News, updates, and dispatches from Door County's protected places.
September 10, 2026
Wisconsin's archery and crossbow deer season opens Saturday, September 12, with more fall seasons to follow. Many Land Trust preserves are open to hunting, and every preserve stays open to hikers year-round. Here is what hunters and hikers should know to share the land safely this fall.
September 8, 2026
While the Door County Land Trust (DCLT) is most known for the public preserves like Kangaroo Lake, Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, Three Springs and more, a lesser known and equally important tool used to protect our peninsula is partnerships with local landowners through a conservation easement, which protects privately-owned land from future development. One such easement that has recently been brought into the fold of DCLT protection is thanks to the generosity of Vonnie and Dave Callsen.
September 1, 2026
The Door County Land Trust (DCLT) is pleased to announce the success of the organization’s Annual Gathering fundraiser, the Giving Creek, which raised a record $390,550 in donations in support of land protection...
August 27, 2026
For more than a decade, the Door County Land Trust has hoped to protect the Little Sturgeon Estuary and its surrounding watershed—a remarkable and ecologically significant landscape in northeastern Wisconsin.\ Scientists identified the Little Sturgeon Estuary as one of Door County’s highest-priority conservation areas because...
August 18, 2026
Door County Land Trust has permanently protected 20 acres of high-quality wetlands in the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area on Washington Island, expanding habitat for migratory birds, rare plants, and the endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly.
July 13, 2026
Door County, WI—The late Susan and Donald Gauger of the Town of Egg Harbor had their final wishes honored by their daughter, Elizabeth Gauger, with the completion of a land donation to the Door County Land Trust. Last December, Elizabeth transferred ownership of 4.2 acres to the Land Trust that she inherited from her…
July 3, 2026
Written by Lucia Hodkiewicz, Communications Coordinator Door County, WI – The Land Trust is launching a $25,000 matching challenge to double the amount of donations made as part of a $750,000 private fundraising campaign for a newly proposed 338-acre nature preserve. This project would protect an important watershed and wildlife habitat in Southern Door and safeguard land that encompasses the waters of Kayes Creek and Twin Harbor Creek.…
June 30, 2026
Originally published in Landings Magazine in June 2026 Door County Land Trust is pleased to share an exciting opportunity to protect 338 acres of land in Southern Door at the mouth of Kayes Creek. This project has been many years in the making and offers the chance to protect one of Green Bay’s most exceptional…
June 16, 2026
Door County, WI – Door County Land Trust recently expanded protection of a fragile wetland with the largest acquisition yet for the Kellner Fen Natural Area. 149 acres were purchased in a bargain sale from Dennis and Susan Garrity earlier this year. The acquisition preserves globally important ridge-and-swale landscape and habitat for rare species…
June 9, 2026
What if your next walk through a nature preserve could help protect one of Wisconsin’s most important—and increasingly vulnerable—pollinators? This season, the Door County Land Trust is inviting community members to join the Bumble Bee Brigade, a statewide citizen science effort working to better understand and conserve Wisconsin’s native bumble bees. Coordinated by the Wisconsin…
June 9, 2026
This summer, you can help scientists better understand pollinators—and all it takes is 10 minutes of observation. Community members are invited to take part in Pollinator Observation Days at the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve, a weekly citizen science opportunity that offers a chance to contribute to conservation while exploring one of Door County’s…
April 24, 2026
Door County Land Trust is once again giving away free native plants to celebrate Earth Month in partnership with the Big Plant, organized by the Climate Change Coalition of Door County. Native perennials and trees will be given away in the Epicenter parking lot on Saturday May 9th at 10am until supplies run out.…
April 8, 2026
The Door County Land Trust and Crossroads at Big Creek are thrilled to co-host a special Earth Day event, Wisconsin Wildlife, featuring renowned professional wildlife photographer and speaker John Van Den Brandt. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, April 22, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at the Collins Learning Center Auditorium at Crossroads…
February 5, 2026
This week’s Senate hearing on Knowles‑Nelson made one thing crystal clear: hunters, anglers, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts all called for one thing—real investment in land acquisition. Yet much of the committee discussion centered on revisiting a 2024 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that was settled decisively and unanimously, rather than attend to the urgent conservation needs facing Wisconsin today. Only…
December 19, 2025
Thanks to generous member support, Door County Land Trust has expanded Domer-Neff Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary on Washington Island through a 9.5-acre purchase from lifelong islander Daniel Nerenhausen completed in December. Protection of this parcel keeps critical habitat intact for wildlife, extends restoration efforts, and expands recreation opportunities for the community. It…
