NEWS + UPDATES

This past year has been one of growth, collaboration, and continued dedication to our mission of fostering cleaner waters, healthier ecosystems, and more vibrant communities across Wisconsin’s lakeshore region. Through the incredible efforts of our Partner Groups, volunteers, staff, and supporters, we have expanded conservation initiatives, secured funding for vital environmental projects, and strengthened our capacity to drive meaningful change.

In 2023, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) and Restoration of Our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS) launched a collaborative effort to restore the tree canopy across Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) campuses. With funding support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Urban Forestry Program, this initiative aims to replace over 300 ash trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation and create vibrant, green spaces for students and the community.

The City of Kewaunee is embarking on an ambitious effort to restore the Marshland Walk, a beloved city-owned boardwalk that was severely damaged by flooding in 2020. This project is not just about rebuilding infrastructure; it represents a broader commitment to ecosystem restoration, community access to nature, and long-term coastal resilience. Through our Coastal Resilience Community Impact Project (CRCIP), Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) is playing a key role in helping the City navigate the funding, planning, and implementation of this effort.

At a recent presentation, an audience member shared a phrase that really resonated with me: “We all have a water story”. During these first few months of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the many water stories I had the privilege of experiencing in 2024.

Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) has teamed up with Dr. Ryan Newton and his undergraduate capstone students at UW-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Science (SFS) to support the ongoing restoration of the Valley Creek Corridor in Port Washington. Throughout 2024, Dr. Newton’s students have acted as a small consulting team, tasked with gathering and analyzing stream data to inform both the restoration process and future research opportunities.

Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) is thrilled to share some exciting updates about our ongoing collaboration with the City of Algoma and our Partner Group, Friends of Crescent Beach, to restore and enhance Olson Park. Thanks to a $283,000 Sustain Our Great Lakes grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this long-anticipated project is moving forward!

The Climate Change Coalition of Door County (CCCDC) is thrilled to announce they have received a $120,150 grant from the Daybreak Fund to support the Boreal & Temperate Mesic Forest Climate Survivability Project. This three-year initiative is in partnership with The Ridges Sanctuary and Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) and will study the adaptability of tree species in various habitats to ensure the long-term success of reforestation efforts in order to increase climate mitigation, climate resilience, carbon sequestration, water protection, and biodiversity. This project will be guided and informed by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Forest Ecology, and will work in tandem with the Door County Big Plant and its conservation-leader partners.

The Sheboygan River Basin Partnership (SRBP), a Partner Group of Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), has a longstanding commitment to cultivating community partnerships that promote stewardship and sound decision-making for a healthier Sheboygan River Basin. This year, SRBP has renewed its focus on expanding public engagement through new and existing collaborations, furthering its mission to engage the community in meaningful conservation action.

The 15th annual Lakeshore Water Summit celebrated a decade and a half of impactful conservation work by the UWGB-Manitowoc Lakeshore Water Institute and its partners. The event highlighted research by the “Stream Team,” a group of student interns who monitor water quality in Manitowoc County creeks, contributing data to watershed restoration efforts. This year’s research demonstrated land use impacts on water quality and local restoration success, showcasing the program’s role in supporting local and regional conservation initiatives.

This past year has been one of growth, collaboration, and continued dedication to our mission of fostering cleaner waters, healthier ecosystems, and more vibrant communities across Wisconsin’s lakeshore region. Through the incredible efforts of our Partner Groups, volunteers, staff, and supporters, we have expanded conservation initiatives, secured funding for vital environmental projects, and strengthened our capacity to drive meaningful change.

In 2023, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) and Restoration of Our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS) launched a collaborative effort to restore the tree canopy across Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) campuses. With funding support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Urban Forestry Program, this initiative aims to replace over 300 ash trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation and create vibrant, green spaces for students and the community.

The City of Kewaunee is embarking on an ambitious effort to restore the Marshland Walk, a beloved city-owned boardwalk that was severely damaged by flooding in 2020. This project is not just about rebuilding infrastructure; it represents a broader commitment to ecosystem restoration, community access to nature, and long-term coastal resilience. Through our Coastal Resilience Community Impact Project (CRCIP), Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) is playing a key role in helping the City navigate the funding, planning, and implementation of this effort.

At a recent presentation, an audience member shared a phrase that really resonated with me: “We all have a water story”. During these first few months of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the many water stories I had the privilege of experiencing in 2024.

The Sheboygan River Basin Partnership (SRBP), a Partner Group of Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), has a longstanding commitment to cultivating community partnerships that promote stewardship and sound decision-making for a healthier Sheboygan River Basin. This year, SRBP has renewed its focus on expanding public engagement through new and existing collaborations, furthering its mission to engage the community in meaningful conservation action.

The 15th annual Lakeshore Water Summit celebrated a decade and a half of impactful conservation work by the UWGB-Manitowoc Lakeshore Water Institute and its partners. The event highlighted research by the “Stream Team,” a group of student interns who monitor water quality in Manitowoc County creeks, contributing data to watershed restoration efforts. This year’s research demonstrated land use impacts on water quality and local restoration success, showcasing the program’s role in supporting local and regional conservation initiatives.

Around this time last year, I was meandering through the quiet woods of the Chequamegon National forest, not yet knowing this hike would be unlike any other. As I ambled through the trees, my phone rang– it was a call from LNRP board members asking me if I would accept the role of leading this remarkable organization! Now, almost a year later, I want to take a few paragraphs to reflect on all we have to be thankful for at LNRP.

