Caring for the Land
Land protection does not stop at acquisition. Stewardship is the lifelong commitment to care for the lands we protect.
What Stewardship Means
Our team works year-round to restore native habitats, monitor ecological health, and ensure that preserves remain safe and welcoming for both wildlife and people.
Acquiring land is only the beginning. The real work — the ongoing, seasonal, hands-in-the-soil work — is stewardship. It is how we honor the promise of permanent protection.
What We Do
Forest & Habitat Restoration
We bring native landscapes back to health and help them build resilience by reintroducing native plant species, thinning overcrowded forests, removing invasive trees and shrubs to let the original ecology breathe again and welcome wildlife that have used them historically.
Invasive Species Management
Buckthorn, garlic mustard, and other invasives threaten Door County's native habitats. Our team and volunteers run targeted removal campaigns with seasonal monitoring and treatment to keep preserves healthy.
Trail & Access Management
We maintain hiking trails, boardwalks, and signage so preserves remain safe and welcoming. That means reducing impact on sensitive areas and habitats, improving accessibility, and ensuring access for all visitors to connect with the unique landscapes protected and owned by the Door County Land Trust.
Citizen Science
We believe some of the most valuable scientific insights come from the hands and eyes of our community. Our community science teams assist us by collecting data that helps us understand the health of our local ecosystems. Our programs bridge the gap between local curiosity and professional conservation, turning everyday observations into critical data that sync with larger state and national databases.
Why It Matters
Without ongoing care, protected lands face real threats — invasive species that crowd out native plants, eroding trails that damage sensitive areas, and habitats that lose their diversity without management.
Healthy ecosystems sustain long-term biodiversity across the peninsula.
Active stewardship supports rare species and builds climate resilience.
Well-maintained preserves remain open, beautiful, and ecologically sound for generations.
Connecting people to the land through data that helps us inform how we manage and care for the land.
Stewardship is where the long-term promise of land protection is kept.
Join the Stew Crew
Stewardship is hands-on work. Our dedicated volunteer team — the Stew Crew — plays a critical role in restoring and caring for protected lands.
Whether you are removing invasive species, collecting seeds, monitoring nest boxes, or maintaining trails, you are making a direct, visible impact on the landscape.
What to expect
- No experience needed — just a love for nature
- Tools and training provided
- Seasonal events and restoration days
- Work alongside our stewardship staff in the field
"I never thought pulling weeds could be this satisfying."
— Stew Crew Volunteer
The Ongoing Promise
Every acre we protect comes with a commitment to care for it — not just this year, but in perpetuity. That takes people, time, and resources.
Get Involved
Every volunteer hour, every donation helps us care for Door County's protected lands.