April News & Updates

Governor Evers Visits Wintergreen

In celebration of Earth Week, Governor Tony Evers and many partners joined us for a tour of Wintergreen. We were excited for the opportunity to share this wonderful project and talk about the importance of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for land conservation in Wisconsin. Governor Evers has proposed reauthorizing Knowles-Nelson for 10 years at $100 million annually - an amazing investment in our outdoors! Learn more about Knowles-Nelson and encourage your lawmakers to support this impactful program here.

Bluebirds Galore!

DALC’s bluebird nest box program in partnership with the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) continues to grow! We’ve more than doubled the number of boxes distributed this spring compared with last year. Recipients agreed to put the nest boxes in suitable habitat, monitor them throughout the season, and report the nesting results to BRAW. Last year’s data summary showed 267 bluebirds and 88 other cavity nesters fledged from 68 nest boxes. Thanks to everyone who's participating in this great program. We can't wait to see the results from 2025!

Build the Driftless Trail

Looking for weekend plans? Try trail building! This Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 9:00am-4:30pm, we will be clearing brush and constructing trail up to the top of the Welsh Hills on the Taliesin property, starting near the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. Trail work is a fun and rewarding way to meet people and connect with nature! No prior experience necessary. We provide tools and training. Please register here!

Can't make it this weekend? Check out our ongoing volunteer days below for more opportunities!

Evenings Afield

Registration is open for the Lowery Creek Watershed Initiative's 2025 Evenings Afield events! Join us for this monthly series of evening field trips and socializing in the Lowery Creek Watershed south of Spring Green, May-October, to learn from experts and each other about land and water conservation topics. First up is "Restoring and Protecting Aldebaran Farm," on Thursday, May 22 from 6-8. Come explore the history and ecology of this fascinating farm near Taliesin, protected forever by a conservation easement. Sign up today!

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: 5/3, 5/17

• Sundays at Sardeson: 3rd Sundays of the month. Upcoming dates: 5/18

• Wednesdays at the Wetland: 1st Wednesdays of the month. Upcoming dates: 5/7

• Driftless Trail Trimmers: 1st Sundays of the month. Upcoming dates: 5/4

• Driftless Trail Diggers: 3rd Fridays of the month. Upcoming dates: 5/16

Find more details and let us know you're coming at our Volunteer page.

Notes From the Field

with Martha York

For April's e-news, in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, we're delighted to share a guest feature about Martha York, a DALC supporter trained in the lineage of Shinrin-yoku, a form of Japanese Forest Therapy.

Shinrin-yoku, the practice translated as Forest Bathing is an activity that invites us to slow down and really connect with nature, the experience that connects us all. It became popular in Japan in the 1980’s during the technology boom. With people working in buildings and cities, the Japanese noticed that people were ,not healthy and becoming sicker. They started creating places in nature and paid for workers to go out and reconnect with nature. There is plenty of research now that shows that being in nature helps regulate our mind and body connection, boosting our immune systems, and is an integral part of lifestyle medicine.

“Humans instinctively know that when we’re in nature, and we can slow down enough to use our sensory systems, we feel healthier and happier,” Martha says.

Forest bathing is not hiking but the intentional act of slowing down in nature. It starts with the breath, closing your eyes, listening to the sounds around you, acknowledging those who have been on the land before you, and honoring the wildlife, plants, and organisms that call the forest home.

It invites you to notice the smaller natural details like the fungus calling a decaying log home and other parts of the natural world often passed over without a second thought. Walking through the forest like a camera and taking “snapshots” with your eyes to refocus your sight. Continuing, one could consider opening to a possible “treasure” just for you:. Being present and allowing what that word “treasure” means to you on your journey through the forest.

“For me, as I age and move into Elder work, it’s nature and the interwoven experience of being in the awesomeness of this relationship. What is our relationship with the natural world? How can we be kinder, more generous, and have a creative connection? How can we translate that into human connection as well as care for the Land?” Martha shares. “It’s sort of like breathing or eating. The need to return to the chemistry and energy of the forest and the trees. We miss so much when we are hiking and talking. Forest bathing invites us to be present and momentarily step away from the busyness of our lives. It allows us to open our hearts and minds which is truly healing.”

As DALC celebrates Earth Month and the incredible work our community is doing to protect the land, we invite you to explore some of these practices and enjoy an intentional connection at any of our nature preserves or Driftless Trail segments. 

You don’t need to go with a guide to experience the benefits of forest bathing, however, if you are interested in connecting with Martha you can learn more at marthayork12@gmail.com.