Marinette County
Caldron Falls Conservancy
55 Acres Protected
This property is nestled between Governor Thompson State Park and the Peshtigo River State Forest. Previously, this property was intensely logged, has since recovered, and now boasts more than 20 tree species with mature aspen being most numerous. The land shows clear forest succession patterns and is now managed to promote native composition and structure. Its habitat is diverse and includes natural springs, ephemeral streams and wetlands, a beautiful ridge of exposed granite, high concentration of igneous glacial erratics, and a large array of wildlife including neo-tropical and song-bird habitat for numerous migratory and nesting song and game birds such as: warblers, turkey, grouse, and pileated woodpecker.
Island Lake
221 Acres Protected
Granted in 2004, this conservation easement is on land dominated by two glacial eskerswhich bisect the property from west to east; 99% of the conservancy is forested. The highland area is covered mainly by northern hardwood forest, predominantly maple, oak and both red and white pine. Valleys and low areas are forested with balsam, tamarack, alder and aspen. A dense white cedar swamp/bog lies along the northern boundary of the property. Along the southwestern corner is over 700 feet of undeveloped frontage on Island Lake — an 81 acre marl-bottomed drainage type lake with superior water quality.The wide diversity of plant communities found on the site provides excellent habitat for an equally diverse animal community. Species of special concern that may be seasonally present include: Northern Goshawk, Blandings Turtle, and Gray Wolf
Little Wausaukee River
34 Acres Protected
This conservancy is bisected by the Little Wausaukee River, a class 1 trout stream which is home to native brook trout. The stream flows across the entire property with 1,400 feet of shoreline. The walls of the stream valley consist of remnant native white and red pine, some are 150 years old or more.
The developing forest cover was enhanced and currently provides additional erosion protection for the stream. This is very important as the steep, sandy slopes along the river are highly erodible, potentially affecting the quality and livability of the stream for the native brook trout present. Rising from the Outwash Plain, this land exhibits the characteristic Moraine Knolls associated with the Wausaukee Outwash Plains Landscape.
Medicine Brook
231 Acres Protected
This conservancy includes 231 acres along Medicine Brook, a high quality trout stream that drains into the Peshtigo River. High banks of cedars, balsam fir and northern pin oaks slope down to the river in the glacial outwash plain. The land includes aspen, oak, pine and red maple woodlands, 27 acres of cedar and spruce swamp, and over 15 acres of restored prairie. This conservancy also provides excellent orchid habitat.
Medicine Brook conservancy is a haven for numerous species. These — and dozens of other species — have chosen this as their home: lady tresses, huron green orchid, small purple fringed orchid, yellow lady's slipper, brown trout, brook trout, and black bear.
Peshtigo Rivers Confluence
24 Acres Protected
The Peshtigo River is a Wisconsin Land Legacy Place and one of America’s great rivers. Both the Peshtigo and Little Peshtigo rivers provide habitat and recreational fishing opportunities for northern pike, walleye, and bass. The intact floodplain forest and wetlands provide exceptional habitat for the large array of wetland and river-dependent wildlife including mink, otter, snowshoe hare, flying squirrel, bear, porcupine, wolf, red-headed and pileated woodpeckers, wood duck, sandhill crane, horned owl, and bald eagle. Protecting this property contributes to the conservation of the intact and natural landscapes that currently characterize the Little Peshtigo and Peshtigo Rivers corridor in this area, and ultimately the health of Green Bay.
Spikehorn Creek Conservancy
190 Acres Protected
Our Newest addition in 2014, this preserve protects 1,500 feet of Spikehorn Creek, a Class 1 trout stream. Spikehorn Creek is a designated area of special natural resource interest, a priority navigable waterway and an outstanding waterbody by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The property protects 190 acres of wetlands, forested uplands, and fields which make great habitats for birds.
Stephenson Lake
80 Acres Protected
This conservancy encompasses all of Stephenson Lake, a 30 acre spring fed lake in Marinette County and abuts Marinette County Forest land. Stephenson Lake flows southward through several other lakes, Marinette County Forest land, and then into Lake Noquebay Wildlife Area. The outlet from Lake Noquebay flows into the Peshtigo River and then into Green Bay.
This lake provides excellent habitat for migrating waterfowl and aquatic species. Fauna observed include: bald eagle, osprey, sandhill crane, river otter, several species of duck, and an abundant number of fish.
Three Creeks
600 Acres Protected
Three Creeks Conservancy boasts 600 acres (nearly one square mile) of protected land. A property of this magnitude is a rare gem that consists of undeveloped shorelines, private forested lands and unique habitat. In addition to providing habitat for bear, bobcat and deer, this area is the home range for a local wolf pack. Numerous migratory and nesting, song and game birds have made this place their home, as well. This is one of the few remaining wilderness areas in northeast Wisconsin.
Notable species include: white-tailed deer, gray wolf, bobcat, and black bear.
Northern Lake Conservency
627 Acres Protected
This 627-acre woodland and spring-fed lake in Marinette County, at the northern reach of our 12-county territory, is an iconic example of Wisconsin's forested northland. Its protection is phase-1 of continuing work to protect the property's entire 947 acres.
The large tract of wooded land is adjacent to a county park and a State Natural Area, increasing its ecological impact by providing miles of uninterrupted habitat where large mammals, fish, and birds can thrive. Its spring-fed lake is located at the headwaters of a Class I trout stream - and considered and Exceptional Resource Water by the WDNR.