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Fresh Snow and A Fresh Start: January Phenology
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As we step into 2026, January offers a natural moment to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Over the past year, the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust has made meaningful strides in caring for both land and the community. We launched our senior project, The Golden Years Nature Club, creating opportunities for older adults to connect with nature and one another. Restoration efforts continued at the Headwaters Preserve, helping native plants and wildlife thrive. We were also grateful to have received several grants that will allow us to expand our work and move closer to our goal of making the Kinnickinnic River a welcoming and accessible natural resource for everyone.
Winter invites us to slow down and notice the quieter rhythms of the land; something the river and its surrounding habitats do naturally this time of year. While much of the landscape remains dormant beneath the snow, the work of conservation continues above the surface. Trees store energy, wildlife adapts, and people mill about, recreating in the fresh snow. A winter walk along the river or through a KRLT property offers a chance to reflect on these cycles of renewal, mirroring the fresh start many of us seek in January.
As you set intentions for the year ahead, consider ways to stay connected to the Kinni, even in winter. Bundle up for a snowy hike, try birdwatching for year-round residents like chickadees and eagles, or admire the Kinni in its wintery stage. Small moments spent outdoors can ground us during the colder months and remind us why this work matters. With a new year unfolding, we look forward to continuing our shared journey of stewardship, access, and connection along the river.
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Happen to see something interesting during your next walk along the trails? We want to see! Send a picture to me at Jane@kinniriver.org for a chance to have your story highlighted on social media or next month's e-newsletter.
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Please Consider Making A Donation Today!
Your support provides critical financial resources to help continue KRLT's mission of protecting the beauty and health of the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed.
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Land Management
The Headwaters Preserve Prairie Restoration progressed as planned. The 29.7-acre tract was frost-seeded on December 5th, 2025. Twenty species of forbs and 5 species of prairie grass were planted. Looking forward to seeing the transition complete.
Our work on our preserves never ends, and there will be a need to conduct volunteer work parties throughout the winter. I plan to do the following work this winter:
1) Headwaters – Clear and burn downed trees within the oak savanna.
2) Headwaters- Cut and spray red oak regrowth within the prairie.
3) Kelly Creek – Cut and burn dead and down invasive trees along the trail system.
If interested in volunteering you can click here to add your name to our volunteer list and receive information about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Conservation Easements
Work also continues on a large conservation easement in the South Fork Sub watershed. A conservation easement generally restricts development, protects agriculture, forestry, and conservation values on the property in the Kinnickinnic River watershed. A conservation easement takes about 3 to 6 months and about $10,000 to $15,000 to complete. Most conservation easements are donated by the landowner, and KRLT asks the landowner to cover the cost of the easement. The land trust is required to follow a strict protocol by the Land Trust Alliance to complete a transaction and maintain our accreditation. Several documents need to be negotiated and drafted, including the conservation easement, legal descriptions, a survey map, and a baseline report. A baseline report provides a description of the natural history and the conservation values on the property, along with a current, comprehensive photo log for future comparison. Funds must be set aside in an escrow account to cover annual monitoring costs and a legal defense fund in case there is a violation that requires legal services to resolve. Lastly, there are attorney fees, title insurance, and recording costs. Once complete, a conservation easement becomes a legal document attached to the title and remains in place forever!
If you are interested in more information or putting your property into a conservation easement, please contact me.
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KRLT Volunteer Opportunity
We need your help to remove dead and down box elder trees along the trail system at Kelly Creek Nature Preserve.
When: Wednesday, January 14th
Where: Kelly Creek Nature Preserve parking lot, 1359 CTH Road J, River Falls, WI 54022
Time: 10:00 am until 2:00 pm
How: Chainsaws will be used to cut down and cut up dead box elder trees. Cuttings will be stacked into piles to be burned at a later date.
Equipment Needed: Chainsaws, work gloves, and safety Glasses. Those using chainsaws must have personal safety equipment, including a hard hat, face shield or safety glasses, and chaps.
-Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
If interested in volunteering, please contact Land Stewardship Manager, Marty Engel by emailing him at marty@kinniriver.org
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Sustainable Speaker Series-Life Depends On Rivers
How Healthy Rivers Support Strong Communities
Join Amy Souers Kober with American Rivers for a compelling talk that weaves together personal experience and science to show how healthy rivers strengthen communities and build resilience.
Wednesday, February 4th at 6:30 pm
North Hall Auditorium, #222 at UW-RF Campus
You can also join virtually through the River Falls Public Library Facebook and YouTube pages.
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School District of River Falls - Community Education
Managing Your Rural Property to Protect the Kinni
We all make an impact on our land. Learn ways to naturally enhance your property to help protect our water. We will talk about methods of soil and water conservation, from small butterfly gardens to large habitat restoration, and how you can access advice and possibly funding for your efforts. You have the ability to make a difference! Click here to register.
INSTRUCTORS: Becky Brathal, Aleisha Miller, Maureen Ash
DATE: Monday, February 23rd
TIME: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
PLACE: River Falls High School, Room D102
CLASS FEE: $10
MATERIALS FEE: $5
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St. Croix Valley - Wisconsin Master Naturalist
The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program supports a network of well-informed volunteers and instructors dedicated to conservation service, leadership, and lifelong learning. Through expert-led trainings out in nature and in the classroom, Master Naturalists are equipped to address environmental challenges facing the state. Make a positive impact through stewardship, citizen science, and educational activities. Aleisha Miller is helping with a local training that meets one Saturday a month, March-August. Registration opens January 12. The link has specific information. Click here to register.
INSTRUCTOR: Jen Vieth, Aleisha Miller, Ash Goldbeck
DATE: Sa - March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug 15
TIME: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
PLACE: Locations across the St. Croix River Valley
CLASS FEE: $300
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Mark your calendars for Nature Fest 2026 on Saturday, October 3rd!
Stay tuned for sponsorship options, volunteer opportunities, activities, and much more!
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As 2025 came to a close, we had some members transitioning off the Board of Directors and new members joining. In 2026, we will introduce a new feature in our monthly newsletter: Board Member Spotlights. This will be a great way to get to know the new and familiar faces of the fantastic members of KRLT.
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We would like to thank the following KRLT Board Members for their service.
Holly Dolliver
Aleisha Miller
Violet Penman
& Deborah Wulf
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We would like to welcome the new KRLT Board Members.
Jim Harsdorf
John Lisowski
Kathleen Pilney
& Katelyn Volk.
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Happy New Year! The KRLT team is buzzing with excitement as we dive into 2026. We’re thrilled to continue our programming and outreach efforts, along with conservation efforts. Thank you for your passion in helping to protect the Kinnickinnic River and its beautiful watershed! Here's to another great year together!
If you didn't get a chance to make a contribution last year, please consider making one in 2026. The important work of protecting this incredible place is possible because of you!
If you know someone who is passionate about the Kinnickinnic River watershed, invite them to become a member. With each new member, our community connections grow stronger, enabling us to make an even greater impact in protecting the Kinnickinnic River and connecting people to it. For more information about memberships, click here!
Have questions about KRLT Memberships or ways to support KRLT? Give me a call at 715-301-0753.
Together, we can protect the Kinni,
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Kinnickinnic River Land Trust
Business Members
| | The Kinnickinnic River Land Trust is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that works with the community to conserve and protect the beauty and health of the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed. | | | | |
