Land Trust Races Clock to Save 338 Acres

The Door County Land Trust is actively working to secure a significant 338-acre property in Southern Door County, which is slated to become their 16th nature preserve. This acquisition is critical due to the land's ecological importance, including approximately 85 acres of wetland and two creeks that serve as vital spawning grounds for various fish species in the bay of Green Bay.

However, the land trust faces a substantial financial hurdle. With funding from the state's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program no longer available, they have launched a $750,000 private fundraising campaign. This includes a $25,000 dollar-for-dollar matching challenge to encourage public contributions. The total cost of the property is $3.1 million, with federal grants and other funds already secured.

If the fundraising goal is not met by September 1, 2026, the property could be sold for development, an outcome the trust emphasizes would be irreversible. The land trust is committed to preserving the site, with long-term plans for restoration, trail development, and creating a demonstration farm using sustainable practices on a 40-acre parcel.

Past support from the Knowles-Nelson program was instrumental in many of the trust's previous acquisitions, covering up to 50% of land purchase costs. Its expiration has necessitated a greater reliance on private donations and more restrictive federal grants, marking a new reality for conservation efforts in the region.