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Tundra swans on Washington Island
Photo by Melody Walsh
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Greetings!
I’ve decided to stop asking myself if the snow will end. Instead, I am embracing this mid-April snowstorm. In fact, based on the Bay Shore Blufflands restoration project, I should be celebrating this cold spring for giving us more time to treat the invasive buckthorn. But, as you’ll soon read, spring will come and our upcoming hikes provide some great opportunities to shake off winter and experience Door County in all of her thawing beauty.
Storytellers, writers, poets, rappers... you are welcome to participate in the April 26 Wild Words program. Contact us to find out more about how to share your story and pictures in 6 minutes and 40 seconds. That's what Wild Words is all about!
Finally, I am so pleased that Cinnamon Rossman agreed to step into the position of Door County Land Trust’s Development Director. In addition to her energy and enthusiasm, Cinnamon possesses deep-rooted appreciation and passion for the Door peninsula. Please join me in congratulating Cinnamon and welcoming her to her new and exciting role at Door County Land Trust.
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Tom Clay
Executive Director
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Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast
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We are pleased to announce the completion of the first round of invasive shrub removal in the Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast! The project is a community conservation effort designed to enhance the nature preserve and encourage the neighborhood and greater community to participate in the effort.
Jason Wilke, of Nature Care Ecological Consulting
and Services, worked at a quick pace to wrap up control efforts on 214 acres before the sap began to rise this past week. This means that all but 1/10
th
of an acre were treated and the cycle of summer maintenance by volunteers will begin. Jason
says, “
We look forward to completing the rest of the project starting back up next December.” The project will continue over the next two years, with efforts to catch any new sprouts from roots or seeds before they become an issue.
Why is Buckthorn such a
thorn
in our side?
Buckthorn is an invasive plant that crowds out native species like trillium and lady’s slipper. Its shallow roots and heavy shaded canopy create erosion problems. And, its low branch structure means that shrub-nesting birds and their young become easy prey. Removing this invasive from the Niagara escarpment in the Bay Shore neighborhood is key for protecting federally endangered Ram’s head orchid and the wildlife habitat on which birds rely.
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Cinnamon Rossman stepped into the role of Development Director at the beginning of 2018. For the past five years she has managed the Land Trust’s communications and events, and her new responsibilities now include working more closely with members and donors to build community support for the Land Trust’s mission. Cinnamon grew up near Mud Lake and has deep roots in Door County, and a deep connection with the peninsula's wild places.
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Upcoming hikes and events
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Thursday, April 26
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay
Door County Land Trust, Write On, Door County and Crossroads partner for a night of storytelling about Door County’s most treasured natural asset, water! Using a Japanese form of storytelling that combines images and words, called pecha kucha, ten people will share their original prose, poetry..and even a rap!
There's still room for one more storyteller…Contact us if you are interested in learning how to share your story!
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Thursday, April 26
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
7112 Highway 57, Baileys Harbor
Join us for a special Earth Day hike at the Door County Land Trust’s Heins Creek Preserve! This year we celebrate the Door County Land Trust’s protection of over 8000 acres in the county and the 6th Anniversary of the 74-acre Heins Creek Preserve. This beautiful…
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Saturday, April 28
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
10118 Moravia St, Ephraim
Let the chorus of frogs surround you during this evening hike at the Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond, a wetland gem in the heart of Ephraim. As spring temperatures rise, frogs begin their search for a mate, using their amazing vocal chords to announce their presence. Learn about the various ways of identifying frogs by sound, and about the efforts to monitor frog populations in Door County. This sensitive species is an indicator to the health of…
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Saturday, May 12
9:00 am - 11:00 am
5200 Lake Lane, Sturgeon Bay
Join Dale and Mary Goodner, Tim Stone and Executive Director Tom Clay on a leisurely hike through varied habitats in the Door County Land Trust’s Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Preserve. Discover some of the migratory as well as resident birds that can be found here. All level of birders are welcome, bring your binoculars and wear sturdy walking shoes as we stroll a mile or more along the trails. Research and restoration work go hand in hand. Volunteers control invasive…
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The Door County Land Trust is a local, non-profit organization working to preserve Door County's open spaces, scenic beauty and ecological integrity. The Land Trust has protected more than 8,000 acres and is supported by more than 2,200 members.
Door County Land Trust nature preserves are open to the public at no charge for hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife observation, some forms of hunting, and other low-impact, non-motorized recreational activities.
For more information on the Door County Land Trust and to make a contribution of support, please visit: www.doorcountylandtrust.org or call (920)746-1359.
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