Sunrise over a Door County nature preserve

Protecting Door County's Exceptional Lands and Waters

Forever.

A bobolink singing from the top of a leafy shrub in a Door County meadow
Photo: John Van Den Brandt

Mission

To protect Door County's exceptional lands and waters…forever.

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

acres protected forever
monthly supporters
years and counting

Core Beliefs

Why we protect Door County's exceptional lands and waters…forever.

  • We believe Door County is like nowhere else on earth. It is our obligation to defend and steward Door County's lands and waters.
  • We believe healthy lands and waters improve the quality of our lives and that of future generations.
  • We believe our actions on land fundamentally impact the quality of our water.
  • We believe Door County's economic viability is directly related to its environmental health.
  • We believe well-cared for lands and waters are essential to support the diversity of Door County's native plant and wildlife communities.
  • We believe connected native landscapes strengthen the diversity of our ecosystems.
  • We believe Door County must be valued and cared for by the community to withstand future threats to the environment.

Vision

Life thrives on the Door Peninsula, its islands, and surrounding waters.

Hikers walking single-file through tall green ferns on a wooded trail at Three Springs

Organizational Values

How we conduct ourselves as we protect Door County's exceptional lands and waters…forever.

We are ethical. Practice the highest ethical standards in all personal interactions and business practices.

We are committed to making justice, equity, diversity, and compassion core elements in all we do. Our efforts to conserve land and water are inextricably linked to uplifting our community by offering natural spaces in which everyone may experience nature. We acknowledge that our responsibility does not end with this statement but rather begins here. We cannot fully value and respect the land until we fully value and respect one another.

We are respectful. Treat everyone with respect. Value the time and effort of others, including staff, members, volunteers and partners.

We are a collaborative partner. Work in responsible, transparent and trusted partnerships with other private organizations, the community and public institutions.

We are fiscally responsible. Maintain rigorous controls, balanced decision-making, thoughtful financial management and long-term orientation.

We are community-focused. Make decisions that strengthen local communities and economies.

We are a respected employer. Engage employees by investing in their well-being, job satisfaction, professional development and ongoing success.

We are strategic. Prioritize opportunities that contribute most to the overall health and quality of lands and waters.

We are driven by greater understanding. We gather information and scientific research to develop and improve our practices. We compile key data to measure the outcomes of our efforts. Through analysis and research our work adapts and evolves in response.

How We Work

We protect land by partnering with landowners, whether they want to keep their property or transfer it to DCLT. The main options:

Conservation Easements

A legal agreement that limits future development while you retain ownership. You can still live on the land, farm it, sell it, or pass it to heirs.

Land Donations

Donate ecologically significant property to be protected forever and open to the public. Potential tax deductions available.

Bargain Sales

Sell your property for less than appraised value. Receive cash, avoid some capital gains, and qualify for a charitable deduction on the difference.

Sale at Fair Market Value

Sell your property to DCLT at its full appraised value. A direct sale that permanently protects land we have identified as a conservation priority.

Bequest in Will

Name DCLT as a beneficiary in your estate plan. Keep using the land during your lifetime; ensure its protection afterward.

Learn More About Protecting Your Land

Our Partners

Conservation in Door County is a team effort. We work alongside:

  • The Nature Conservancy
  • The Ridges Sanctuary
  • Crossroads at Big Creek
  • The Clearing
  • WDNR
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Local townships and municipalities
  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
  • Björklunden

Together, we are building a network of protected lands that will sustain a healthy ecosystem for generations.

Two benches on a large sand dune overlooking the ship canal, framed by golden autumn leaves
Photo: David Heilman

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, successfully renewed in 2021, and will renew again in 2026.

Learn About Land Trust Accreditation

Be Part of It

Whether you give, volunteer, or simply walk the trails, you are helping protect Door County.

Our Business Members

The Door County Land Trust sincerely thanks the following businesses for their support. Please thank them for helping protect Door County's exceptional lands and waters when you patronize their businesses.

Platinum Members

Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik
Dave's Tree Services
Door County Ice Cream Factory & Sandwich Shoppe
RBC Wealth Management - David Harris
Brian Frisque Surveys Inc
Main Street Market - Egg Harbor

Gold Members

Door County Medical Center
Blacksmith Inn on the Shore
Godfrey & Kahn
White Gull Inn

Silver Members

Alibi Marina
Door Born
Jack and Jill Landscape Co
Pinkert Law Firm LLP
Waterfront Restaurant
Dromhus
Kick Ash

Bronze Members

Become a Business Member

Join fellow local businesses in supporting land conservation. Business members receive recognition, networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of protecting the places that make Door County special.

Learn About Business Membership