Notes from the Field: The Power of Wisconsin Land Trusts

At their core, land trusts are nonprofit organizations dedicated to protecting land, forever. They work with landowners and communities to conserve natural areas, farmlands, water resources, and the character of our landscapes. Through tools like conservation easements and land acquisition, land trusts ensure that the health, diversity, and beauty of these places endure for generations to come. 

Here in the Driftless Area, that work is deeply rooted in the land itself. At Driftless Area Land Conservancy (DALC), our mission is simple and enduring: Conservation, Care, Connection. We partner with landowners and communities to maintain and enhance Southwest Wisconsin’s natural and agricultural landscape through permanent land protection, restoration, and stewardship. 

DALC is proud to be an accredited land trust. This distinction from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission reflects our continuous commitment to the highest standards of excellence, ethics, and permanence in land conservation. Accreditation ensures that the lands we help protect will remain cared for for generations to come.

Attendees hear from State Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin. Photo by DALC Staff. 

DALC was proud not only to attend, but also to contribute. 

DALC Executive Director Jennifer Filipiak shared insights into DALC’s growth, both internally as an organization and externally across the landscape, highlighting how strong systems and strong relationships go hand in hand.

DALC Easement Stewardship Manager Shannon Roznoski also co-presented a session with other land trust professionals titled Making the Human-Technology Connection, which explored how land trusts can thoughtfully integrate technology to strengthen and streamline conservation easement processes. 

The opportunity to gather with fellow land trusts from across Wisconsin was a reminder that this work is bigger than any one organization. 

Together, land trusts are a powerful force for conservation, protecting critical habitats, preserving farmland, safeguarding water resources, and ensuring that future generations can experience the same sense of connection to places that we hold today. 

We are beyond grateful to Gathering Waters for hosting such a meaningful and energizing conference, and to our partners across the state who continue to inspire and strengthen this shared work. 

Because at the end of the day, conservation doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through community.