The Great Lakes region is facing a growing array of challenges from the continual spread of invasive pests to a warming climate that brings with it new extreme weather patterns. These issues are placing unprecedented strain on our coastal habitats, endangering the ecological health of areas critical to migratory birds and other wildlife. With funding from the U.S. Forest Service and Wildlife Conservation Society, LNRP is working with a team of consultants, nonprofits, municipalities, and community members to spearhead a comprehensive tree planting initiative that tackles these environmental threats head-on.

In 2023, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) and Restoration of Our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS) launched a collaborative effort to restore the tree canopy across Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) campuses. With funding support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Urban Forestry Program, this initiative aims to replace over 300 ash trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation and create vibrant, green spaces for students and the community.

The City of Kewaunee is embarking on an ambitious effort to restore the Marshland Walk, a beloved city-owned boardwalk that was severely damaged by flooding in 2020. This project is not just about rebuilding infrastructure; it represents a broader commitment to ecosystem restoration, community access to nature, and long-term coastal resilience. Through our Coastal Resilience Community Impact Project (CRCIP), Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) is playing a key role in helping the City navigate the funding, planning, and implementation of this effort.

At a recent presentation, an audience member shared a phrase that really resonated with me: “We all have a water story”. During these first few months of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the many water stories I had the privilege of experiencing in 2024.

The Sheboygan River Basin Partnership (SRBP), a Partner Group of Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), has a longstanding commitment to cultivating community partnerships that promote stewardship and sound decision-making for a healthier Sheboygan River Basin. This year, SRBP has renewed its focus on expanding public engagement through new and existing collaborations, furthering its mission to engage the community in meaningful conservation action.

The 15th annual Lakeshore Water Summit celebrated a decade and a half of impactful conservation work by the UWGB-Manitowoc Lakeshore Water Institute and its partners. The event highlighted research by the “Stream Team,” a group of student interns who monitor water quality in Manitowoc County creeks, contributing data to watershed restoration efforts. This year’s research demonstrated land use impacts on water quality and local restoration success, showcasing the program’s role in supporting local and regional conservation initiatives.

Around this time last year, I was meandering through the quiet woods of the Chequamegon National forest, not yet knowing this hike would be unlike any other. As I ambled through the trees, my phone rang– it was a call from LNRP board members asking me if I would accept the role of leading this remarkable organization! Now, almost a year later, I want to take a few paragraphs to reflect on all we have to be thankful for at LNRP.

The 10th Annual Soar on the Shore Kite and Beach Festival in Algoma drew large crowds despite rainy forecasts, offering children’s activities, kite displays, and food, as families enjoyed a vibrant day at the beach with colorful rocks and stunt kites.

Dozens gathered in Manitowoc on Lake Michigan Day to celebrate progress and address challenges facing the lake, with keynote speaker Sara Smith emphasizing the importance of a collective effort to combat global warming and protect water as a vital, interconnected resource.

JoAnne "Grandma Jo" Friedman is leading a movement in Sheboygan to replace traditional grass with white clover, advocating for its eco-friendly benefits like drought resistance, low maintenance, and support for pollinators.

The Door Community Compost Initiative, now with 250 participants, is helping Door County residents, businesses, and schools reduce waste and improve soil health through local composting efforts.

“The City of Sheboygan is one of twelve communities around the state to receive a grant aimed at planting more trees. The city is set to receive $5,000 from Alliant Energy’s One Million Trees initiative to help repopulate county parks with trees…”

“The partners that make up the Big Plant aim to add 10,000 trees to the peninsula landscape in April. Coordinator Jeff Lutsey of the Climate Change Coalition joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about his path the CCC, the value of trees and how to make a difference one root at a time…”

“(WFRV)- Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership provides strategic planning, networking, support, and more to the Wisconsin Ledge…”

“The City of Manitowoc is looking to beautify a section of the city near the lakeshore. The Public Infrastructure Committee heard from Parks Planner Brock Wetenkamp earlier this month as he was looking for approval of funding for the restoration of Maritime Bluff, located along Maritime Drive…”

“(WFRV) – For 20 years, they’ve been working to improve and protect the land and water surrounding Lake Michigan.

Retired Rambler Steve DeBaker visits Local 5 Live along with Tom Mlada, Executive Director for the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership with more on the important work happening in this unique section of Wisconsin.

Wiledge.org is the place to learn more about Wisconsin Ledge and connect with the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership at lnrp.org.”

“Baileys Harbor resident Jeff Lutsey has been named executive director of the Climate Change Coalition of Door County, taking a new position in what has been a volunteer-driven organization since its founding 10 years ago…”

“A potentially familiar face to you has been selected as the new leader of the Climate Change Coalition of Door County…”

In response to the challenge of climate change, LNRP launched the Coastal Resiliency Community Impact Project (CRCIP) in late 2020 and spent 2021 engaging Lake Michigan’s coastal communities. We believe this Coastal Resiliency opportunity will prove valuable resources to our municipal partners working to identify, plan, fund, and execute relevant community projects.

Lake Michigan coastal and riparian communities have been significantly impacted by land-use changes; therefore, restoring these unique ecosystems and reducing impacts from land conversion, erosion, pollution, and fragmentation are critical. Forests along the Lake Michigan coastline absorb severe impacts from a changing climate, including intense challenges to birds and wildlife and changes in weather patterns. LNRP will address climate impacts such as warmer, longer growing seasons, milder winters, increased frequency of heavy precipitation, higher fire risk, and the amplification of forest health stressors such as pests and invasive species.

Management techniques such as prescribed fire, removal and control of invasive species, and planting native trees, shrubs, and herbs are needed to maintain and enhance ecological health. The establishment of diverse native vegetation and year-round cover on this Property will result in increased foraging and nesting habitat for native wildlife species.