Is there any month that changes our Midwest landscapes as dramatically as May? When I look at photos I took just four weeks ago, the trees were still bare and the understory plants were just tiny sprouts. Today, leaves are rustling in the wind, the grass is knee-high, flowers bloom everywhere, and the whole world is green and lush. It feels almost miraculous. But of course this incredible blossoming, these tremendous changes, are a result of months of sap flowing, roots spreading, buds forming – careful preparation for a sudden explosion of growth.
Hm, what does that remind me of?
When I joined DALC in October 2021, it felt like we were just emerging from a difficult winter – the global upheaval from the pandemic. Although challenges continued, from the ongoing threat of Covid-19 to unprecedented political turmoil, DALC carried on with deliberate yet exciting growth: building our team, creating a new strategic plan, opening Driftless Trail segments, increasing our fundraising capacity – all thanks to the unwavering support of our community.
And now, in 2025, this steady flow of work has exploded into a geyser! We have the chance to purchase Wintergreen, an amazing natural resource and community asset. There are tremendously exciting conservation easements in the pipeline to protect vital landscapes. We’re building amazing new segments of the Driftless Trail and our volunteer program is growing by leaps and bounds. Despite the uncertainty of federal funding, we are successfully securing unprecedented grant opportunities to hugely expand land protection and stewardship in our region. Our team continues to grow (welcome Katie!) and our capacity expands every day to introduce more people to the wonder of the Driftless.
This is truly springtime for DALC: a season of thrilling growth and abundance – and a season of change. It’s bittersweet for me to share that this is my final Notes from the Field. When I moved away from the Driftless and back to my hometown in the St. Croix Valley about a year ago, I was grateful for the opportunity to remain with this amazing organization in a remote position. Now, though, it’s time for me to fully focus my energies in my home region. Katie will be taking over my communication duties, and is already doing an amazing job!
Working at a land trust was my lifelong dream when I joined DALC, and being part of such a passionate, ambitious, vibrant organization has been profound. I’ve grown so much during my time here. Everything I’ve learned about stewardship, communications, fundraising, and, most importantly, saving land, I’m already putting to good use in the St. Croix Valley!
I miss the bluffs and trout streams and oak savannas of the Driftless. I will miss the talent, dedication, and warmth of the wonderful team at DALC. But I will always be a part of this community, supporting the vital work of conservation, cheering on our staff and board, and doing what I can for the land that connects us all. Some part of me will always remain in the Driftless; in some part of me it will always be springtime.
Thanks for everything!
Written by Emilee Martell, Communications Specialist