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Education and Restoration Mark Earth Day at West Wisconsin Land Trust Nature Preserves

Menomonie, WI, April 26, 2010: West Wisconsin Land Trust staff and members joined two busloads of Menomonie High School students, Lucas Charter School students and community volunteers on Thursday, April 22nd, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day through service activities that benefited three local nature preserves owned by the Land Trust: the Red Cedar Cut-off, the Devil's Punchbowl and the Keil Birch Creek Nature Preserve.

At the Red Cedar Cut-off, students helped to reforest the 150-acre preserve by planting white pine and dogwood tree seedlings. Under the guidance of teachers and WWLT member volunteer Ted Ludwig, other students pulled out stumps and cleared the dead brush and branches from the trail corridor.

The birds could be heard singing overhead as WWLT member volunteer Dan Flory shared his carpentry skills with students, who were surrounded by tools and piles of pre-cut lumber. The students built birdhouses that will provide habitat for wrens, chickadees, ducks and screech owls, and then hung the birdhouses on trees throughout the property.

"These natural areas were acquired and protected by West Wisconsin Land Trust members for their unique conservation value, and to support education and wildlife habitat," said West Wisconsin Land Trust Executive Director Rick Gauger. "Our members, high school students and community volunteers are demonstrating good stewardship and improving our quality of life through restoring these preserves."

"It feels good to give back to our community and to the environment, one effort at a time," said MHS student Jeanna, 15.

"Giving back to the earth is great because the earth gives so much to us," added Lucas Charter School student Kat, 17.

MHS speech and English teacher Christina Denzer said, "This nature preserve is a wonderful extension of the classroom. So much learning is taking place here. Students really believe they are making a difference."

Menomonie High School foreign exchange students observed the restoration activities with a bit of wonder. "I have never done anything like this before," said Floriana, 18, from Belgium. "You need a good environment around you and this is a great opportunity to make the world a greener place."

Tommy, 17, from Hong Kong, added, "It's a nice day to be working outside and I'm glad we could plant some trees."

Dawn Schultz, an Xcel Energy employee and Earth Day volunteer, was pleased to see the large student turnout. "This is a great way to expose students to places in their community that they may not know about," she said. "When you spend time planting trees, it becomes personal. Now, you're invested in seeing this nature preserve thrive and grow."

Menomonie football coach Joe LaBuda and a number of students from his home room erected wood duck houses around the shoreline of the Cut-off. Later in the day, LaBuda and the other teachers rewarded their students' hard work with fresh, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on-site.

At the Devil's Punchbowl, students removed exotic species in the restored prairie, cut brush, planted trees in the riparian forest and replaced worn steps leading down into the Punchbowl. Students and adults alike were pleased to help maintain one of Menomonie's popular natural attractions.

Across town, at the 28-acre Keil Birch Creek Nature Preserve, neighborhood residents assisted MHS students in planting trees, and laying down two truckloads of wood chips on the trails. A handful of students made countless trips back and forth with their wheelbarrows while others raked the fresh mulch and laid log borders alongside the trail to give it a natural and pleasing appearance.

When it was time to load the buses at the end of the afternoon, all of the students left with more than the quiet satisfaction of knowing they had helped preserve their part of the planet. Each one had a coupon for free, frozen custard from Culver's Restaurant in Menomonie.

Seventeen-year-old Katie summed up the feelings of the students that took part in the Earth Day projects. "This is great - I wish we could get out in nature every day!"

Funding for WWLT's Earth Day restoration was provided in part by the Greater Menomonie Area Community Foundation. "We were so pleased to be able to provide a grant to assist West Wisconsin Land Trust with their Earth Day program," said Linda McIntyre, GMACF Executive Director. "Helping educate our youth about the environment and having them actually participate in improving the community they live in is an excellent way to help them become better stewards of our resources. Hopefully, this event will have a lasting impact on the participants, and serve as a leadership development program as well."

