Our Mission
Protecting Door County's exceptional lands and waters... forever.
That is it. One sentence. Everything we do flows from it.
Since 1986, we have worked with landowners, partners, and community members to permanently protect the forests, wetlands, shorelines, and farmlands that make Door County unlike anywhere else. We are not a government agency. We are a local nonprofit, supported by neighbors who believe this place is worth protecting.
Since 1986
What Protection Looks Like
- 10,100+
- acres protected forever
- 2,800+
- member households
- 39
- years and counting
What We Believe
Door County is like nowhere else on earth.
It is our obligation to defend and steward its lands and waters.
Healthy lands and waters improve our quality of life.
Not just for us - for every generation that follows.
What happens on land affects the water.
Protecting one means protecting the other.
Conservation is a community effort.
We succeed because of the landowners, volunteers, donors, and partners who share this work with us.
Permanent protection matters.
Once land is developed, it is gone. What we protect today stays protected - forever.
How We Work
We protect land in three primary ways:
Conservation easements
Permanent agreements with landowners who want to protect their property while retaining ownership.
Land donations
Accepting gifts of land from owners who want to see their property become a nature preserve.
Land purchases
Buying ecologically significant properties, sometimes at below-market rates (bargain sales).
All lands we protect must meet the standards of our Land Acceptance Policy. We do not take on every property - only those with real conservation value.
Learn More About Protecting Your LandOur Partners
Conservation in Door County is a team effort. We work alongside:
- The Nature Conservancy
- The Ridges Sanctuary
- Crossroads at Big Creek
- The Clearing
- Wisconsin DNR
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Local townships and municipalities
Together, we are building a network of protected lands that will sustain a healthy ecosystem for generations.
Nationally Accredited
The Door County Land Trust is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission - a mark of distinction that recognizes land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence, conservation permanence, and ethical conduct.
We first earned accreditation in 2016 and successfully renewed in 2021.
Learn About Land Trust AccreditationBe Part of It
Whether you give, volunteer, or simply walk the trails - you are helping protect Door County.