Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Across Wisconsin people are "Freezin' for a Reason" and jumping in local lakes to raise money for Wisconsin Special Olympics.

Although many events have already taken place - there are still 12 more Polar Plunge events scheduled for 2014 across Wisconsin. Visit the Special Olympics Wisconsin Polar Plunge page to see events, sign up or donate. Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin

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40 Years for the International Crane Foundation

In 2013 the International Crane Foundation is celebrating its 40th year of saving the world's crane population. Their efforts have saved wetlands and increased crane populations as well as improved peoples livelihoods on 5 continents.

Located in Baraboo, it is the only place where you can see all 15 crane species. The ICF is open to the public April 15th to October 31th from 9AM to 5PM.  There are tours available in the summer, or just come visit the birds or hike the trails. Find more information about cranes, visiting the foundations or donating at the International Crane Foundation website savingcranes.org

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CP Holiday Train in Wisconsin

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is once again running across the United State and Canada, bringing holiday spirit and entertainment to each of it's stops, all the while collecting food and contributions for local food pantries.

Check out their Facebook page for pictures of the lighted train as it travels from town to town Holiday Train Facebook Page

The train will be making stops in Wisconsin on December 8th and 9th - don't miss the fun and a chance to make someones holiday brighter too with your nonperishable food items.

Saturday:
Sturtevant Amtrak Depot 6:05PM
Milwaukee Amtrak Depot 7:45PM
Hartland parking lot at Cottonwood Avenue & Pawling Avenue 9:30PM Hartland Train Celebration
Columbus Amtrak Depot  10:40PM - 15 minute stop and go

Sunday:
Portage Amtrak Station 1:30PM Portage Train Celebrations
Wisconsin Dells Amtrak Depot 3PM Win a Holiday Train Ride
Mauston Division Street Railroad Crossing 4:30PM
Tomah 205 North Superior Avenue 5:35PM - 35 minute stop and go
Sparta Corner of S. Water Street & Milwaukee Street 7PM
La Crosse Amtrak Station 9:15PM

Get more information here Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

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Wisconsin and Michigan Win Awards for "Mitten State Debate"

If you remember last winter Travel Wisconsin, the State Tourism office, used a mitten to represent our state for it logo for a seasonal campaign.  Many residents of Michigan were outraged, claiming they were the "Mitten State" (see blog post from December 8th, 2011).

Pure Michigan, that State's Tourism office, and Travel Wisconsin encouraged the debate, all in good fun, and then created the "Great Lakes Mitten Campaign" to collect mittens and warm clothing for charities (see blog post from January 10th, 2012).

Now Michigan and Wisconsin have won the U.S. Travel Association Mercury Award for their handling of "Mittengate".  By promoting the "controvery" both states enjoyed $17 million dollars of free publicity and collected 3,100 mittens and winter clothing items for Wisconsin charities.

See these articles:
Mitten feud wins for Wisc., Mich. tourism officials  - Janesville Gazette
'Mittengate' garners award for Wisconsin tourism agency - The Business Journal
Mitten flap between Michigan and Wisconsin wins state travel departments national recognition - MLive.com

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World's Largest Amateur Musky Tournament

This weekend, August 17th-19th, it's the 27th Annual National Championship Musky Open Tournament in Eagle River.

Registration will be $55 at the Vilas County Fairgrounds. The Grand Door Prize this year is a 2012 Mercury Powered Ranger Boat with a RangerTrail trailer, and there will be many other great prizes. A portion of the proceeds from this event go to fish stocking and habitat imporvement.

Bring a non-perishable food item for the Vilas County Food Pantry and be entered to win a a Shimano Reel and other great fishing prizes.  Also bring a friend who's never fished before and you could win a musky rod and reel.

Get all the details for this fun family fishing weekend here National Championship Musky Open Tournament.

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Easter Seals

Easter reminds us of spring and bunnies, chocolate eggs and jelly beans. But year round the folks at Easter Seals work to help those with disabilities to enjoy a better quality of life.

Check out the Easter Seals Wisconsin website eastersealswisconsin.com and see all the good things this charity does.

From all of us at BuyWisconsinLand.com - Happy Easter everyone!

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

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Great Lakes Mitten Campaign

The 'State Mitten War' (see blog post from December 8th) has blossomed into the Great Lakes Mitten Campaign!

Pure Michigan and Travel Wisconsin have teamed up to collect mittens for local charities.  But you only have until January 15th - so check out this website to find the collection location nearest you - Mitten Love

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Fish for Charity

Tuesday July 16th is the 15th Annual Phillips Area Charity Classic Muskie Tournament.

Register at Ross’s Sport Shop on Lake Avenue in Phillips at 6AM and then join in the fun of this catch and release musky tournament on Phillips Chain of Lakes. Total cash prizes of $14,400.00 (based on 60 two-person teams): $7,500 to 1st place winner, $3,000 second, $2,000 third, $1,000 fourth and $900 fifth. Prizes, drawings and raffles at 4:30PM at Harbor View on Long Lake and live music 9PM. Proceeds to benefit a local non-profit group.

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Giving from your Heart

You've finished the shopping and wrapped all the gifts (see the last post!) but now you want to give just a little more.

It seems most people have a charity or two they like to donate to. But sometimes you wonder how much of your dollar is really going toward the cause?

Two great sites that can help are CharityWatch.org and CharityNavigator.org These sites rate charities based on percentage of money going for administrative costs and financial dealings, plus let you know which are most popular as well as new groups who need your help and much more. It will help you feel better knowing your dollars really are helping someone this holiday season.

From the BuyWisconsinLand.com team: Roy, Jerry, Mike, Lance and Shelley, we wish everyone a very joyous Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season.