Welcome, Angie!
Please join us in welcoming our new Development Director, Angie Buelow, to DALC! Angie came on board at the beginning of April to lead our fundraising work. She brings a wonderful passion for the Driftless, especially our region's trails. Read more about Angie here on our staff page and be sure to check out her "Notes from the Field" feature below!
Driftless Prairie Visions Art Exhibit
You won't want to miss this innovative and eye-catching art exhibit celebrating our Driftless prairies! Created by the Prairie Imaginarium, a group of five local artists, this project drew inspiration from a single restored prairie to create distinct works of art that share the beauty of the land and the importance of stewardship. Learn more and mark your calendars to see the exhibit in Madison!
Farm Succession Workshop
Are you a farm owner? Please join Driftless Area Land Conservancy and American Farmland Trust on May 15th for an evening workshop on how to plan for the future of your farmland! You will hear from experts in farm succession on how to navigate this complex process, helping to protect your legacy and ensure land is available for the next generation. All generations involved in the farm's future, both family and non-family members, are encouraged to attend. Additional details can be found here. The event is free, dinner will be provided, and registration is required.
Evenings Afield: Frogs & Toads - A Chorus of Peepers
The Lowery Creek Watershed Initiative's first Evenings Afield event is coming up on Thursday, May 2 from 6-8pm at the Cates Family Farm, south of Spring Green. The topic - Frogs & Toads: A Chorus of Peepers - is near and dear to many hearts, as the sound of frogs makes spring evenings so alive and magical. Find more details and register for this free event here so we can send you details and notify you if we cancel due to weather.
Birding Hikes
Walk the trails with seasoned birders during the height of spring migration, May 18th & 19th from 7-9am! Registration is required for these free outings. Choose from the varied landscape of the Driftless Trail’s Knobs Road Segment north of Ridgeway, the ridge overlooking the Wisconsin River south of Spring Green on the Phoebe Point Trail, or the vibrant wetlands of Argyle’s Erickson Conservation Area.
Volunteer Opportunities
Head outside and make a difference! Join our outdoor workdays:
Weekends at Wild Oaks: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Upcoming dates: 5/4, 5/18
Sundays at Sardeson: 3rd Sundays of the month. Upcoming dates: 5/19
Wednesdays at the Wetland: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Upcoming dates: 5/1, 5/15
NEW! Driftless Trail Workdays: Usually 1st Sundays of the month - special May workdays 5/3 and 5/4
Find more details and let us know you're coming at our Volunteer page.
Notes From the Field
Hey everyone,
I can't believe it's already been three weeks since I joined the DALC team! Time flies when you're diving into something as inspiring as land conservation. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting many of you at the Spring Social on April 11th. It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate the achievements from the past year and to look forward with excitement to the future of this remarkable organization.
I’ve already had the chance to explore Wild Oaks Preserve and get a close-up look at the conservation efforts there. From learning about controlled burns to understanding the critical role of conservation easements in protecting habitats for plants and animals, I’ve gained so much insight. And let’s not forget the Driftless Trail—I’m beginning to see just how vital the Driftless Area is in the fight against climate change.
Connecting with local farmers and learning about their sustainable practices has been another highlight. It’s incredible to see the connection between their conservation work and sustainable living up close.
I’m also thankful for the opportunity to hike the Phoebe Point and Weaver Road segments of the Driftless Trail with the volunteers and landowners who are helping to expand this trail. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the land and the impact we can have on it.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to meet more of you who share DALC’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the beauty and diversity of Southwest Wisconsin’s natural and agricultural landscapes. Here’s to making a positive impact together, not just on our environment but in each other’s lives as well.
Cheers to more adventures and connections!
Warm regards,
Angie Buelow
Development Director