Schools and businesses that contributed time and materials toward the projects include: Xcel Energy, Menomonie High School, Lucas Charter School, Menomonie Disposal Service, Cesspool Cleaner Company (Chippewa Falls) and Culver's Restaurant of Menomonie.

The West Wisconsin Land Trust nature preserves are open to the public.

West Wisconsin Land Trust is dedicated to preserving western Wisconsin's natural character, saving wild and scenic places. Since 1988, the Land Trust has conserved over 26,000 acres of farms and natural areas throughout 18 counties in western Wisconsin. West Wisconsin Land Trust is a member-supported land trust, and its 1,000 members are key to helping protect land, water, and wildlife habitat through their financial commitment and volunteer involvement. To learn more about West Wisconsin Land Trust, call (715) 235-8850 or visit their website at www.wwlt.org.

1,000 Woodland Acres Protected on Earth Day 2010

Menomonie, WI, April 22, 2010: Over the last ten years, Steve Thaler, of Chippewa Falls, has permanently protected over 4,000 acres of land in western Wisconsin with the help of West Wisconsin Land Trust. Today, on this 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Thaler will reinforce his forestland with the addition of more than 1,000 acres in four western Wisconsin counties.

Thaler and West Wisconsin Land Trust (WWLT) have a long history of working together. In 2000, Thaler first worked with WWLT to protect a 226-acre property in Buffalo County, containing part of a local landmark known as Eagle Peak. Since that time, Thaler has conserved over 30 properties throughout a ten-county area of westcentral Wisconsin, encompassing an incredible diversity of landscapes.

On Earth Day, Thaler will sign perpetual conservation agreements on 1,058 acres in Buffalo, Chippewa, Rusk and Trempealeau Counties. The agreements prohibit residential, commercial and industrial development, and ensure the land will remain in its natural, forested state. In Buffalo County, 310 acres contain the remainder of the Eagle Peak bluff complex first protected by Thaler a decade ago. This peak is one of the highest points in Buffalo County, and towers 570 feet over the Buffalo River. In Chippewa County, the scenic Fisher River flows through one property, while another parcel boasts a dense grove of eastern hemlock, a declining tree species throughout Wisconsin. The properties represent a cross-section of west-central Wisconsin's rural character, featuring rugged bluffs in Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties, and rich hardwood forests, remnant native prairie, wet meadows and meandering rivers and streams in Chippewa County.

Active reforestation projects are occurring on some of the protected properties, particularly in Rusk County. Thaler converted old fields, ill-suited for agriculture, to forests by planting a mixture of tree species including red oak, white spruce, tamarack, and white and red pines. By establishing forested cover on these sites, Thaler has taken important steps towards conserving soil and water resources, especially the nearby Flambeau River. Over the years, Thaler has been responsible for the planting of three to four million trees on his properties. Through the execution of conservation agreements, Thaler has gone beyond sound forest management, permanently safeguarding these natural resources for the next generation.

"We've been so privileged to work with Steve, and to have built a lasting partnership," said Richard Gauger, Executive Director of West Wisconsin Land Trust. "Steve has always had a strong vision of what he wants to accomplish, in terms of land conservation, and West Wisconsin Land Trust has been glad to help him achieve his goals over the years. The amount of acreage protected is astounding, and the diversity of his properties is no less impressive. Through his commitment to land conservation, Steve has singlehandedly made a positive difference in the future of west-central Wisconsin."

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to permanently protect Wisconsin's woodlands," said Thaler. "I'd like to encourage people to be conscientious stewards and commit themselves to preservation, so that our children's children can enjoy what we have today."

West Wisconsin Land Trust Exceeds their Fundraising Goal in SCVF's Endowment Challenge

The St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) recently announced the successful completion of the Partners for the Future Initiative. West Wisconsin Land Trust was one of nineteen nonprofit organizations that collectively raised more than $1 million, which the Foundation matched dollar-for-dollar. The end result: $2 million to benefit the future vitality of nonprofits in the St. Croix region. Representatives from the SCVF and the nineteen nonprofits are featured in the photo above. Curt Rohland, President Emeritus of West Wisconsin Land Trust, appears in the back row, fourth from the left.

