Join the Annual Midwest Crane Count

This year April 12th is the date of the Annual Midwest Crane Count.  Thousands of folks in six Midwest states will head out to wetland and other birding locations to count cranes.

To find more information or to volunteer check out the International Crane Foundation's website 2014 Annual Midwest Crane Count

Watch cranes, other birds and wildlife from your own wooded property - find one here 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

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

Moose Spotted in Wisconsin

Story by Paul A. Smith of the Journal Sentinel

Gene and Sue Esker have grown accustomed to living among the wild ones at their Town of Minocqua home.

"Oh sure, bears and deer are coming through all the time," said Sue Esker. "We've seen wolves. And the other night we saw a gray fox." 

The Eskers appreciate the wildlife. It's one reason they retired on the shores of Shishebogama Lake. 

But after living there for 13 years, it takes an extraordinary critter sighting to stop the couple in their tracks.

Full Story Young bull moose spotted at Shishebogama Lake

Follow us twitter.com/buywisland 

Keep Your Land "Wildlife Friendly"

One great thing about owning wooded acreage, there is plenty of wildlife to see and hear. And if you'd like help to keep your "wild area" wild, consider joining the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program run by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This program provides funds and advice on how to restore and keep up your land with native plants and provide the best enviroment for wildlife.

For an overview of this program, see this page on the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge's site Private Landowner Assistance or visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service website Habitat and Resource Conservation

follow us twitter.com.buywisland