DALC's Summer-Fall Newsletter and 2021 Annual Report
Read all about it! Featuring new staff and legacy donors, trail construction and clean energy projects, small wetland orchids and mighty, centuries-old oaks, our summer-fall newsletter is full of stories of Driftless resilience that inspire us to look to a brighter future. Plus, this edition also contains our 2021 annual report. Thank you to the donors, community members, and volunteers featured within! You can read the full newsletter online here, or get in touch to request a printed copy in the mail.
Upcoming CHC Hearings Despite ongoing construction, the battle against the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line is far from over. In January, Judge William Conley blocked the project from crossing the Upper Mississippi River National Refuge. The developers have appealed this ruling. This Wednesday, September 28th, at 9:30am, our exceptional legal team will present a strong case in support of Judge Conley’s ruling. The hearing will be held in Chicago. If you're in the area, consider attending live to show your support! You can also stream the hearing on the court's website or Youtube channel.
Chainsaw Trainings A few spots have opened up in these ever-popular workshops! Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn all about chainsaw safety, use, and maintenance in a hands-on setting this fall. All sessions will be held on a DALC preserve near New Glarus, led by SAWW (Safety and Woods Working) trainer Luke Saunders of Adaptive Restoration. Get more details and register here!
Volunteer Opportunities Looking for a chance to get outside and enjoy this beautiful autumn? Join one of DALC's upcoming volunteer workdays and make a difference for native habitat in the Driftless!
Saturdays at Spring Valley: Oct. 1 & 15, Nov. 5, Dec. 3 & 17
Sundays at Sardeson: Oct. 16th, Nov. 6th, Dec. 4th
Wednesdays at the Wetland: Oct. 19th, Nov. 2nd, Dec. 7th
Find more details and let us know you're coming at our Volunteer page.
Notes From the Field This September, Jen and I had the tremendous opportunity to attend Rally, the national land trust conference. It was held in New Orleans, and as you might guess, there were lots of attendees who had never set foot in Wisconsin. But as I introduced myself to conservationists from New York, California, Texas, I often got the same response: "Oh, the Driftless - I've actually heard of that. It sounds beautiful." That simple remark warmed my heart, because it illuminates something essential about the Driftless - that it is so unique, so wonderful, that even its reputation captures the imagination of total strangers. It is worthy of the same love and protection as soaring mountains or rugged coasts. The Driftless is truly a special place - thanks to the community of people who cherish it. We're so grateful that you are a part of that. Emilee Martell Development Associate emilee@driftlessconservancy.org