"Inspiring donors to support the nonprofits that care for our region's people, communities and natural beauty was at the heart of this initiative," said David Wettergren, SCVF Board Chair. Partners for the Future was a three-year challenge match initiative launched in 2006 that involved the community foundation and nineteen nonprofit organizations. SCVF first raised one million dollars for the challenge incentive. "Our nonprofit partners then took the challenge to their donors," noted Wettergren. "Many generous people then responded, knowing their contributions would be doubled."

In order to receive a dollar-for-dollar match, each nonprofit had a fundraising goal ranging from $25,000 to $95,000, and had three years to raise it. In the end, all nineteen nonprofits successfully met their goals and SCVF matched the gifts of more than 1,200 donors. "This is commendable, given the economic climate," remarked Wettergren. "The SCVF applauds the charitable spirit of each donor for their gifts, regardless of size. Equally notable is the hard work of many nonprofit board members and staff, each focused on generating a lasting financial resource for their organization."

"Our members and Board of Directors care deeply about the future of the St. Croix Valley," said WWLT Executive Director Richard Gauger. "Their commitment and generous gifts make organizations like ours sustainable into the future. The matching support by the St. Croix Valley Foundation Partners for the Future initiative ensures that West Wisconsin Land Trust will be around to preserve and sustain the wild and scenic places in western Wisconsin along the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers for generations to come."

The nonprofits that participated in the Partners for the Future Initiative are diverse in size and location, and their missions span an array of services: arts, health, environment, historic preservation, human service and youth development. All contributions were placed in a permanent fund at the Foundation, dedicated to each organization.

"Permanent funds give nonprofit organizations a stable and growing source of income dedicated to their operations or specific programs," noted Jane Stevenson, SCVF President. "These funds are managed like an endowment. Each year, it gives an organization annual income, yet it also preserves and grows principal. As a result, an organization benefits today and for generations to come."

The St. Croix Valley Foundation encourages charitable giving to create a lasting resource that benefits the valley both now and in the future. Through funds established by nonprofits, communities and caring individuals, the Foundation awards grants to address key issues affecting the region as a whole. Over its 15 year history, the Foundation has granted more than $10 million to local nonprofit organizations and has current assets of approximately $18 million. SCVF serves Washington and Chisago counties in Minnesota, and Polk, Pierce and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin.

Preserved Wild Lake is a Christmas Gift for the Future

Menomonie, WI, December 21, 2009: One special gift for the planet comes without ribbon, box or paper, but instead is wrapped in wild cranberry, fragrant meadowsweet and Labrador tea. Tucker Lake is the centerpiece of a 208-acre wildlife sanctuary in central Burnett County that was permanently preserved today with the assistance of West Wisconsin Land Trust. Through a conservation agreement that will protect the property from subdivision, development, and improper land use, owner Marjean Hoeft has ensured a natural gift for the future that will remain wild.

After reading about West Wisconsin Land Trust in a Minneapolis newspaper, Hoeft and her partner, Lisa Vecoli, engaged the Land Trust to help accomplish their conservation goals for the 50-acre wild lake and wetland complex.

"Members and supporters of West Wisconsin Land Trust are thrilled to work on efforts like this, that protect such ecologically valuable landscapes," said Richard Gauger, Executive Director for the organization. "Tucker Lake fits right in with our projects on Lake 26, and Love Lake, also in Burnett County."

Hoeft dreamed of owning and caring for a wild property since her youth, where she spent time exploring her family's lake property in Waushara County. "I grew up with a sense of peace and tranquility, and a connection to nature," explained Hoeft. "Summer camp, family camping trips, and the stewardship that my parents always exhibited reinforced those values."

After an intense search for the right property, Hoeft and Vecoli were enthralled with Tucker Lake the moment they snowshoed onto the land. Standing under pine boughs in the quiet stillness, Hoeft knew that "this was the place I could spend the rest of my life enjoying and caring for. And I also knew that West Wisconsin Land Trust would help me preserve the wilderness quality of the land."

