Door County Land Trust

05/15/2026

Get SAWW-certified!
Door County Land Trust has three spots open for a two-day SAWW (Safety and Woods Working) Level 101 training on Tuesday, June 2 - Wednesday, June 3 taught by Luke Saunders of Blue Heron Stewardship.
Time: 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Location: Crossroads at Big Creek (day 1) and Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal (day 2).
Cost: $246.

These chainsaw trainings are dynamic, challenging and fun, and will help you feel more comfortable running a saw while increasing proficiency and productivity. Blue Heron Stewardship follows a curriculum outlined by SAWW-certified training, drawing from proven methods to teach techniques that protect you from inherent hazards, while getting more work done.

Level 101 is geared toward participants with little or no experience running a chainsaw, covering material at a more deliberate pace over two full days.

You will be introduced to bore cutting and open face felling with hands-on training that allows you the opportunity to run the saw in various scenarios and observe others as we get comfortable with this powerful tool.

Participants are encouraged to bring all PPE (helmet, eye protection, ear protection, chaps, suitable footwear, and gloves), chainsaw, and any tools used to maintain the saw and sharpen the chain. Limited extra helmets, chaps and other PPE will be available to share.

Send us a message if you are interested!

05/12/2026

“It’s very rare that one pot of money funds an entire acquisition, so money is always being leveraged with other people’s money,” he said. “So without the state stewardship funding being able to bring in a portion of that money, we, a lot of partners, are going to be unable to leverage federal dollars, state, city or county dollars that may be available. And we’re going to have to really rely pretty heavily on private fundraising, which is going to be extremely difficult.”

Now, he said, non-profits and land trusts across the state are coming to terms with the pending loss — which will push planned projects years into the future while putting organizations across the state in direct competition over the same pot of private philanthropy money.

“I think this is all really just starting to set in with a lot of people across the state,” Grusznski said, “as far as the money is not there — what do we do?”

Less than two months remain until the expiration of Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant program, risking land conservation efforts.

05/07/2026

It is awesome to see former Green Bay Packer and current TNC Wisconsin Trustee Dr. George Koonce speaking in defense of nature!

TNC Wisconsin Vice Chair and former Green Bay Packer George Koonce on the importance of protecting public lands in Wisconsin and nationally.

05/04/2026

Wetlands are doing some heavy lifting for us, so it’s important to show them our appreciation 💙 Wetlands filter water, protect our shorelines, reduce flooding by capturing rainwater, and provide places for life to thrive.

Wisconsin has over 37 classified wetland communities, and Door County is home to some of the rarest kinds—like Greak Lakes shore fens! Celebrate American Wetlands Month with us all through May as we share information about the unique qualities of Door County wetlands.

Pictured are a few of our favorite wetland plants: the carnivorous pitcher plant, a dragon’s mouth orchid, tall white bog orchid, and a fledgling fern 🌿

Happy 💦🐸🪷

05/04/2026

We have a free hike coming up next week guided by two veteran Land Trust stewards at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve! Learn about the natural and human history at this diverse and storied preserve.
This event is free and membership is NOT required to register!

https://events.doorcountylandtrust.org/programs/the-natural-and-human-history-of-the-sturgeon-bay-ship-canal-nature-preserve/

04/30/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIXI6PqfOpI
Congratulations, Kris!

Kris is a hardworking volunteer that helps Door County Land Trust and Crossroads at Big Creek. She was awarded for her dedication to monitoring Hibbard, Stony, Bear, and Big Creeks. She was recently honored as an "Outstanding Stream Volunteer" at the 2025 WI Stream Monitoring Awards, held by UW-Madison Extension WAV (Wave Action Volunteers) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

To be nominated, an Outstanding Stream Volunteer needs to meet these criteria:
-A commitment and investment of substantial time to volunteer stream and river monitoring
-A record of stream stewardship, outreach or education in their local community
-A commitment to developing relationships and partnerships in stream monitoring efforts
-A record of how the nominee’s work has benefited Wisconsin streams or rivers

1 like. "Kris Smith - 2025 Outstanding Stream Volunteer"

04/29/2026

"According to annual surveys conducted by Fish & Wildlife and Oceans Canada for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, lamprey larvae were detected in Bear Creek in 2022, which led to the 2024 lampricide treatment. Prior to that, the last time larvae were detected in Bear Creek, and the last time it was treated for the larvae, was in 1975."

A Door County creek will get be treated to kill sea lamprey larvae before they become juveniles and migrate to Lake Michigan to feed on and kill fish.

04/28/2026

Did you know Door County Land Trust is turning 40 years young this June? We are sifting through memories and photos from four decades of conservation—and we want to see YOURS! Help us recall the glory days by submitting your stories, photos, and videos to us by emailing [email protected]. They could be featured in our upcoming newsletter!