Climate Change Coalition of Door County Awarded $120,150 Grant for Boreal & Temperate Mesic Forest Climate Survivability Project

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.

Sheboygan River Basin Partnership Expands Community Connections for Healthier Waterways

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 Lakeshore Water Summit’s 15 Years of Cross-Generational Conservation Impact

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.

LNRP Fall 2024 Updates from Executive Director Mike Mullen

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.

Local Organizations Collaborate and Plant a Sustainable Tree Canopy at Grant and Cooper Elementary Schools

The Sheboygan Rotary Club’s Restoration Of Our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS) and Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) have partnered with Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) to enhance tree canopies in public school properties through a $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), launched on October 19, 2024, with matching funds from ROOTS and LNRP.

The Interconnectedness of Conservation and Public Health

A healthy environment contributes to our overall well-being, makes us more resilient to disease, and helps prevent illness. Ecosystems around the world provide us with the food we eat, water we drink, air we breathe, and all other everyday essentials that sustain us; everything we have and are is from nature. Environmental conservation is an important public health strategy because it positively impacts the six dimensions of human health: social, physical, mental, emotional, environmental, and spiritual.

Lakeshore Natural Resource PartnershipSeptember 10, 2024Intern, Mary Nelmark, Public Health, Trees, Beach Cleanup

Adapting to Change: Collaborative & Science-Driven Reforestation for Coastal Resilience

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.

The Crescent Crew: Volunteers Championing Long-Term Invasive Species Control

Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Crescent Beach in Algoma is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. However, maintaining the beauty and ecological health of this valued community space requires continuous effort, especially in the battle against invasive species. Enter the Friends of Crescent Beach (FOCB) and their dedicated volunteer group, the Crescent Crew, who have taken up the challenge of restoring and preserving the natural habitat of Crescent Beach.

LNRP Summer Update: Shared Waters, Shared Efforts

One of my summer reads is the amazing book Braiding Sweetgrass, in which author Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves together Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants. Her deep discussions concerning the importance of the relationships we have with people and the land reflects the core values we hold dear at LNRP. She writes, “Restoring land without restoring relationships is an empty exercise. It is a relationship that will endure and a relationship that will sustain the restored land.” For LNRP, the work of caring for our lands and waters has only been possible because of the relationships that we’ve fostered over 21 years with passionate grassroots organizations, engaged community members, and effective government leaders.

10th Annual Soar on the Shore event brings families to Crescent Beach in Algoma

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.

PressZFMK CreativeAugust 19, 2024Soar on the Shore, Friends of Crescent Beach, FOCB, Algoma, Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan Day Conference addresses climate change, conservation and water quality

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.

PressZFMK CreativeAugust 10, 2024Lake Michigan Day, Lake Michigan, Manitowoc

LNRP's Land Acknowledgment Statement

LNRP’s Land Acknowledgement Statement, along with our Biodiversity Statement, provide fundamental guiding principles for our work and the work of the 17 partner groups that make up the LNRP family. These principles reflect a deep respect for Indigenous cultures and their historical connection to the land. They also underscore the valuable insights traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) offers for contemporary conservation efforts.

Lakeshore Natural Resource PartnershipAugust 7, 2024Values, Land Acknowledgement, First Nations

The power of clover: Sheboygan woman saving communities money with grass alternative

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.

PressZFMK CreativeJuly 1, 2024Sheboygan

Project Update — Carstens Lake Sedimentation and Treatment Basin with Sorption Technology

LNRP secured a DNR Lake Management Planning grant to provide the necessary framework for water quality improvement projects in Carstens Lake. Improvements to land use practices to reduce phosphorus and other nonpoint source pollutant inputs are underway; however, additional work was needed to improve Carstens Lake water quality. The subsequent 2018 Carstens Lake Comprehensive Management Plan recommended several structures adjacent to Pine Creek for water quality treatment to mitigate phosphorus loading in Carstens Lake.

ProjectLakeshore Natural Resource PartnershipJune 4, 2024Carstens Lake, MCLA, 2024

Program Highlight — Trout in the Classroom: Connecting Students to Calumet County’s only Cold-Water Trout Stream

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a nationally recognized program and curriculum aiming to bridge classroom education with the natural world, fostering environmental stewardship in the process. In 2016, community reconnection to Stony Brook began with bringing the Trout in the Classroom program to Chilton School District (CSD). Since then, Oshkosh Area School District has joined CSD in adopting this valuable program that teaches students how to raise trout and assess their habitat conditions in Stony Brook.

Project Highlight — Transforming the Valley Creek Corridor through Collaborative Planning & Public Engagement

The City of Port Washington is embarking on an exciting watershed-scale initiative to revitalize Valley Creek, a crucial tributary flowing into Lake Michigan. This project aims to tackle the challenges facing Valley Creek using innovative, nature-based solutions. The goal is to not only stabilize the stream’s condition, but also strengthen the surrounding ecosystem and community by building climate resilience and improving public access.

LNRP Spring Update: Conservation in Full Bloom!

With the spring blooming of Forsythia, the LNRP team has been embarking on a campaign of restoration site visits, partner engagements, tabling events, speeches, town meetings, and so much more! Consider this letter as your Season Pass to come out and join us or our dedicated partner groups for a myriad of community events and volunteer opportunities. We invite you to get your boots dirty, meet some amazing people, and engage in work that truly improves the lives of everyone in your community.

From food scraps to rich soil: the push for more composting in Door County

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.

PressZFMK CreativeMay 3, 2024Door County, Lauren Schar, Big Easy, Egg Harbor

Sheboygan Receives Grant to Plant Trees

“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…”

PressZFMK CreativeApril 1, 2024Sheboygan, Trees, Grants

PODCAST: Planting Trees with Jeff Lutsey and the Big Plant

“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…”