In a world of over-developed lakeshore and fragmented forests, the property's importance is highlighted by its wildness. According to Bill Hogseth, stewardship manager for West Wisconsin Land Trust, the area surrounding Tucker Lake is a maze of wetlands and upland forest. A vast expanse of peat bog and wet meadow surrounds the open water, with dense carpets of cranberry, cottongrass, Labrador tea, meadowsweet and bottlebrush sedge. Stunted groves of black spruce and tamarack rise occasionally above the open horizon. The wetland is woven with long sinuous ridges - essentially islands of oak and pine. Beneath their cool canopy is a rich plant layer of bracken fern, northern bedstraw, big leaved aster and American hazel.

The first snows of winter have now concealed Tucker Lake. The loons are silent and Ruffed grouse wait beneath a blanket of white. Hoeft's private conservation agreement with West Wisconsin Land Trust protects the beauty of this sanctuary for generations to come, and will benefit the creatures that inhabit the wilderness.

West Wisconsin Land Trust is dedicated to preserving western Wisconsin's natural character, saving wild and scenic places. Since 1988, the Land Trust has conserved over 25,000 acres of farms and natural areas throughout 18 counties in western Wisconsin. West Wisconsin Land Trust is a member-supported land trust, and its 1,000 members are key to helping protect land, water, and wildlife habitat through their financial commitment and volunteer involvement. To learn more about West Wisconsin Land Trust, call (715) 235-8850 or visit their website at www.wwlt.org.

Northland College transfers Sigurd Olson Memorial Forest to Land Trust

Danbury, WI, November 23, 2009: Northland College has completed the transfer of the Sigurd Olson Memorial Forest to West Wisconsin Land Trust, a private nonprofit conservation organization. The transfer will allow Northland College to continue educational activities without the burden of property ownership. West Wisconsin Land Trust assumed ownership to consolidate its management activities on Love Lake.

While many lakes and shorelines in northwestern Wisconsin continue to experience increasing development, Love Lake in Burnett County will remain as wild as it is today. As a result of persistent conservation efforts by the Love Lake Association, nearly the entire southern half of the Lake is free of shoreline development.

With deep clear water and shorelines fringed with thick forests, Love Lake is a quintessential snapshot of northern Wisconsin. Like many other lakes in the region, Love Lake's popularity began to contribute to an increase in lakeshore development. The Otis family, who has congregated at Love Lake since the 1930s, feared that development would threaten the lake's integrity.

In 1976, the Otis family generously donated a 183-acre forested property along Love Lake's south and east shoreline to The Nature Conservancy. The property was subsequently transferred to Northland College, Ashland, WI, for use as an "outdoor living laboratory." Dedicated by the family to the memory of Sigurd F. Olson, the "Sigurd Olson Memorial Forest" honors the pioneering work of this northwoods wilderness advocate and Northland College alumni.

For several generations, the Otis family has been tireless stewards of what is now the Sigurd Olson Memorial Forest. In the 1950s, the family hiked to the lake in the springtime to plant pine tree seedlings in open fields.

"I remember going to the lake with my uncles and cousins, with hundreds of small pine saplings. I still remember the bundles of tiny trees, their smell, the smell of the earth and our family's joy in this endeavor," recalled Duncan Otis.

West Wisconsin Land Trust now owns the Sigurd Olson Memorial Forest, and manages the property along with several other parcels on the Lake. The Forest continues to be managed as a nature preserve and remains open solely for education and research activities. "It is a great privilege to support the legacy of the Otis Family on Love Lake, and to partner with Northland College, The Nature Conservancy and the Love Lake Association on the continued preservation of the Sigurd Olson Memorial Forest," stated West Wisconsin Land Trust Executive Director Richard Gauger.

