OUR OFFICERS AND BOARD Dave DeAngelis Don Henderson President Ken Ingle Walker Johnson Jim Blomberg Gerry Petersen Vice President Jerry Petersen Herb Sharpless Tom Herbstritt Peggy Sorenson Treasurer Dave Weiner Bill Huxhold Secretary STAFF Maggie Zoellner, Executive Director Sue Heffron, Assistant Program Manager N7511 Sterlingworth Dr. PO Box 176 Elkhorn, WI 53121 262.949.7211 [email protected]Kettle Moraine Land Trust P.O. Box 176 Elkhorn, WI 53121 News for Spring 2017 Nature Newsleer Spring 2017 Volunteering + Nature = Happiness Kettle Moraine Land Trust members and volunteers recently gathered at Camp Alice Chester in East Troy to celebrate the accomplishments of KMLT volunteers. Staff and directors hosted the event to thank the volunteers for helping KMLT grow. More than 80 volunteers have contributed time and efforts in the past few years. Volunteers are essential to KMLT. For example volunteers host school field days, where students learn water sampling, trail maintenance and invasive species removal. Students and volunteers come out in hot and cold weather – even rain - to take care of special natural plac- es in our communities. Volunteers share their talents in fun and unique ways like serving watermelon to butterflies at the KMLT Monarch Butterfly event, or helping children learn about the butterfly life cycle. Volunteers take care of KMLT’s preserves and local parks by pulling invasive species, cutting brush and making sure trails are ready for visitors. Other talents al- ways in demand are photographers and videographers. Volunteers help maintain our website and Facebook page. Volunteers make the world of conservaon a thing of beauty. Jim Marrari and Barb Carstens have led KMLT’s Moth- er’s Day Bird Walks for the past four years. How did they become interested in volunteering? Jim said, “We enjoy bird watching in the area and I enjoy sharing my experiences and teaching people about birds. ” Barb added, “I believe in the KMLT mission because main- taining good habitat is so important to birds, animals and people, and KMLT is doing excellent work.” Thank you to all the volunteers for helping KMLT pro- tect our beautiful lands and waters! New volunteers are always welcome! WILD EDIBLES July 15 Natureland Park, W8338 Territorial Rd, Whitewater 11:00 AM MEET THE MONARCHS! August 19 Price Park, N6418 Hodunk Rd., Elkhorn 1-4 PM Visit www.kmlandtrust.org or our Facebook page for registration details
N e w s f o r S p r i n g 2 0 1 7 Nature Newsletter Spring 2017
Volunteering + Nature = Happiness
Kettle Moraine Land Trust members and volunteers recently gathered at Camp Alice Chester in East Troy to celebrate the accomplishments of KMLT volunteers. Staff and directors hosted the event to thank the volunteers for helping KMLT grow. More than 80 volunteers have contributed time and efforts in the past few years.
Volunteers are essential to KMLT. For example volunteers host school field days, where students learn water sampling, trail maintenance and invasive species removal. Students and volunteers come out in hot and cold weather – even rain - to take care of special natural plac-es in our communities.
Volunteers share their talents in fun and unique ways like serving watermelon to butterflies at the KMLT Monarch Butterfly event, or helping children learn about the butterfly life cycle. Volunteers take care of KMLT’s preserves and local parks by pulling invasive species, cutting brush and making sure trails are ready for visitors. Other talents al-ways in demand are photographers and videographers. Volunteers help maintain our website and Facebook page.
Volunteers make the world of conservation a thing of beauty.
Jim Marrari and Barb Carstens have led KMLT’s Moth-er’s Day Bird Walks for the past four years. How did they become interested in volunteering? Jim said, “We enjoy bird watching in the area and I enjoy sharing my experiences and teaching people about birds.” Barb added, “I believe in the KMLT mission because main-taining good habitat is so important to birds, animals and people, and KMLT is doing excellent work.”
Thank you to all the volunteers for helping KMLT pro-tect our beautiful lands and waters! New volunteers are always welcome!
WILD EDIBLES
July 15 Natureland Park, W8338 Territorial Rd, Whitewater
11:00 AM
MEET THE MONARCHS!