December 17, 2025
Door County Land Trust is celebrating the generosity of the community that has made 2025 a special year in land protection. Recently, three separate donors gave gifts of land to the land trust, permanently protecting nature for future generations. Additionally, nine properties were protected this year through purchases made possible thanks to generous donors. Each…
December 3, 2025
As a child, Ariel Pate would occasionally visit her family’s wooded 40-acre property in northern Door County with her father, Fritz Renner. Each visit felt magical. “It always felt slightly mystical,” she recalls. Nestled in the headwaters of the West Branch of Whitefish Bay Creek, the land quietly held a vernal stream and thick stands…
November 26, 2025
In the 70s, Carl “Buzz” Madsen’s father planted thousands of trees on the family property in Sister Bay, now protected forever by a conservation easement A forest planted by a Danish forest manager in the 1800s is shaping a Door County family’s conservation legacy today. Last October, Carl J. “Buzz” and Stephany Madsen protected 38…
November 11, 2025
(Top) Author Carrie smiles, not only because of the satisfying work she’s doing, but also because she enjoys the chance to get in the field! (Botton) A magnolia warbler, which relies on shrubs for food and cover during migration, including on Washington Island! It took our stewardship team—plus 17 volunteers and three borrowed office workers—six…
November 11, 2025
Unique limestone features at Nelson Woodland Natural Area. Photo by Rex Meikle Door County Land Trust is honored to announce the protection of a remarkable 20-acre property on Washington Island, donated by Christopher Nelson, who has made Washington Island a second home for nearly four decades. The land, a secluded beech maple forest off of…
November 11, 2025
Spotlight on Volunteer Kris Smith She puts her back into it! Kris swings a mallet overhead, working to remove a post from the ground on a volunteer workday at Camp Cuesta. Kris was cutting catnip in her garden when I called. Her day’s plans to collect little bluestem seeds “got skunked” due to rain, but…
October 24, 2025
Original post from DoorBorn.com By Rex Meikle I’m a hunter, and I say that proudly. If my statement evoked a sense of disconnect, an eye roll, or even an “ick,” I encourage you to set your preconceived notions aside and read through this article with an open mind. Hunters have largely been othered by many…
October 22, 2025
Sturgeon Bay, WI— Door County Land Trust invites friends, neighbors, and supporters to come together for an evening of gratitude and celebration during “Thanks-Giving: What You’ve Helped Save,” a free virtual event happening Wednesday, November 19, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This virtual gathering is a chance for the community to share stories and reflect…
October 16, 2025
How do we determine which lands to protect? On a peninsula with over 300,000 acres, countless diverse natural features, and development pressure increasing, safeguarding Door County’s ecological wellbeing is an urgent challenge. Door County’s Ecological Health: A Conservation Puzzle At Door County Land Trust, we love puzzles. In our breakroom, pieces often cover half the…
October 16, 2025
(Left) Stony Creek Natural Area in Spring. (Right) Stony Creek Natural Area in Summer. This narrow stretch in Southern Door was planted in row crops for years. The area contains a natural spring which feeds into Stony Creek, a Lake Michigan tributary. In addition to being a difficult location to grow crops, run-off from…
October 1, 2025
David Warner was a lover of nature and wished to protect it. He took up guitar and spent many hours practicing outdoors. A Fall Matching Gift Challenge has been launched for the Door County Land Trust’s 2025 Conservation and Stewardship Campaign to support the completion of a remarkable 15 land protection projects this year. …
September 22, 2025
Chatting with our Seasonal Stewardship Assistant, Maykaylee Kuhn Lucy: Describe your favorite project you worked on this summer. What made it enjoyable?...
July 17, 2025
Aerial view of Kellner Fen Natural Area by Jeff Lutsey. Fascinating Fen Forever Protected Recently, Door County Land Trust protected a small but significant...
June 19, 2025
Mary Prindiville has committed to matching all donations to Door County Land Trust through July 31 st up to $25,000. She appreciates the beauty of Door...
June 17, 2025
Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program: Learn the FAQs This is bigger than Door County. This call for advocacy goes out to all Wisconsinites, and all who visit and...
June 9, 2025
Rebecca Barnard and niece on their annual “turkey feather hunt” on Barnard’s land. Door County’s forests may look wild, but beneath the canopy, a quiet...
May 19, 2025
A view of the escarpment and Green Bay from Ellison Bluff County Park, which borders a recent property conserved with the Door County Land Trust through a...
May 12, 2025
Bees collecting pollen from aster flowers Native Plant Giveaway Returns to Door County Land Trust Door County, WI – Door County Land Trust (DCLT)...
May 7, 2025
Native Plant and Tree Give-Away Aims to Improve Wildlife Habitat Throughout Door County The Big Plant , coordinated by the Climate Change Coalition of...
April 29, 2025
Nearly four decades ago, a group of visionary conservationists came together with a shared mission: to protect Door County’s exceptional lands and...
April 22, 2025
Door County, WI – “Sometimes she knocks on my window, so I put a cob of corn outside for her,” said Carolyn Hitzeman, the landowner behind a recent...
