By Kay Dahlke - Special to the News Graphic
PORT WASHINGTON — It all started in 1991, when a grassroots group in Port Washington decided to protect a parcel of land along Sauk Creek.
“We envisioned the Sauk Creek environmental corridor as a sort of ‘central park’ as Port grew around this environment gem in the midst of our city,” said Joe Dean, who was serving on the Port Washington Parks and Recreation Board the time.
The group petitioned, fundraised and formulated the 501(c)(3) organization, Ozaukee Land Trust, in 1992, which was renamed Ozaukee Washington Land Trust when the group began adding Washington County community members and lands to the organization.
“The Sauk Creek project served as an early example of smart land preservation — promoting blanched growth and economic development — while protecting this unique and precious natural resource,” Dean, one of the organization’s founders, said.
The goal of Ozaukee Washington Land Trust is to amplify the appreciation and preservation of the area’s natural beauty; these land trusts, as they are called, are nonprofit, nongovernmental conservation organizations that, through partnerships with public and private landowners, actively work to protect natural resources for the benefit of all.
These community-based organizations are run by local people having a shared passion for preserving their communities’ natural heritage.
In 30 years, the OWLT has adopted more than 25 nature preserves and three partnership preserves — Highland Woods, Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve and Mequon Nature Preserve.
The trust conserves more than 7,000 acres throughout the two counties it calls home, with more than 2,000 privately held that have been made available to the public.
In 30 years, the OWLT has adopted more than 25 nature preserves and three partnership preserves — Highland Woods, Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve and Mequon Nature Preserve.
The trust conserves more than 7,000 acres throughout the two counties it calls home, with more than 2,000 privately held that have been made available to the public.
In celebration of its 30-year anniversary, the group held an open-house event July 19 at the Port Exploreum in Port Washington. During the presentation, OWLT Executive Director Tom Stolp thanked the attendees for their hard work and donations.
He praised their “staying power and stick-to-it-ness and for preserving nature for the long haul.” He touched on the fundraising project for Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs, saying the group remains optimistic for a successful result.
“While we’re not ready to ring the victory bell, it’s not if but when. The generosity of community donations can still make it happen.” To that end he announced a 30-30-30 challenge grant, with a goal of raising $30,000 in 30 days.
Stolp also thanked Troop 1401 Brownies from Lincoln Elementary School in Wauwatosa, who pitched in to help raise funds to save Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs. Justin Wienke, father of two of the Scouts, said he and his daughters saw a story in a local newspaper. “My daughters and I love hiking, the outdoors, and believe in the need for nature conservation, so it resonated … especially in the manner that the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant was blocked.” The troop held “save the park” events at farmers markets and a lemonade stand to save the gorge, “and it went from there,” Wienke said.
“My 8-year-old daughter, Caroline, who was diagnosed along the autism spectrum, sought out neighbors, strangers from the farmers market and family friends to raise funds. Through her pitch, her poster, brochures and flyers, and ‘Conserve Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs’ yard signs she has raised more than $1,400 to ‘save the park.’ It has been a heart-warming experience,” said the proud dad.
The 30th anniversary celebration event included tapas, small plates and wine from The Norbert and The Orville in West Bend and music by Dennis Klopfer.
For information about Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, to make a donation or to discover ways to help “Save the Park,” visit www.owlt.org.