Nearly Four Decades of Protection
From a handful of neighbors with a vision to 9,100+ acres protected — here's how we got here.
How It Started
In 1986, a group of Door County residents saw what was coming. Development pressure. Farmland disappearing. Shorelines changing hands. They knew that without action, the places they loved would be lost.
So they formed the Door County Land Trustees — a small, local, volunteer-led organization with one goal: protect the land.
They started with a single conservation easement.
Today, nearly four decades later, the Door County Land Trust has protected more than 9,100 acres of forests, wetlands, farmlands, and shorelines. We've grown from volunteers to a professional staff of 12, supported by over 2,800 member households and 250+ active volunteers.
But the mission hasn't changed: protect Door County's exceptional lands and waters — forever.
Timeline
The Beginning (1980s)
Founded
A handful of neighbors with a vision formed the Door County Land Trustees to protect the county's natural heritage.
First Conservation Easement
Protected the first parcel of land through a conservation easement agreement.
Growth & Expansion (1990s-2000s)
First Fee-Simple Acquisition
Purchased our first nature preserve, opening public access to protected lands.
1,000 Acres Protected
Reached a major milestone with over 1,000 acres under permanent protection.
Accreditation
Received accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
Modern Era (2010s-Present)
5,000 Acres
Doubled our impact with community support and strategic partnerships.
Professional Staff
Expanded from volunteers to a professional team of conservation experts.
9,000+ Acres
Continued growth through dedicated stewardship and community engagement.
Nearly Four Decades
Celebrating nearly 40 years of protecting Door County's exceptional lands and waters.
Part of a Growing Movement
Door County Land Trust is part of a national movement of over 1,000 land trusts working to protect the places people love. Together, we've conserved more than 56 million acres across the United States.
Like the snapping turtle crossing a preserve road — slow, deliberate, persistent — this movement has been building for decades. Each acre protected is a step forward. Each conservation easement is progress. Each member who joins strengthens the path ahead.
We're nationally accredited, part of the Land Trust Alliance, and connected to a network of conservation professionals working to ensure that protected lands remain protected — forever.
The movement grows stronger every day. And you're part of it.
The Story Continues
Every acre we protect is a victory for future generations. Your support makes it possible.
