Tall Pines Conservancy

08/30/2026

Herb and Sharon Lofy’s farm is permanently protected by a conservation easement with Tall Pines Conservancy.

We hope you make plans to attend Richfield Historical Society Thresheree - September 19 & September 20.

VIDEO | From threshing machines to combines: Herb Lofy shares John Deere Legacy

08/28/2026

It’s time for the Weekly Wrap-Up!

This week, we began mulching the rows of American plum trees in our agroforestry field. This helps to suppress the growth of the cover crop surrounding the trees while they’re still growing. Who else can’t wait to see these trees producing fruit?

08/21/2026

Happy Friday! Enjoy today’s Weekly Wrap-Up🪻🐝🦋

Over the past couple of weeks, our rough blazing star has been putting on a show for all who’ve visited Ravensholme Farm Preserve. Multiple bright orange monarch butterflies can be seen at all times of day contrasting with this vibrant purple flower. Bees are constantly hanging out, but we aren’t worried about being stung as they are far more interested in the abundance of nectar and pollen.

Seeing pollinators return to this agricultural landscape is so rewarding and reminds us about the coexistence of wildlife and farmland. Thanks The Xerces Society for suppling us with these wonderful plants!

08/19/2026

Are you a local resident who’s passionate about protecting the health of the lakes and streams that help define our region? Are you a farmer looking to learn about the conservation practices other farmers are implementing? Then join us for our Farmers for Lake Country Field Day event at the Johnson Farm on Saturday, September 12th! Check out this video of Shayne Johnson, an active member of FFLC, inviting you to his historic farm!

This FFLC event is hosted by Tall Pines and the Oconomowoc Watershed Protection Program with support from additional conservation partners.

Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2furjuc/lp/16b506ac-a79b-4e94-8e1d-2dc405ea8967

08/14/2026

Check out this recap of Bus to the Barns in today’s Weekly Wrap-Up!

Saturday granted us beautiful weather to tour three different farms in southern Waukesha County that are in different stages of being protected by Tall Pines Conservancy.

Our first stop included stunning views of Pearl Forge Conservancy where the landowners discussed how community and ecology are central factors in all of their land management decisions.

Second on the tour was the historic Bovee Farm in Eagle, WI. The landowner’s deep knowledge of the local farming history lent to a powerful drive to his property where he identified where all of the family farms in the area once stood before being lost forever.

Rounding out the tour was our property, Ravensholme Farm Preserve where folks learned about our ongoing conservation projects such as the native pollinator garden, community garden, agroforestry, and oak ecosystem restoration. The tour was followed by delicious wood-fired pizza with a setting sun painting the backdrop.

We want to thank all of the property owners who were so willing to give a tour and share their stories. We also want to thank everyone, new and familiar to Tall Pines, who participated in the tour. This event provided a unique opportunity to showcase the land we work to protect and how we can accomplish land protection - together - with your support.

08/13/2026

Who wants to see an adorable calf and learn how modern innovations have improved the health, comfort, and care of a local dairy herd? ✋

Join us next Thursday, August 20th from 4-6pm at Zwieg’s Maple Acres as part of our Third Thursday event series! At this seventh-generation family farm, which is protected forever by Tall Pines Conservancy, you’ll receive a guided walking tour of the property, explore its crop-farming operations, and of course meet the newest member of the dairy herd. Registration is $5 for adults and kids 12 & under are free. Don’t miss out! Sign up today because space is limited.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/38efrqv/lp/b9c84ceb-e625-404e-bc52-676e93fdc048?mode=preview&source_id=889abdee-7eb0-4da8-94d5-495580dbfc97&source_type=em&c=

08/07/2026

What is that?!? Check out who this little critter is in today’s Week Wrap-Up:

While tending to the agroforestry fields this week, our summer volunteer came across something strange. Her first question: “Is it alive?” Sure enough, it started moving like a slug down the tree tube.

This is a monkey slug caterpillar, the larva for the hag moth. Its shape mimics bark or tree debris. Look but don’t touch! The tiny hairs on its body can sting and even release venom.

These insects are in fact native to Wisconsin and feed on the leaves of hardwood trees, especially oak. They also serve as a food source for birds and small mammals. Who knew there was such a unique species amongst the oak ecosystem?

07/31/2026

Happy Friday! Check out today’s Weekly Wrap-Up:

This week, staff visited our Saeger Creek Preserve to conduct some stewardship on the property when they came across an interesting find . . . two hillside seepages going into the pond! 💧

A hillside seep is often created when water traveling through porous soil encounters a denser layer, forcing the water to follow the porous soil until it emerges on a hillside. No spring or seepage activity had previously been noted around the pond, but our recent invasive species removal efforts along the pond may be the answer to this new “discovery.”

The thick patches of buckthorn likely concealed any evidence of a hillside seep, but their root systems can also significantly interfere with an ecosystem’s hydrology. Knowing this area has naturally occurring seeps changes our view on the plants and wildlife that may have inhabited this pond before the introduction of buckthorn, making this an even more exciting preserve to restore!

07/27/2026

On Saturday, August 8th from 3 pm to 6 pm! Bus to the Barns!

Spend a summer afternoon exploring a few of southeastern Wisconsin's conservation success stories. Bus to the Barns offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to three remarkable conservation properties, where you'll meet the farmers and landowners whose stories bring land conservation to life.

The experience begins and ends at Ravensholme Farm Preserve in the Village of Waukesha. After returning from the tour, enjoy pizza crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients; live music; and conversation with fellow conservation supporters. You'll also get a glimpse of Tall Pines Conservancy's long-term vision for Ravensholme as a Conservation Education Center -- a place where people of all ages can connect with conservation, agriculture, and the outdoors for generations to come. Registration is strictly limited and seats are going quickly. Don't delay - register today!

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qub768p/lp/05cb2e42-9e9e-414b-857b-deb9d98dc48f

Tickets are $35 per person.

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Reserve your seat today!

07/24/2026

Enjoy all of the pollinators visiting our native plant garden in today’s Weekly Wrap-Up! 🐝🦋🐛