April 15, 2025
Spring is an exciting time in Door County. After a long winter, pops of green begin to appear in the landscape. Birds return too, bringing along their birdsong...
April 4, 2025
A Commitment to Conservation Ellison Bay property owner Michael Schmitz has taken a significant step toward preserving Door County’s natural beauty by...
March 10, 2025
Groundwater-fed creek on the newly-purchased property Door County Land Trust is celebrating the protection of an additional 40 acres at Three Springs...
February 20, 2025
Geese enjoying the riverfront property. Photo credit: Emily Wood Door County, WI – Over 47 acres along the Ahnapee River in the Town of Forestville are...
January 30, 2025
Join this world-wide event February 14 - 17th, 2025 "When the world comes together for the love of birds." How often do we get the chance to contribute...
January 27, 2025
Eagle with Nest by Steve Hillebrand USFWS Dear Friends, Can you imagine an issue that 90% of Wisconsin voters agree on? A recent survey by The Nature...
January 15, 2025
As we look ahead to the exciting projects on DCLT’s calendar, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible successes of 2024. Thanks to the...
December 17, 2024
William and Carl Barnard, photo by Carl Barnard DOOR COUNTY, WI —The Door County Land Trust is celebrating a milestone conservation effort that will preserve a...
November 13, 2024
As springtime view of the forest floor on a newly protected conservation easement property. Photo by Drew Reinke The Door County Land Trust (DCLT) is excited...
November 4, 2024
Thanks-Giving: Door County Land Trust Invites Community to Online Event Showcasing Year of Successes Door County Land Trust is excited to announce its upcoming...
August 21, 2024
An aerial view of Hibbard Creek reveals valued, forested areas that aid in water filtration. Photo by Dan Eggert Door County Land Trust has recently protected...
July 30, 2024
The unnamed stream flows through the new property near Kellner Fen. Photo by Brian Forest Door County Land Trust has recently added another protected property...
July 24, 2024
An aerial view from the top of Grand View Scenic Overlook and Park shows the forested tree tops of the newly protected property below. Photo by Dan...
July 16, 2024
An aerial view of Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Natural Area reveals the woodlands and wetlands that are ideal for migrating birds. Photo by Dan Eggert The value of...
July 11, 2024
‘Cuesta’ is Spanish for a ridge or hill with a slope on one side, which perfectly describes the exposed Niagara Escarpment behind the Girl Scout Troop house....
July 11, 2024
The troop house at Camp Cuesta today. Photo by Kay McKinley Joint Press Release: Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) proudly announce they...
June 18, 2024
Krista Wilke Samson receives her Master Naturalist certificate from Becky Sapper, Director of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program through UW-Madison...
May 8, 2024
The success of each year’s spring migration comes down to timing—and climate change is tampering with the clock. Climate change is having a...
May 1, 2024
Mike Schmitz and Ginny Bolger on Schmitz's conservation easement. Photo by Kay McKinley Mike Schmitz took a date to the Land Trust’s 2022 Annual...
April 9, 2024
The Stewardship Workday planting on April 16 was a warmup of sorts for our community tree planting event at Oak Road on Tuesday, April 23. Join us! Video by...
April 9, 2024
A variety of birch, beech, maple, and cedar trees forest the property recently protected at the headwaters of Three Springs Creek. Photo by Kay McKinley Many...
January 23, 2024
Looking for a rewarding career in conservation? Apply for one of our three job positions: Stewardship Field Coordinator, Seasonal Field Coordinator, or...
January 9, 2024
The Schmitz conservation easement. Kay McKinley photo Shoreline property on the bay of Green Bay owned by Michael Schmitz, of Ellison Bay, was recently...
December 18, 2023
Hibbard Creek photo by Julie Schartner With the recent addition of three land projects, DCLT now protects more than 9,400 acres across Door County and...
December 17, 2023
Hibbard Creek. Photo by Julie Schartner The recent purchase of 77 acres near the Hibbard Creek Natural Area aligns with the Land Trust’s goal to extend...
December 17, 2023
Oak Bluff Natural Area. Photo by Joe Taylor Door County Land Trust’s portfolio of protected properties includes a variety of ecologically sensitive...
December 12, 2023
Bear Creek in summer. Photo by Carrie Ehrfurth. A n exceptionally scenic and ecologically significant 75 acres in the Town of Clay Banks has recently been...
November 15, 2023
Three Springs Nature Preserve With pine needles underfoot, and silvery raindrops clinging to flat cedar needles and spider webs, the walk along the forested...
September 15, 2023
Photo by David Heilman Sand Hill Cranes are one of many species that will be protected on the new acreage. The success of Door County Land Trust’s (DCLT) most...