August 19 Price Park, N6418 Hodunk Rd., Elkhorn
1-4 PM
Visit www.kmlandtrust.org
or our Facebook page for registration details
Memories of Farm and Family Inspire Preservation
Hartranft’s Mission to Protect and Preserve
Leah Van De Loo, UW-Whitewater Student
In a time dominated by expansion and development, Don and Bev Hartranft have a different goal for the generations to come. Their vision, fueled by their love of nature and commitment to conserving family owned land, has become a reality with the help of the Kettle Moraine Land Trust.
In 1880, Bev’s family acquired over one hundred acres of land in East Troy that she and Don now share. Not only is the land’s wildlife and vegetation abundant but so are the many memories made on the land. Bev recalls rich times with the whole family, especially the joyous moments shared with her father walking outside and being surrounded in nature; his dedication and commitment to working on the land inspired Don and Bev both to make sure the beauty and hard work is forever preserved.
This motivation was acted upon in 2009, when the Hartranft’s start-ed a Conservation Easement plan in partnership with Kettle Moraine Land Trust. This voluntary easement, which has been personally designed, permanently protects and preserves the lands conserva-tions values that have been established. Although the land is pro-tected by KMLT, Don and Bev still hold the right to own and sell their property, with the easement agreement remaining with the property title.
The land protected is separated into an Agricultural Easement Plan and a Natural Area Easement where goals are set specifically for each one. Re-moval of invasive species is a large part of easement plans, which protects natural resources and lowers the chances of species extinction. Preserving ecosystems now and for decades to come is the ultimate goal, and Don and Bev are committed to making this happen. The Hartranft’s spend countless hours working on the land and have developed a deep love and appreciation for it.
The Hartranft’s dedication and commitment to their land is not only admirable but inspiring as well. As natural resources and habitats are rapid-ly diminishing, it is crucial that we recognize the importance and beauty that the natural world holds. The passion and drive Don and Bev ac-quired from Bev’s father’s hard work will definitely be passed down for the generations to come. Nature is irreplaceable, and the Hartranft’s have partnered with KMLT to forever protect it.
If you would like to know more about protecting your lands contact Maggie Zoellner at 262-949-7211.
If you’re reading this article, you know that Kettle Moraine Land Trust is your partner with nature. Because of our members and their support, we are able to protect beautiful lands and waters for our enjoyment and for future generations. But take a deeper look:
KMLT owns and cares for nature preserves for your enjoyment and wildlife pro-tection. We protect important natural resources in – and for - the community.
KMLT provides nature-based educational and fun opportunities for you and your family.
KMLT protects lands for the future, but also gives residents opportunities to connect to the world around us now with guided activities and open preserves.
How can you be a part of this great organization? Come out and take a stroll through one of KMLT ’s four nature preserves. Volunteer to help take care of a preserve or host an event or staff a booth.
Give generously! A gift of...
$35 is a perfect graduation, birthday or anniversary gift - the gift of nature with a KMLT membership which comes with informative newsletters and free admission to events.
$100 covers the cost of one student attending a KMLT Field Day, learning how to take care of land for the future.
$250 funds supplies and equipment for ongoing stewardship of our nature preserves.
$1,000 entitles you to the many benefits of our Legend Builders Club where you can play an even greater role in the future of KMLT
If you have not contributed to KMLT this year, please do so today. Contact me or Maggie Zoellner to find the full range of opportunities, both to enjoy the land and to volunteer.
Dave DeAngelis, KMLT President
Message from our President - Dave DeAngelis
Not only is the land a place they call home, but its fertile with rich memories from the past and many more to be made. Time spent with children and grandchildren on the land is priceless.
Peg Sorenson
Kettle Moraine Land Trust is happy to announce the election of Peggy Sorenson to the Board of Directors. Peg brings a wide range of skills to the board including real estate transaction experience, fund raising and special event planning. As a lifelong resident of Lauderdale Lakes Peg has helped out at KMLT events for several years. Her wide ranging interests include kayaking, tennis and synchronized swimming. You are likely to see Peg at our events this summer so don’t hesitate to say hello.
Our board is made up of volunteers who share their time and talents to ensure that KMLT protects important lands and waters in Walworth County.
