Peaceful Meadow Preserved in Island Nature Preserve Expansion
Daniel Nerenhausen stands with his father, Chester, in the early days of his landscaping business on Washington Island. Submitted by Mark Nerenhausen.
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 also preserves “what the island used to be,” according to Daniel’s brother, Mark. The brothers, along with sisters Lisa and Sara, grew up across the street at the Lutheran church where their father was a minister. They remember Washington Island in the 70s when large undeveloped tracts of land were used for agriculture, especially for growing potatoes, and they could walk across fields without the warnings of “no trespassing” signs.
Over time, they saw many of these large tracts become divided and developed. To Daniel, this made it especially important for the next owner to appreciate the land for its natural beauty and not for its development potential.
The Island at its Best
As a neighborly gesture, Daniel often mowed the trails at the Land Trust’s Domer-Neff nature preserve and bird sanctuary, where he got to know the regular trail users walking their dog or enjoying a routine break in nature. He understood the importance this preserve held for the community. “It’s not a place people make a special trip for, but it is the island at its best,” says Mark, who describes it as a central place on the island that is accessible but “feels very far away.”
Stavkirke’s Peaceful Setting
Connecting this land with the existing nature preserve also meant preserving more of the rolling meadow that borders Stavkirke church and meditation path. Daniel’s father valued this meadow for its serenity, offering peaceful views to visitors.
The meditation path—a winding labyrinth of rock—was an idea conceived by Daniel’s father when he was minister and fulfilled by his predecessor. Daniel had a hand in forming the path, collecting stones from the property which include unique fossil specimens that illuminate the island’s geologic history.
“This is a path where people are going to come, look over this field, and feel good,” Daniel remembers a friend saying.
Growing Stewardship at the Preserve
The Land Trust has been actively stewarding the Domer-Neff Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary for wildlife, including the planting of hundreds of native shrubs this fall. The permanent protection of Daniel’s land enables the Land Trust to extend these efforts to maintain a healthy and connected ecosystem.
“By expanding this footprint, we strengthen the landscape for wildlife and create opportunities for restoration and future trails,” says executive director, Emily Wood. “This project is a meaningful step toward keeping Washington Island as a vital migration route.”
At Domer-Neff Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary, restoration efforts have been underway. Here, Maddie Tishler is seen in the meadow amongst newly-planted shrubs which will provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Membership Expands Opportunities for Nature
Membership provides the largest portion of funding for the Land Trust’s work, so this project was made possible by the generosity of the community. This property was purchased with funding provided by a very generous anonymous family and partial support from Hal and Karen Kapell with a donation in memory of Goodlet and Mary Goodletson, Alfred and Ruth Hahnkuper Goodlet, Eugene and Kathleen Jensen Goodlet, Nancy Helen Goodlet, Patricia Goodlet Bjarnarson. The Land Trust thanks its supporters for funding projects that have a real impact on Door County’s lands and waters.
About the Door County Land Trust
Protecting Door County’s Exceptional Lands and Waters…Forever. Door County Land Trust protects the wild places, scenic beauty, and ecological integrity that make the peninsula and islands so special. 15 featured nature preserves are open for hiking, and other low-impact, non-motorized recreational activities–all at no charge to the public. Trail maps and more information may be found at www.doorcountylandtrust.org.
