snowy 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…

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Nature preserves open…Offices closed

Peil-Creek

Dear Door County Land Trust Community, In response to Governor Evers’ Order for Statewide School Closure, beginning March 18, 2020, Door County Land Trust’s office is closed with an anticipated reopening on May 26, 2020. During this period our staff is performing field work and teleworking via email. If you need to reach myself or…

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Winter Moonlight Walks – CANCELED

moonlight

Moonlit winter nights bring out a host of different sights and sounds that you won’t want to miss.  Experience the magic and serenity of nature at night and listen for the sounds of nocturnal animals. Register now for one of our upcoming winter moonlight walks and join us for an unforgettable experience! Free  •  Open…

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Big and Little Susie Islands Donated into Permanent Conservation

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Sturgeon Bay, WI – Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce Big and Little Susie Islands have been donated into permanent conservation with the Door County Land Trust. The islands were owned by brothers Paul and Arni Richter and were passed on to family. The Richter family owned the Washington Island Ferry Line, with…

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Celebrate the Protection of Pebble Beach at Little Sister Bay

Ribbon-Cutting-Pebble Beach

The Village of Sister Bay, with assistance from the Door County Land Trust, completed the purchase of an iconic 17-acre gem along Little Sister Bay, expanding the former 40-feet of public beach with an additional 600 feet of shoreline. To celebrate the completion of the purchase of the property, Door County Land Trust and the…

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Join the Work Crew;
Oak Road Nature Preserve

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Itching to get your hands dirty and really connect with the land? Discover the rewarding feel of restoration work in the field! Join the upcoming work party and help with invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and overall land stewardship. The day will include exploring Oak Road Nature Preserve through the lens of land stewardship and…

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Surge 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…

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Announcing Pebble Beach

Save-PB-Screenweb

 Door County Land Trust and Village of Sister Bay Announce Partnership to Protect Pebble Beach Sister Bay, WI – The Door County Land Trust and the Village of Sister Bay are pleased to announce a partnership to protect 600 feet of shoreline and 17 acres of land as a publicly accessible recreation and natural…

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Conservationists 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…

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Headwater Wetlands Protected at Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp

JuniperInnDroneweb

Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Natural Area is a large coastal wetland corridor in Ephraim that is the focus of a multi-year land protection effort by Door County Land Trust. In May 2019 key headwater wetlands, springs, and stream corridors of two creeks flowing into Eagle Harbor and Green Bay were protected with two purchases totaling 120 acres.…

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Headwaters 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…

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9 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…

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Chambers 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…

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Door County Land Trust Kicks Off ‘Protect What You Love’ Campaign

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Land conservation doesn’t occur naturally: it takes community action! That’s why Door County Land Trust is proud to introduce the Protect What You Love new member campaign, which launches on #GivingTuesday (November 27) and ends on January 31. Since its inception in 1986, Door County Land Trust has worked to preserve, maintain and enhance lands…

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Calling All Volunteers!

Heins Creek

Looking to stay active this fall? We’ve got the solution! Join us for a work day at our beautiful Heins Creek Nature Preserve. First-time volunteers are welcome! The Door County Land Trust is hosting a Door Stewardship Alliance work day at Heins Creek Nature Preserve on Tuesday, October 30th from 9:00am to 12:00pm. We will…

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Volunteer Appreciation Party

Volunteer appreciation party

To show our appreciation of your volunteer support the Door County Land Trust invites you to the Volunteer Appreciation Party Donald & Carol Kress Pavilion 7845 Church St, Egg Harbor Tuesday, October 9, 2018 4:00 – 6:00 pm All volunteers, preserve stewards, hike leaders, hosts, co-hosts, event leaders, and committee members are invited to celebrate…

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Volunteer Work Day at Oak Road Nature Preserve

Tuesday, September 25 9:00am – 12:00 pm 6391 Oak Road Join the Door County Land Trust for a morning of work at Oak Road Nature Preserve. We will be enhancing restoration efforts by continuing the control of non-native honeysuckle and autumn olive. Please meet at the Oak Road Nature Preserve parking area located at 6391…