Duncan Otis spent much of his childhood years on what is now the Sigurd Olson Memorial Forest, where the family gathered every year. He recalled his father's exuberance for the forest, "My father, James Cornish Otis, Jr., was a former associate Supreme Court Justice on the Minnesota State Supreme Court. He had a long and fulfilling career as a judge. Having said that, he probably should have been a forester. He spent a great deal of time in the woods around our place on Love Lake. He loved it with a great intensity. Before he died, he gave most of the family land to The Nature Conservancy (and Northland College), and it has since been passed to the West Wisconsin Land Trust. His hope was to keep that land natural and undeveloped forever and we, his children, share that hope."

Since then, the Love Lake Association has continued where the Otis Family left off. The Association has orchestrated the protection of an additional 114 acres along the western shores of Love Lake, all which is open to the public for low impact non-motorized recreation. Their cumulative efforts have resulted in the protection of nearly 300 acres around Love Lake, including over two miles of lake frontage now owned and managed by West Wisconsin Land Trust. The tradition of stewardship that was initiated by the Otis family will continue forever.

West Wisconsin Land Trust is dedicated to preserving western Wisconsin's natural character, saving wild and scenic places. Since 1988, the Land Trust has conserved over 25,000 acres of farms and natural areas throughout 18 counties in western Wisconsin. West Wisconsin Land Trust is a member-supported land trust, and its 1,000 members are key to helping protect land, water, and wildlife habitat through their financial commitment and volunteer involvement. To learn more about West Wisconsin Land Trust, call (715) 235-8850 or visit their website at www.wwlt.org.

Streambank Restoration Kicks Off on Trout Creek

Menomonie, WI, October 7, 2009: A coalition of partners has come together to initiate the restoration of Trout Creek, a small stream north of the City of Alma. Alma Rod and Gun Club spearheaded the project to jumpstart a trout stream restoration program in the coulee country of Buffalo County.

This project would not have been possible without the foresight of Barry and Carol Johnson, on whose property this segment of Trout Creek is located. The Johnsons recently conveyed a stream bank corridor easement to the West Wisconsin Land Trust, which enabled access to stream restoration funding. The easement held by West Wisconsin Land Trust permits the partnership to conduct stream restoration activities, and allows the public the right to fish along the stream corridor.

"Trout Unlimited's Driftless Area Restoration Effort (TUDARE) is excited to be one of the partners involved with the Trout Creek project, restoring habitat for our native brook trout," said Jeff Hastings, project manager for TUDARE.

The Trout Creek watershed is relatively small, only ten square miles in size, from its headwaters that are located east of Nelson to its confluence with the Beef (Buffalo) River east of Alma. The quality of many of western Wisconsin's trout streams can be improved through restoration, which stabilizes the stream banks, reduces soil erosion and provides cover and spawning habitat for brook trout. The objectives of stream restoration focus on narrowing the stream channel, increasing stream depth and decreasing the water temperature.

"All in all, the restoration effort will leave behind a healthier stream and a more productive fishery," declared Bill Hogseth, West Wisconsin Land Trust stewardship manager. "I'm excited to see everything that will benefit from the restoration - aquatic insects, frogs, dragonflies and turtles - a lot more than just trout."

left to right: Barry Johnson (property owner), Brian Ristow (Alma Rod & Gun Club), Mark Noll (Alma Rod & Gun Club) Rick Remington (WWLT's Land Program Coordinator), Orlyn Hoksch (Alma Rod & Gun Club) and Carrol Iberg (Alma Rod & Gun Club).

Funding for the restoration work was made possible due to several public and private sources, including members of West Wisconsin Land Trust, USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Trout Unlimited, Alma Rod and Gun Club, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Buffalo County, Wisconsin DNR Conservation Aids Program, Nelson Rod and Gun Club, and in-kind contributions from Reglin and Hesch Construction, Inc.

West Wisconsin Land Trust is dedicated to preserving western Wisconsin's natural character, saving wild and scenic places. Since 1988, the Land Trust has conserved over 25,000 acres of farms and natural areas throughout 18 counties in western Wisconsin. West Wisconsin Land Trust is a member-supported land trust, and its 1,000 members are key to helping protect land, water, and wildlife habitat through their financial commitment and volunteer involvement. To learn more about West Wisconsin Land Trust, call (715) 235-8850 or visit their website at www.wwlt.org.

