Door County, WI—Door County Land Trust (DCLT) is pleased to announce it has recently acquired and permanently protected 20 acres containing high-quality wetlands in the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area on Washington Island which is known for its rare and imperiled coastal wetlands.  

This property contains an ephemeral pond that is hydrologically connected to the Big Marsh. Conservation of this area helps protect water quality and habitat for migratory birds, fish, rare plants, and the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly.  

The acquisition expands the Big and Little Marsh Natural Area where DCLT now protects 132 acres in addition to 350 acres protected by the Wisconsin DNR. The previous owners of the 20 acres, Mike Davis and Susan Buchanan, worked with DCLT to ensure the property was acquired for conservation rather than see it developed. 

As their family grew to include two grandsons, the couple began to consider the future of their property. Around the same time, DCLT expanded their area of interest to a larger swath of the Big Marsh watershed on Washington Island. When the Land Trust reached out, the timing was perfect.

“This land has many essential qualities that enhance the unique ecology of the island, making it vital that it remains undeveloped,” stated Susan, a retired Executive Director of a land trust in Waukesha County. “Protecting this land for future generations is crucial for both of us.”

“It feels good to preserve an area for migratory birds and also protect the watershed for an amazing ecosystem,” said Mike, recounting the abundance of plants and wildlife they have spotted on the property. Salamanders, wood ducks, foxes, shorebirds, and a pair of sandhill cranes return to this property each year. Mike and Susan are glad to know the ephemeral pond will return each year too, providing critical habitat for the residents.  

The couple completed a bargain sale of 24 acres in the Big and Little Marsh Natural Area to the DNR in 2004, but the state has since pulled back on acquiring new land for conservation. DCLT is one of the few organizations in Door County actively seeking acquisitions at a time when state conservation funding is dwindling.  DCLT currently protects over 10,600 acres—more than all five Door County state parks combined.  

Conservation is a tool that Mike and Susan hope that landowners feel inspired to consider in order to protect Washington Island’s rural character, including tranquil natural spaces and dark skies. They feel the benefits are apparent right away and last long into the future. “Being in nature resurrects your soul,” said Susan. “It grounds you in what the meaning of life is.” 

A portion of the conservation costs for the property are being funded by grants from the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) program and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) in partnership with Ducks Unlimited. DCLT seeks to raise funds for the conservation costs and long-term care of this property, as well as 12 more land protection projects on the peninsula this year. In addition to its annual membership and donations fundraising goal, DCLT must raise $915,000 this year to support these new land protection efforts. Every contribution makes a difference. To contribute to these land protection efforts, visit doorcountylandtrust.org.  

Willing landowners can shape the future of Door County by choosing to work with conservation organizations such as the Land Trust. DCLT thanks Mike and Susan for their willingness to protect their land for future generations.

About the Door County Land Trust

Protecting Door County’s Exceptional Lands and Waters…Forever. Door County Land Trust protects the wild places, scenic beauty, and ecological integrity that make the peninsula and islands so special. 15 featured nature preserves are open for hiking, and other low-impact, non-motorized recreational activities–all at no charge to the public. Trail maps and more information may be found at www.doorcountylandtrust.org.