September News and Updates

Check out this view while learning to safely operate a chainsaw!

ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT for Level I chainsaw safety training at the Morrison Prairie and Forest Preserve THIS SATURDAY, October 2. Register here today!

Volunteer Spotlight: Resha Wyman – The Joy of Working with Like-minded Folks Resha is a familiar face around the Driftless office as she has helped us out with everything from addressing envelopes to cleaning seed to delivering light bulbs! "...I know from experience that when a DALC staff member invites me to help with something it will be environmentally and socially significant and will involve meeting and working with fun, interesting, smart and caring people." Read more about the depth of Resha's passion for green and healthy schools and climate change on this month's donor spotlight!

Accreditation Renewal - Public Comment Period Open

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Driftless Area Land Conservancy is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. The Commission invites public input on pending applications - learn how to submit a comment here

Grassland Conservation in Southwest Wisconsin: Why it matters and opportunities for support" - Webinar with Southern Driftless Grasslands

On October 13th, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, the Verona Public Library is hosting this free webinar covering the type and scale of conservation needed for grassland birds, Farm Bill programming for grassland and oak savanna conservation, the role of conservation easements, and technical and financial assistance available to private landowners. Speakers include Britta Peterson, Cindy Becker, and Jenn Simons. Register through the Verona Public Library.

Driftless Trail opens October 1!

The first segment of the Driftless Trail - the Weaver Road Trail - opens on October 1, at long last! We have many people to thank that brought us to this point - we started planning our vision back in 2016 in partnership with The National Park Service, the Ice Age Trail Association, North Country Trail Association, Taliesin Preservation, area landowners and the public. Read more about the history and vision of the Driftless Trail, and download a map (available on October 1) to get yourself out to this short but spectacular trail located just north of Governor Dodge State Park! The Driftless Trail is for foot traffic only – hiking, running, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Enjoy!

Exercise and learning while helping the Driftless

Remember our volunteer work days are on-going! We have opportunities for you to share a little sweat equity and learn more about the Driftless nearly every fall weekend! Locations rotate between Spring Valley Tract near New Glarus, Erickson Conservation Area in Argyle, and Sardeson Preserve in Mineral Point. Our most current schedule and registration information is always at DriftlessConservancy.org/volunteer

Notes From the Field This week our full board and staff gathered at the beautiful White Oak Savanna Events Farm & Sanctuary for a short retreat celebrating our successes so far, being honest about where we can improve, and dreaming big for the future. A consistent theme was the hope our work gives us and our community that we can create a healthier future together, and that the outdoors should be something we can all appreciate and benefit from. Our big dreams include protecting the Driftless, as we always have, but we are evolving and growing to think more deeply about how protecting the Driftless is protecting our future. This month's e-news offers opportunities for you to get out on the land, and a personal story of giving back. Know that your actions today give hope for our future in more ways than you might realize!