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Volunteer Work Day at Detroit Harbor Nature Preserve

Detroit Harbor Dan Eggert

*RSVP Required* Tuesday, September 11 10:30am – 1:30pm (depending on ferry schedule and timing) 600 Lobdell Point Road, Washington Island We are continuing our efforts to better establish the new trail at Detroit Harbor Nature Preserve. Please meet at 600 Lobdell Point Road at 10:30am on Tuesday, September 11. We need help clearing vegetation from…

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All Aboard! Chambers Island Nature Preserve Boat Tour

All Aboard! Chambers Island Nature Preserve Boat Tour

Wednesday, June 27 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours 4150 Maple St, Fish Creek Join us for an exciting voyage to explore the Door County Land Trust’s 600-acre Chambers Island Nature Preserve. The preserve’s towering hemlocks, pines, red oaks and maples provide habitat to 171 birds. Participants will have three options for exploring…

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Donate to Rutabaga Sea Kayak Symposium

Rutabaga Sea Kayak Symposium Auction

Donate lightly used items, art or wine to the annual Rutabaga Sea Kayak Symposium Auction! This auctions raises more than $6,000 per year for the Door County Land Trust mission. Email Cinnamon Rossman to learn more.

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Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast Kick-Off Event!

Bay Shore Buckthorn Blast Kickoff

Friday, June 22 9:30 am – 11:30 am Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve 5519 Reynolds Road, Carlsville Join the neighborhood effort to remove invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle! These wicked weeds are a real ‘thorn’ in our side. Here’s why: They shade out native plants like trillium and Lady’s slipper orchids. Their berries cause nutrient deficiencies…

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Read Latest “Landings” – Spring 2018

Spring 2018 Landings, Journal of the Door County Land Trust

This is a milestone year for international, state and local natural resources conservation. In 2018, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act and we mark the 50th year of Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources. And here in Door County, we are poised to implement our most aggressive land management work…

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Year of the Bird!

Year of the Bird

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act. To recognize that landmark legislation, National Geographic, BirdLife International and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology declared 2018 as the “Year of the Bird.” As we carry out the mission of Door County Land Trust we are reminded of a…

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Register for Summer Events
June 5th!

  We invite you to celebrate Door County’s beautiful open spaces! In our 2018 schedule of outings and events, you’ll find many ways to connect with the land and the people who make Door County such a special place to live and visit. From forest mindfulness immersion to discovering the aquatic wonders seen only under…

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Shake Off Winter and Experience Door County With Us!

TundraSwans-by-Melody-Walsh

I’ve decided to stop asking myself if the snow will end. Instead, I am embracing this mid-April snowstorm. In fact, based on the Bay Shore Blufflands restoration project, I should be celebrating this cold spring for giving us more time to treat the invasive buckthorn. But, as you’ll soon read, spring will come and our upcoming hikes provide…

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Meet The Staff!

Cinnamon-Rossman

Cinnamon Rossman stepped into the role of Development Director at the beginning of 2018. For the past five years she has managed the Land Trust’s communications and events, and her new responsibilities now include working more closely with members and donors to build community support for the Land Trust’s mission. Cinnamon grew up near Mud Lake…

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Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast

Bay-Shore-Blufflands-Buckthorn-Blast

We are pleased to announce the completion of the first round of invasive shrub removal in the Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast! The project is a community conservation effort designed to enhance the nature preserve and encourage the neighborhood and greater community to participate in the effort. Jason Wilke, of Nature Care Ecological Consulting and…

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New 2018 Acquisitions Underway at the Chambers Island Nature Preserve

Chambers Island

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…

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New Acquisitions Underway at the Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Natural Area

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…

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Habitat 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…

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Grants Received for Restoration Project at Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve

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…

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Investments in Stewardship Endowment Fund are Working for Our Land

Peil Creek

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…

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Newly 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…

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Gift 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…

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Mapping 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…

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Restoring 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,…

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Door County Land Trust Protects 37 Acres Near Rowleys Bay

Bruce and Joan Pikas at their new conservation easement 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…

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Landings 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…

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8,000 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…

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