August 9, 2023
Below the still surface of Door County’s landscape, under and through the bedrock, water moves rapidly—a mixture of rainwater, snow melt, and dissolved...
August 8, 2023
Bear Creek Nature Preserve It’s hard for the Door County Land Trust Land Team to temper their excitement when describing the property slated for the Land...
July 5, 2023
A long-time Washington Island naturalist has recently donated a 10-acre white cedar forest adjacent to the Coffey Swamp State Natural Area on Washington...
May 11, 2023
The Door County Land Trust is expanding its roster of activities so you might dig a little deeper into your involvement. Join others as you increase your...
May 1, 2023
The Bogdanowicz family's land donation features 150 feet of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. Door County Land Trust photo. A generous land donation by the...
March 14, 2023
Dragon's mouth orchids. The Door County Land Trust recently purchased 63 acres that will extend the protection of water quality and wildlife surrounding the...
February 14, 2023
From highly recognizable, historic names like George Washington Carver to modern day environmentalists like Rue Mapp, persons of color have made significant...
October 17, 2022
The children of Anne Fischer are putting forth a challenge to those who value the future of Door County’s wild spaces. The Fischer Family’s goal is to inspire...
April 7, 2022
Native Plant and Tree Give-Away Aims to Improve Wildlife Habitat Throughout Door County Upcoming tree and plant giveaway events: Saturday, April 30, 10-12 –...
December 16, 2021
Donated land at Indian Point, photo by Julie Schartner Two Gifts of Land Donated to Door County Land Trust Washington Island, WI -- In this season of giving,...
December 1, 2021
Fond du Lac, getting ready for her transmitter. (©Rich Armstrong, 2020) Fond du Lac has returned! Fond du Lac, the snowy owl who visited Door County in...
September 22, 2021
Chambers Island aerial, by Dan Eggert Chambers Island Nature Preserve Grows with a Key Addition Near Marina Chambers Island, WI – Door County...
May 11, 2021
This note is a request for six minutes of your time in the next few days. Your six minutes will help protect more of Door County's exceptional lands and...
April 1, 2021
Appreciating Spring By Dale Goodner, hike leader, volunteer, and curious citizen To the avid hiker, ecologist, or wood thrush, there is much more to a forest...
February 10, 2021
Reading the Stories in the Snow! By Terrie Cooper, Community Conservation Director Winter is my favorite time of year when the secret lives of animals are...
December 25, 2020
A Holiday Nature Celebration The Twelve Hikes of Christmas is our holiday celebration, encouraging you to get outside and see what your favorite nature...
December 18, 2020
Land at Heart of Kellner Fen Donated into Permanent Conservation Sturgeon Bay, WI – Door County Land Trust is excited to announce the recent acquisition...
September 23, 2019
Chambers Island, WI – Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce that four Chambers Island Committee leaders, Mary Brevard, Suzanne Fletcher, Barbara Frank,...
August 7, 2019
The Door County Land Trust invites you to the Annual Gathering Weekend August 17-18, 2019 Please call our office to purchase tickets! 920-746-1359 The Power of...
August 7, 2019
Surge of Support to Protect Pebble Beach Sister Bay, WI – Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce a remarkable gift from angel donors Mary and Bob Wiley...
August 1, 2019
Door County Land Trust Announces Challenge Gift to Protect Pebble Beach Sister Bay, WI - Door County Land Trust announces a $50,000 challenge gift to help...
July 24, 2019
Door County Land Trust and Village of Sister Bay Announce Partnership to Protect Pebble Beach Sister Bay, WI - The Door County Land Trust and the Village of...
February 6, 2019
The Door County Land Trust and Write On, Door County invite you to tell a story at “Wild Words: Celebrate the Lands and Waters of Door County” an event to take...
December 28, 2018
Door County Land Trust is pleased to announce the donation of 9 acres of land at the Chambers Island Nature Preserve. The donation of land, made by Pete and...
October 25, 2018
The Door County Land Trust is looking to hire a Communications Coordinator! The Communications Coordinator helps raise awareness and grow support for the Door...
August 8, 2017
Protect Yourself Against Mosquito Bites The Door County Public Health Department reports a dead crow found in Door County on 07/26/2017 has tested positive for...
March 20, 2017
After fifteen years growing and shaping the land restoration and stewardship program, land restoration specialist Jodi Milske is retiring. Milske’s role in...
March 8, 2017
Land Selection Process Is a Grand Equation for the Door County Land Trust By Laurel Hauser With 308,480 total acres of land in Door County and natural features...
November 18, 2016
Bjorklunden shoreline in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Photos by Dan Eggert Baileys Harbor, WI An agreement between Lawrence University and the Door County...
August 15, 2016
The 2016 Annual Gathering finale...a bright horizon for the Land Trust. On Sunday, August 14, 300 members, volunteers and friends gathered to celebrate 30...
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