Posts by Mary Vandyke
Leadership 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…
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Hiking during hunting season:
how to stay safe
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…
Read MoreThe Big Plant: Native Tree and Pollinator-Friendly Plant Give-Away
Native Plant and Tree Give-Away Aims to Improve Wildlife Habitat Throughout Door County Upcoming tree and plant giveaway events: Saturday, May 1, 2021 9am til plants are gone! @ Main Street Market, Egg Harbor Saturday, May 8, 2021 9am til plants are gone! @ Southern Door School, Brussels Saturday, May 15, 2021 9am til plants…
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
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 Quotes from remarkable conservation legends…
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 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…
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Door County Land Trust