Driftless Area Land Conservancy

06/06/2026

Happy National Trails Day from Driftless Area Land Conservancy!

Today we celebrate the trails, preserves, and outdoor spaces that connect us to the Driftless Area 💚 Whether you are hiking through prairie, forest, wetland, or along a scenic ridgeline, we hope you find time to get outside and enjoy the land we all care for together. Need inspiration for a hike? Click the link below!

🔗Plan Your Hike: https://driftlessconservancy.org/plan-your-adventure-in-the-driftless/

06/03/2026

From aerospace engineering to trail stewardship, Dan Roth’s journey to the Driftless Area is rooted in curiosity, learning, and a deep appreciation for the natural world!

In our newest volunteer spotlight, learn how Dan found purpose helping care for the Driftless Trail and why this landscape continues to inspire him every day🌎

🔗Read more: https://driftlessconservancy.org/from-aerospace-to-oak-savannas/

06/02/2026

Recently, writer and editor Andrew Morkes (Nature in Chicagoland Book) visited Sardeson Forest Preserve in Mineral Point, WI. Reflecting on the beauty and rich history of the land, he highlights the preserve's stunning bluffs, peaceful trails, and the inspiring legacy of Roland Sardeson.

🔗Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4vmF0pi

BY ANDREW MORKES, FOUNDER AND AUTHOR OF “NATURE IN CHICAGOLAND” BLOG

05/29/2026

National Trails Day is almost here 🥾✨

Now is the perfect time to start planning your next Driftless adventure! There are so many ways to experience the beauty of the Driftless Area this season. Check out our latest blog for hiking inspiration, trail ideas, and tips to help you plan your National Trails Day outing 💚

🔗Plan Your Hike: https://driftlessconservancy.org/plan-your-adventure-in-the-driftless/

Share your National Trails Day plans in the comments below!

05/26/2026

Hit the trails! Join Fleet Feet Madison & Sun Prairie for a morning trail fun run on June 28th👟

Whether you’re brand new to trail running or a seasoned dirt-loving runner, all paces are welcome. Try demos and samples from Saucony and UCAN connect with DALC staff to learn more about conservation and trails across the Driftless Area, and meet the crew from Driftless Endurance a local organization building community through trail running and adventure.

Come explore, connect with fellow runners, and enjoy a few miles together🏃‍♀️

🔗 Learn more & secure your spot: https://driftlessconservancy.org/event/event-trail-fun-run/

05/22/2026

In our recent newsletter, Southern Driftless Grasslands Program Manager, Andy Bingle, explored the “superpowers” behind conservation partnerships across southwest Wisconsin🌿

From prescribed fire education to land protection funding, this work happens because organizations, landowners, agencies, and community members each bring unique strengths to the table. Together, those strengths help build resilient landscapes and communities across the Driftless Area.

🔗 Read more: https://driftlessconservancy.org/conservation-partnerships/

05/20/2026

For over a decade, bats have quietly been part of the landscape at Taliesin, and this summer we are taking a closer look at what is happening right above us🦇🌙

Join bat biologists for the property’s first comprehensive bat emergence count as we observe and document bats leaving their historic building roosts at dusk. While overwintering bats have been monitored here for years, this survey focuses on the species that rely on Taliesin’s buildings during the summer months for day roosting.

Your participation will help guide future bat monitoring and conservation efforts and inform planned building projects that could affect these important roost sites. Many pairs of eyes are needed across the property, and together we can better understand and care for these remarkable nocturnal neighbors.

🔗 Learn More & Register: https://driftlessconservancy.org/event/taliesin-bat-emergence-count/

05/17/2026

Spend the night beneath the stars in the heart of the Driftless Area🌕🍓

The Driftless Trail Collective is proud to present the Strawberry Solstice Run, a 10-hour overnight trail run, hike, or walk through southwest Wisconsin. Beginning at dusk on June 20th and ending at dawn on June 21st, participants will travel moonlit trails near Prairie du Chien, choosing between a 5.25-mile long loop and a 2.25-mile short loop throughout the night ✨

With a welcoming, low-key atmosphere, this event is all about community, connection, and experiencing the landscape differently!

Learn more and register today:

AboutThe Strawberry Solstice Run will be a 10-hour overnight timed run, hike, or walk consisting of a 5.25-mile long loop and a 2.25 short loop beginning at 8:00 pm [dusk] on June 20th, 2026, and e…

05/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday’s Evening Afield! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful evening of community and learning along Lowery Creek’s incredible trout stream. Special thanks to the Cates Family Farm for hosting and to PBS Wisconsin for filming as part of an upcoming documentary 🎥🐟

If you would like to join us in the field this season, there are still plenty of opportunities ahead. For the full list of Evening’s Afield offerings, please visit the DALC events calendar: https://driftlessconservancy.org/events-calendar/

📸Photos by Randy Manning

05/13/2026

👀 A little birdie told us there may be a special guest at this upcoming Evenings Afield… 🎥🐟

We’ve received word that a PBS film crew will be joining us at Lowery Creek to capture the beauty of conservation at the Cates Family Farm for an upcoming documentary series. From cold, clear trout streams to the dedicated work happening behind the scenes to restore and protect this remarkable landscape, it promises to be a memorable evening in the heart of the Driftless Area 🌿💧

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about conservation, native brook trout, trout stream restoration, or even catch a glimpse into the making of a nature documentary, this is your chance.

Join us along Lowery Creek as we explore the story of this restored Class 1 trout stream and the collaborative care helping shape the future of the valley.

🔗Register Today: https://bit.ly/4niEzcD

Once stocked with brown trout, Lowery Creek has become something remarkable: a restored Class 1 trout stream now home to rare heritage strain brook trout. 💧🐟

Join us for an evening along this winding Driftless stream as biologists introduce us to these stunning native fish and share the story of Lowery Creek’s transformation into a state-designated Brook Trout Preserve. We’ll also hear from a local angler about the experience of catching and releasing brook trout in these cold, clear waters.

🔗Register Today: https://bit.ly/4niEzcD

Evenings Afield is a project of the Lowery Creek Watershed Initiative, which aims to bring together residents, farmers, conservation organizations, and local partners to care for the health, resilience, and future of the valley.