West Wisconsin Land Trust Partners with 1% for the Planet

Menomonie, WI, September 28, 2009: West Wisconsin Land Trust is proud to be the newest nonprofit partner in the 1% for the Planet network.

1% for the Planet (FTP) exists to build and support an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet. 1% FTP is helping to tilt the scales of giving toward the thousands of nonprofits dedicated to the pursuit of sustainability, to preserving and restoring our natural environment. Recipients must be a 501(c)(3) organization and focused on issues of sustainability. West Wisconsin Land Trust submitted an extensive application for review by 1% FTP and demonstrated a solid track record of achieving its mission, "preserving western Wisconsin's natural character."

Since its inception in 2002, the 1% FTP network has become one of the largest funders of environmental work around. Membership consists of more than 1,000 businesses in 37 countries, together giving over $12 million annually to almost 1,700 environmental groups worldwide. To date, 1% FTP has initiated over $42 million in environmental giving.

Member donations are made directly to the environmental nonprofit(s) of their choice. By joining 1% FTP, businesses can help drive positive environmental change, while gaining recognition for their responsibility. In addition, they can promote further action on the part of consumers, their employees and other companies. Membership in 1% FTP is a clear indicator of sincere commitment to sustainability. To learn more about becoming a 1% for the Planet member, visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org.

West Wisconsin Land Trust is dedicated to preserving western Wisconsin's natural character, saving wild and scenic places. Since 1988, the Land Trust has conserved over 25,000 acres of farms and natural areas throughout 18 counties in western Wisconsin. West Wisconsin Land Trust is a member-supported land trust, and its 1,000 members are key to helping protect land, water, and wildlife habitat through their financial commitment and volunteer involvement. To learn more about West Wisconsin Land Trust, call (715) 235-8850 or visit their website at www.wwlt.org.

Slithering, Crawling and Flying Creatures Invade Eau Claire

Menomonie, WI, September 18, 2009: How many different species of critters are living near Sherman Creek Park in Eau Claire? To find the answer, West Wisconsin Land Trust hosted their annual BioBlitz on September 11^th and 12^th. Through the combined efforts of Sherman Elementary students, local experts and families, 261 species were identified at the final tally rally!

A BioBlitz is a 24-hour survey that brings the public and scientists together to discover every living thing they can find in one area. Local experts in birds, botany, fish, insects, snails and forestry helped students and families to listen, look and learn as they explored Sherman Creek Park, a permanently preserved natural area.

The event kicked off at noon on Friday with Sherman Elementary students joining WWLT staff and scientists as they hiked the trails, searched the stream and counted all the species they could find. The BioBlitz continued with area residents until noon on Saturday. In addition to guided hikes, many nature discovery activities were offered at base camp. Children explored bird beak adaptations, owl pellets, mammal tracks and the frog's life cycle. Identification skills were furthered with microscopes, field guides and up-close examination of furs, feathers and bones. Children also built their own bug boxes and plant presses so they could continue discovering nature in their own back yard.

The BioBlitz was made possible through the support of 25 generous sponsors and donors who understand that nature is the best place to play. West Wisconsin Land Trust thanks: the Town of Union, Sherman Elementary School, Eau Claire Rod & Gun Club, Kristo Orthodontics, RBC Wealth Management, Mark Wise - Indianhead Insurance, WIPFLI - Eau Claire, Ruder Ware, Weld, Riley, Prenn & Ricci, Waznik Moseler Group, Pheasants Forever, Scheels, YMCA of Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Outdoor Resource Alliance, the Munger family, Xcel Energy, Kwik Trip, Northern Business Products, Culver's of Eau Claire, Premium Waters, Anybody's Bike Shop, Maiden Rock Apples, Cesspool Cleaner Company, Veolia Environmental Services and Knaack's Advertising.

Plan to join us next year as we try to beat our 2009 total of 261 species! For more information on BioBlitz 2010, stay tuned to the website at www.wwlt.org.