Friends of State Parks Make Parks Better

Keeping our State Parks looking good and running smoothly isn't just a job for the DNR. Many parks have "Friends of the Park" groups that volunteer to help keep the parks clean, make repairs and hold fundraisers.

16 of these groups have recently received matching Stewardship grants for updates to our parks. See this article from the Wisconsin DNR Weekly News about these grants and the projects the "Friends" will be undertaking.

MADISON – A new marsh boardwalk at Horicon Marsh, a new accessible cabin at Harrington Beach State Park and a group picnic shelter at Rib Mountain State Park are among the improvements that will be made thanks to 16 state park friends groups that received matching grants from the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program.

The State of Wisconsin Building Commission last month approved the release of $248,600 in Stewardship property development funds for the 16 friends group projects that will begin this spring and summer after contracts are issued in early March 2013. These friends groups are providing a total of $668,000 in cash match for these projects.

Full story 16 ‘friends groups’ receive Stewardship grants for state park, forest and trail improvements

Find a great recreational property near one of our State Parks BuyWisconsinLand.com

State Natural Area Filled with Beauty

Wisconsin was first in the nation to have a statewide natural area program, and it will celebrate it's 60th year in 2012.  We have 653 State Natural Areas with 358,000 acres of prairies, forests and wetlands in Wisconsin. Learn more about our nature heritage in this article from the Wisconsin DNR.

MADISON – The nation’s first statewide natural area protection program turns 60 this year and wears it well, Wisconsin’s top land official says.

Six hundred fifty-three designated State Natural Areas preserve 358,000 acres of prairies, forests, and wetlands that are among the best of their kind left in Wisconsin and are a vital refuge for endangered plants and animals, says Kurt Thiede, administrator of the Department of Natural Resources’ land-related programs.

“The 60th anniversary is a time to celebrate with citizens and partners and to recognize the hard work done so far,” Thiede says. In addition to DNR, 51 other agencies, organizations, local governments, land trusts and private citizens have designated State Natural Areas on their own lands, and such sites account for one-third of all State Natural Areas.

Full Story State Natural Areas protect some of Wisconsin’s best natural landscapes

Enjoy nature on your own property!  Listings across Wisconsin BuyWisconsinLand.com

Orphaned Wildlife

One of the best things about being outdoors is seeing wildlife.  Watching the deer graze in a field, geese flying in a 'V' formation, seeing bunnies hop across the grass, frogs jumping into a pond. 

You may have even found a baby bird fluttering on the ground, or seen a fawn wandering on it's own. It's best not to approach the animals, most times the mother is nearby and watching.  There are times when you will find a baby that is alone or adult animal that is injured.  Again you should never approach these animals. Some animals have diseases that will pass to people and pets, and human scent can direct preditors right to the animal's location.

If you find a wild animal in distress you can contact the Wisconsin DNR or a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator to rescue the animal. Check out this article from the DNR website which tells you what to look for and has a list of Rehabilitators you can contact. What to do if you find orphaned wildlife

Looking for your own wooded property to watch wildlife? We have listings in over 45 Wisconsin Counties. BuyWisconsinLand.com

Forest Appreciation Week

April 22nd to April 28th has been proclaimed Forest Appreciation Week and Friday April 27th has been proclaimed the 129th Celebration of Arbor Day in Wisconsin (see the Governor's Proclaimation here)

Trees are a valuable resource in Wisconsin, and around the world. Arbor Day gives us a chance to remember this, and give back by planting a tree of our own.  Many Arbor Day celebrations will be taking place at schools this week, so don't be surprised if your little one brings home a seedling this Friday!  Get tree planting tips and more Arbor Day fun information on the Wisconsin DNR website Celebrate Arbor Day

Is your community a "Tree City"? The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, gives recognition to communities who work to maintain and promote their green areas.  Check out all of Wisconsin's and the US's Tree Cities here Tree City USA Communities

Find your own perfect wooded getaway here BuyWisconsinLand.com

Illinois Couple preserves over 3000 acres in Wisconsin

One of the largest conservation easements in Wisconsin History, the Winter Park Pines Nature Preserve. Story by Amy Alderman TribLocal reporter

As a boy, Libertyville resident Ken Aldridge climbed a fire tower to get a view of the sprawling pines and creeks west of Minocqua, Wis., where his family spent many summer vacations. Now that vast expanse of woodland is the sanctuary where Aldridge takes his own wife and kids to ski, hike, and fish.

The Chief Executive Officer of Aldridge Electric Co. recently made sure the area would remain a sanctuary for everyone by dedicating what Wisconsin officials call the largest conservation easement of private land in their state’s history — more than 3,100 acres.

“We wanted to preserve something that has a lot of beauty to it,” Aldridge said.

That seems like an understatement to some in Wisconsin.

Full Story Aldridge family grants largest land trust in Wisconsin’s history

Looking for your own Wisconsin wildlife property?  BuyWisconsinLand.com

Whitetail Deer Gun Season Starts November 19th

In Wisconsin November brings two important holidays - Thanksgiving and Whitetail Deer Gun Season. Soon blaze orange will be everywhere in the woods, and venison burgers are sure to follow.

New firearms regulations will be in effect beginning November 19th, for all the details see this article from the Wisconsin DNR New firearm rules take effect on opening day of gun deer hunt

Still looking for your own hunting property?  BuyWisconsinLand.com has wooded acreages and properties with trails for your ATV or snowmobile in over 40 Wisconsin Counties.  How about 80 acres bordered by County Land in Jackson County, the Whitetail Capital of Wisconsin!

Check out all our listings and call 877-339-6535 or email property@buywisconsinland.com - we'd love to help find your dream hunting or recreational property.

Good luck to all the hunter and have a safe and successful hunting season.

Find us on Facebook

Lease Your Land to Wisconsin

Interested in putting your wooded acreage to work for you? Check out this article from Wisconsin Outdoor Fun about leasing land to the State of Wisconsin that would make it available for the public to use.

MADISON – With $1.9 million federal dollars available for leasing, the Department of Natural Resources is seeking landowners interested in opening their lands for public access to hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife observation.  

The funds are available through the Voluntary Public Access (VPA) Program of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Full Story $1.9 million available for hunting, fishing, trapping, viewing leases

Looking for land to call your own? We have listings on over 40 Wisconsin Counties. BuyWisconsinLand.com

Land Conservation Funding Freeze

Reported by Kristen Elicerio wkbt.com

LA CROSSE, Wis. - Funding for local land conservation is in jeopardy after the Wisconsin DNR freezes all state Stewardship Fund grants. It's part of Governor Scott Walker's goal to balance the state budget.

The state gives out $86 million a year to the Stewardship Project.

The majority is for purchasing state parks and forests, but it also includes grant programs that local governments and conservation organizations can tap into for project funding.

Full Story DNR Freezes Land Conservation Funding - WKBT News 8 - La Crosse, WI

Parks, Forests and Trails - oh my!

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says all Wisconsin Parks, Forests and Trails are open - and that it's a great time to check out the wild flowers.

The WI DNR website has current conditions and updates posted so you know just what to expect when you head out for the day Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails-Current Condition Reports

You can also find maps for the parks, forests and (especially) the trails - to help you find your way around Wisconsin State Park Maps

Follow us twitter.com/buywisland