NEWS ARCHIVES

• 2nd Annual Kookout Celebration A Success!

  The Kettle Moraine Land Trust (KMLT) held its 2nd Annual Kookout at historic Lake Lawn Resort against the backdrop of Delavan Lake on Saturday, June 16th. Although the morning skies offered some much needed rain, the sun burst out just in time for attendees to enjoy lunch in the outdoor atrium.

• Delavan Lake Watershed Network:

  The Delavan Lake Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) is a new effort facilitated by KMLT to protect and improve the entire Delavan Lake watershed that complements and coordinates the great things that many local organizations are doing for the Lake. WIN is a coalition of lake groups, municipalities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and local citizens working together on projects to protect water quality and enhance local communities understanding of sound lake management practices.

• KMLT Report on the Annual Meeting and Book Signing:

  A standing room only crowd gathered to hear authors and conservationists Charlotte Adelman and Bernard Schwartz speak about their new book, The Midwestern Native Garden, Native Alternative to Nonnative Flowers and Plants, An Illustrated Guide (Ohio University Press, 2011). This is the second book devoted to native ecosystems and plants that the couple has written and is a beautiful guide to native plants that can easily replace many of the commonly sold greenhouse varieties that offer little benefit to butterflies, birds, bees and other vital pollinators.

  Copies of the book were available for purchase and KMLT members were able to purchase the book at a reduced cost and have it signed by the authors. After the presentation wine and cheese were served and everyone present enjoyed the shade of the patio garden. Charlotte and Bernard also partner with KMLT to perpetually preserve wildlife habitat along the shores of North Lake in northwestern Walworth County by donating a conservation easement to the Trust.

• Invader Crusader Award for KMLT Volunteer:

  Seven years ago Eric Tarman-Ramcheck began working as a volunteer removing invasive species, juggling a busy school and work schedule. His efforts at Camp Charles Allis, a private camp on the western shores of Lake Beulah, and Beulah Bog State Natural Area continue today, not only as a volunteer worker, but also as a member of the Camp Charles Allis Board of Directors and Chair of the Managed Forest Committee. In 2008, he joined the Board of the Kettle Moraine Land Trust (KMLT), and subsequently took the lead there in the organization's official adoption (via the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin) of the Beulah Bog State Natural Area. In addition, he was key in writing the Bog's Management Plan, and development of the Plant List. Eric has shown not only a willingness to work, but to lead, and to share his knowledge with others seeking to make a difference. Congratulations Eric!

• 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.”

• View Delavan Lake Sanitary District Informational Presentation given July 28, 2011.

  Delavan Lake WIN uses a watershed approach to attain a healthy, sustainable water quality in Delavan Lake that meets the needs of the surrounding human and ecological community. Delavan Lake WIN is composed of community groups, all levels of government, nonprofit organizations and other local interest groups. The diverse membership works collaboratively to implement a comprehensive Delavan Lake watershed plan by organizing, prioritizing, coordinating and monitoring land management and outreach activities.
  Learn more about Delavan Lake WIN.

• Kettle Moraine Land Trust Awarded Capacity-Building Grant

  The Kettle Moraine Land Trust is pleased to announce they have received a capacity-building grant as part of the Wisconsin Land Trust Excellence & Advancement Program (LEAP). The LEAP program is supported by Gathering Waters Conservancy and the Land Trust Alliance.

• Delavan Lake WIN Receives Recognition

  The Delavan Lake WIN project was highlighted recently at the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) state employee's meeting as a great example of how land trust's can partner with county and state agencies to implement conservation practices in watersheds. The Mississippi River Healthy Basins Initiative helped fund these conservation practices.

• Easement Donation Protects 107 Acres

  Don and Beverly Hartranft have donated a Conservation Easement to KMLT on approximately 107 acres they own just west of the Village of East Troy.

• Lake Beulah Area Conservation Project

  Kettle Moraine Land Trust is partnering with the Lake Beulah Management District, the Lake Beulah Protective and Improvement Association, the Town of East Troy, and residents living near and around Lake Beulah to begin land conservation work in the area.
  Download the Beulah Bog Project Brochure