DALC's 2021 Highlights Your support makes great things happen! 2021 had many challenges, but thanks to our community of donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters, DALC accomplished incredible work. From wetlands to woodlands, in court and out in the field, check out the highlights of the year.
Huge Win Against CHC Transmission Line! On January 14th, opponents of the CHC transmission line won a thrilling victory in court when a judge blocked the line from crossing the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Although the fight is far from over, this is a huge step in the right direction. Read more about the judge's decision here.
DALC Begins Conservation Planning Process
In January, DALC and a team of regional ecologists started an exciting process - strategic conservation planning using the Conservation Standards. Arlyne Johnson, a Senior Project Advisor with Foundations of Success, is guiding our work. Now through June, DALC will be identifying strategies for protecting conservation targets, including integrating known climate impacts into our analysis and models. Once the strategic plan is complete, all facets of DALC's work will be tied to specific goals and targets for success. At a time when so much is at stake, being strategic matters. We look forward to sharing the results of our efforts as they evolve.
"Inspired by Resilience" with The Prairie Enthusiasts The Prairie Enthusiasts is hosting a 4-day virtual conference, "Inspired by Resilience," from February 16-19. The keynote speaker will be Douglas Tallamy, author of the best-selling books Nature’s Best Hope and The Nature of Oaks. There is also a 1-day Burn School for anyone interested in participating in prescribed burns. With art, science, and everything in between, this conference has something for everyone! Learn more and register here.
Restoration in Action Have you been looking for a way to get outside this winter? Join a DALC workday! New volunteers are always welcome. No experience is necessary to make a huge difference to the native habitats of the Driftess. On the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10am - 2pm, join site steward Fil Sanna at Spring Valley Preserve in Belleville to continue habitat improvement on the savanna. The next date will be February 5th. And on February 26th from 9am - 1pm, join Cindy Becker at Sardeson Preserve in Mineral Point to clear invasive brush and sow native seed. For contact information and more details, head to our volunteer page.
Notes From the Field This January, we were able to look back on the full scope of 2021 and see that, in spite of another difficult year, our DALC community made incredible things happen for the Driftless region. Saving wetlands, restoring savannas, spreading clean energy, educating landowners - 2021 was a banner year! Although the year may be over, your passion and support have built the foundation for even more Driftless success stories in 2022. Already this month, your activism protected the Mississippi River from the CHC transmission line! And your support has enabled us to commit to land conservation projects, restoration work, trail building, community outreach, and more. So thank you, thank you, thank you, for giving us so much to celebrate - this January and beyond! Emilee Martell Development Associate emilee@driftlessconservancy.org
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