Ozaukee Wisconsin Land Trust - News

On June 25, 2015 we closed on a new preserve and it’s a good one! At 155 acres, the new Spirit Lake Preserve becomes our third largest preserve behind the Zinn Preserve (187 acres) and Fellenz Woods (165 acres.) 

With contributions from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District Greenseams Program, the Milwaukee Audubon Society and various private parties OWLT was able to buy this special piece of land from the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother - a community of women religious who desire to live the Gospel.  

The Sisters used the land as a private retreat for many years and they’re pleased to know that the public will get to enjoy the land now. The property was also used by Native Americans as a place for spiritual gatherings. You can feel a special presence there.

Our goal is to manage the preserve as a combined natural area with the Pukaite Woods section of Mequon Rotary Park, which is adjacent to Spirit Lake. The Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise Rotary Club is already funding one intern per year to manage the two areas. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Audubon Society is planning to take a very active role in the management as well.

Today is also the day that OWLT goes over 6,000 acres preserved! Wow. June 26, 2015.

Never a dull moment,

Mike Hoffer