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

Find your own wooded property to enjoy nature BuyWisconsinLand.com

Great Wisconsin Birdathon

May 12th is International Migratory Bird Day, and here in Wisconsin many will be heading outdoors to see up to 350 different species of birds that spend time in our state.

This year the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative is promoting the first ever Great Wisconsin Birdathon, a fund raiser to support state and local bird conservation programs.  During the month of May teams of 2 or more gather pledges then spend a day bird-watching and identifying bird species. This is the first year for this event, but the WBCI hopes to make it an annual fund raiser.

Get all the details for participating in or donating to the Great Wisconsin Birdathon here first-ever Great Wisconsin Birdathon

If you're new to birding, several Wisconsin State Parks are hosting events on May 12th - see the event list here "Opening Day" for birdwatchers is May 12

Get Mom a great wooded parcel for watching birds!  Happy Mother's Day from all of us at 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

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