Major Conservation Project in the Works
Great news! We are thrilled to announce we are working with the landowners at Wintergreen, a former ski resort on the Lower Wisconsin River near Taliesin, to pursue a conservation acquisition that will protect this remarkable landscape forever. Together, we’re taking steps to preserve this community gem for future generations. Stay tuned as this exciting journey unfolds!
WI Prescribed Fire Conference
Join the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council in Baraboo, WI for their annual conference on February 21-22! This cross-sector event brings together enthusiasts and experts from across the state to socialize, network, and learn about the latest advances in prescribed fire. Whether you’re a contractor, volunteer, nonprofit employee, researcher, student, or private landowner, this conference is an excellent opportunity to pique your interest and build your connections. Find more details and registration information here. Special ticket pricing is available for students and those who have Fire Council memberships!
Submissions Open for the Prairie Promoter
The Prairie Enthusiasts are looking for submissions for the spring issue of their newsletter, the Prairie Promoter! This publication includes submissions of poetry, art, writing, interviews, artistic expression, research or educational pieces, or general information you would like to share with the community. Find more details about submissions here. The deadline to send in your work is January 16. Check out the great content of previous Prairie Promoter issues here!
Volunteer Opportunities
Head outside and make a difference! Join our outdoor workdays:
Weekends at Wild Oaks: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Upcoming dates: 1/4, 1/18
Sundays at Sardeson: 3rd Sundays of the month. Upcoming dates: 1/19
Wednesdays at the Wetland: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Upcoming dates: 1/1, 1/15
Find more details and let us know you're coming at our Volunteer page.
Notes From the Field
with Emilee Martell
What a year!
Land conservation is a unique field - we never quite know what we're going to get ourselves into. Looking back on 2024, it's amazing to see the opportunities that came our way. Some were planned, like hiring our first-ever Development Director. Some were wonderful surprises, like receiving a generous bequest in the will of a longtime supporter. But one thing is certain: none of it would have been possible without your incredible support!
The land protection process is a long one - from the initial inquiry from the landowner, to research, site visits, and due diligence, to the drafting of an easement or purchase agreement, to the endless tweaking of details, and finally the eagerly-awaited closing. Along the way, there are also plans to consider for the care and stewardship of the land, and maybe even public access in the case of a trail easement or a new preserve. But because you believe in the importance of this work, you've made sure we have the capacity to make it happen. In fact, you care about land conservation so much that you even make it possible for DALC to educate whole new audiences about this field, AND host volunteers to care for our amazing preserves!
I hope you know that your dedication is paying off. In our next e-news, we'll share our 2024 impact report with all the final numbers, but here's a sneak preview of what your support accomplished this year:
Over 800 attendees at outreach events
Over 1,200 recorded volunteer hours
8 Driftless Trail workdays
4 land protection projects completed, protecting nearly 300 acres
15 additional projects currently in negotiation, totaling over 2,000 acres
Every year brings something new. Every year brings something special. Every year, we are even more grateful that you make land conservation possible here in the Driftless. The threats to our beautiful region aren't going away, but the opportunities to make a difference are increasing all the time. Thank you so much for rising to meet them.
Have a very happy New Year!
Emilee Martell, Communications Specialist