Volunteer Highlight: Planning for the Future at Erickson

Conservation Area

By Cindy Becker

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Driftless Area Land Conservancy is about to reach a milestone moment

as a land owner and land steward. 2023 will mark our 10th year as

owner of the Erickson Conservation Area.

 

DALC became the owner of Erickson in early 2013. As the first property

that DALC invested full ownership in, this was a big step for us! Since

then, this beautiful landscape has served as a living classroom; a host

location for citizen science events, field days, and work days; and a

welcome location for public recreation and immersion in nature.  

 

This past January, DALC convened leaders of Erickson's avid, dedicated volunteers with local wetland experts, restoration specialists, and wildlife ecologists. We reviewed the status of restoration and community outreach activities on the property over the past decade, and developed key "next steps" to help guide future activities and restoration. The team spent 3 hours together via Zoom - a feat in and of itself that does not go under-appreciated! Add on top of that their input and advice as we look ahead to the next ten years, and I feel we made great progress.  

 

A shout out and loud applause for those who attended and participated:  

• Neale Tollakson, Argyle community leader, conservation enthusiast, long-time Erickson advocate

• Rob Laeser, Argyle community leader, conservation enthusiast, long-time Erickson advocate

• Stephen Fabos, Indigenous Restoration LLC 

• Jeb Barzen, Private Lands Conservation LLC

• Pat Trochlell, wetland inventory specialist

• John D. Peterson, Associate Professor of Biologist, UW Platteville 

• Jennifer Filipiak, DALC Executive Director

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