Oak Openings Workshop
The February 11, 2012, Oak Openings Workshop sponsored in part by the Kettle Moraine Land Trust was filled to capacity. Expert speakers presented a wide variety of information to landowners and community members on how to protect and restore oak woodlands. The workshop was held at the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest headquarters in Eagle, Wisconsin.
Pictured receiving the First Annual Steward of the Year award is Barb Holtz of Holtz Farms. Pictured from right to left are: Ron Martin, Maggie Zoellner, Darcy Kind, Matt Zine, Barb Holtz, Jerry Ziegler and Brian Glenzinski.

Spring Burn Planned
A spring prescribed burn is planned at Jackson Creek Preserve. Prescribed burns are conducted to promote native vegetation and reduce the presence of invasive plants. Native plants have adapted to periodic fire events and many even need fire in order to expand their populations. While an exact date is not known, we anticipate a successful burn sometime this spring. Stay tuned for updates!

KMLT Receives Donnelley Grant
The Dorothy and Gaylord Donnelley Foundation of Chicago awarded KMLT $10,000 to build partnerships and increase communication and outreach activities across Walworth County. KMLT has retained David Allen of Development for Conservation, to assist in this effort.

KMLT Board Director Bill Huxhold to be Inducted into GIS Hall of Fame
The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) established the GIS Hall of Fame in 2005 to recognize and honor the most esteemed leaders of the geospatial community. To be considered for the GIS Hall of Fame, an individual's or an organization's record of contribution to the advancement of the industry demonstrates creative thinking and actions, vision and innovation, inspiring leadership, perseverance, and community mindedness. In addition, nominees must serve as a role model for those who follow. Congratulations, Bill, for this great accomplishment!

KMLT Applies for National Accreditation
Kettle Moraine Land Trust, headquartered in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is pleased to announce it is applying for national accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The Commission will be conducting an extensive review of the land trust's policies and programs against national standards for organizational management and land transactions and invites public comment about the land trust relevant to these standards. See the accreditation requirements.

KMLT Working with Local Farmer to Improve Water Quality
Many farmers realize the advantage of protecting water quality and Charles Pearce of C & C Farms is one of them. With additional NRCS funding available in the Delavan Lake watershed, Pearce planted a cover crop on several of his fields to help reduce soil erosion. “If we get a hard rain in the spring the soil stays where it is” says Pearce. After the cover crop is removed Pearce plants corn or soybeans directly into the ground without tilling the soil. The roots of the cover crop continue to hold on to the soil and residue left behind from harvesting helps hold soil in place as well. When soil loss is reduced, water quality is improved. Pearce has seen many changes in the way farmers tend their lands in his lifetime. “I remember when everyone used to plow everything. Now you don’t have dirty water like you used to, you don’t have all the dust in the air.”