Calhoun Creek Prairie was planted as a Christmas Tree Farm approximately 40 years ago, and most species that were planted are not native to our area. We are working to restore this prairie back to its native state, so by harvesting your own tree, you are playing a role in this prairie restoration.
Event participants will choose and harvest trees - all children will receive free candy canes and complimentary hot chocolate donated by Mama D's Coffee. Visitors can also explore vendor products from around Waukesha County and beyond at our Holiday Market. We hope you will join us at this year's Christmas Tree Harvest & Holiday Market and support land and water conservation in Waukesha County.
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COVID-19 Event Precautions
As we get closer to the event, WCLC will be following recommendations put forth by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This is an outdoor event, and we are asking guests to pre-register for a time to attend so we can safely accommodate individuals in an outdoor setting. These measures will include appropriate social distancing and wearing masks when interacting with those not in your group. We appreciate your support in protecting yourself and those around you.
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WCLC Limited-Edition Gear Sale |
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Native Plants & Wildlife Campaign
To celebrate the native plants and wildlife we have here in Waukesha County, we have limited-edition t-shirts and sweatshirts available for sale in multiple styles, colors, and sizes. These were designed by local graphic designer and WCLC volunteer Rachel Witte.
Proceeds will directly support land, water, and wildlife conservation and our ability to increase our efforts County-wide. Shirts will be shipped directly to you, and the deadline to purchase is Monday, October 19.
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Become a Land Steward Today |
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Fall Workdays
It's that time of year again - when beautiful fall colors fill our natural areas and neighborhoods. It's also the perfect time to join us outdoors to take down the infamous invasive species, buckthorn.
We have nine workdays scheduled on three different preserves during the months of September, October, November, and December, and we would love to have you join our volunteer team as a land steward to care for our special natural areas here in Waukesha County.
All equipment used during our Fall workdays will go through a rigorous disinfecting before and after each workday. We will be limiting the number of land stewards out at one time, requiring masks during training and when returning equipment, and asking for a minimum of 6 ft distance between those not in the same household.
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Drone Technology in Land Management |
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In-Lieu Fee Project Updates at Davis Preserve
WCLC has been in the process of restoring a 52-acre agricultural field back to a native wetland with the help of the Wisconsin Wetland Conservation Trust (WWCT). This restoration project is key to improving the health of the Mukwonago River watershed - with the Mukwonago River being one of the most biologically diverse streams in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Recently, we've made use of our drone technology to help identify and map invasive species within the preserve. As our restoration work continues and native plants and wildlife return, some areas of the preserve are less accessible on foot. By collecting drone footage, we are able to get aerial views in safer, efficient, and more precise ways than ever before. Aside from collecting data on invasive species, this tool is helping us monitor the success of the site's new ditch plugs, scrape areas, and native wetland vegetation. The team will continue to monitor these areas and will ensure the site maintains its success by controlling invasive species as soon as they're located. The good news is that waterfowl, herptiles, and other species are coming back in abundance. We will continue updating you as our progress on this expansive project continues.
Huge thanks to our partners: The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Strategies Group, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, and EC3 Environmental Consulting
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WCLC Needs Your Help
As a small nonprofit, we've definitely felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To reach our goals and continue our mission-driven work, WCLC depends on business and corporate partners. Your support is a great way to highlight the difference you're making in the communities you serve. Help us continue to maintain the unique ecological features and natural beauty we have here in Waukesha County today and for generations to come.
Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities here. We have options for businesses, corporations, and individuals starting at $500.
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Conservation Photography Contest:
VOTING OPEN
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Help Us Choose our 2020 Annual Report Cover Photo
Conservation Photography is used to raise public awareness of our natural world. It uses visual imagery as a tool to educate and participate in the act of conservation.
Our 2020 Conservation Photography contest is in full swing. We received 37 submissions, and each image tells a special story of our beautiful region. You can view the submissions here. We need your help choosing a winning photo to be featured on the cover of our 2020 Annual Report. It's up to our community! Cast your vote now through October 1, 2020.
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Other Ways to Give & Get Involved |
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Do you want to make an impact in our work?
There are many ways you can help us fulfill our mission of protecting and caring for environmentally significant land and water in Waukesha County for future generations:
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