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.

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.

Project Update — National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Grant Supports Valley Creek Corridor Restoration, Resilience, and Community Benefits

The City of Port Washington received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to start designing restoration plans for the Valley Creek Corridor. The Valley Creek Corridor has been experiencing excessive bank erosion which damages infrastructure, degrades native fish habitat, and poses health and safety risks. LNRP has been working with the City of Port Washington to secure funding for this project, and has been subcontracted with these funds to implement education and outreach programs. Ultimately this project has the potential to improve water quality and habitat, significantly reduce the risk of flooding, and increase safety and accessibility of this valuable public green space.

Project Update — West Foundation Supports LNRP Projects in the Manitowoc River Basin

This year, LNRP received a grant from the West Foundation, which funds work in the Manitowoc River Basin. With this generous support, LNRP will be able to increase investment in ongoing initiatives in this region, expand support through our partner groups, and leverage additional funds for project grants. These funds help make possible projects ranging from small-scale, educational initiatives like Trout in the Classroom to large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects like the Coastal Resiliency Community Impact Project (CRCIP). LNRP thanks the West Foundation for their support of our work, and their contribution to the health and vitality of the Manitowoc River Basin.

Water, Water, Everywhere! A Message from Executive Director Mike Mullen

Navigating the successful work of 2023 has left LNRP in an amazing position for 2024 and the critical work that lies ahead! Working side by side with our partner groups, we strive to protect fragile natural resources, forge working relationships with agricultural communities, support practices that positively impact climate change, and control invasive species to promote habitat biodiversity. This critical work involves people, funding, resources and a whole lot of passion.

A Regional Approach to Controlling the Spread of Invasive Phragmites

Invasive species can cause widespread damage to ecosystems, reducing overall health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. That’s why a collaborative team called the Lakeshore Invasive Species Management Area (LISMA) has been working on invasive Phragmites control efforts for over 10 years throughout northeast Wisconsin. Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&D), Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance, and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. are championing LISMA to protect and enhance the resiliency of the Great Lakes region through an innovative, grassroots approach.

Program Update — The Ward Award for Leadership in Invasive Species Control Efforts

Given annually in recognition of Tom Ward for years of dedicated and inspirational service to our Lakeshore communities, the Ward Award honors individuals, landowners, businesses, and local units of government for leadership of collaborative efforts to control and eradicate invasive species in the Lakeshore region of Wisconsin. This year, the 3rd annual Ward award goes to Tony Fessler, representing Restoration of our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS).

Project Update — Post-Drawdown Study of Forestville Pond in Progress

The Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department (SWCD) is conducting a study to evaluate post-drawdown conditions of the Forestville Millpond. Results will be used to assess changes in water quality, clarity, depth, aquatic plant community, and the overall health of the waterbody. Project deliverables will include a final report on the collected data and an analytical comparison to historic results.

Project Update — A Successful 2023 Lakeshore Water Summit

The Lakeshore Water Institute, a collaboration between Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) and UW-Green Bay Manitowoc, hosted the annual Lakeshore Water Summit on Wednesday, October 11th. The summit provided a forum for students, who call themselves the “Stream Team,” to present on data that they collected and analyzed over the summer.

Project Update — Eradicating Invasive Phragmites from Calumet County & Northeast Wisconsin

Calumet County is partnering with Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development Council and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to map and treat invasive Phragmites across the county. Invasive Phragmites is a tall, colony-forming grass, introduced from Europe, that is invading both urban and rural areas. By mapping, treating, monitoring, and providing long-term control of these invasive populations, this project will have significant long-term benefits for migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, marsh spawning fish, pollinators, and other native fauna.

An Open Autumn Letter... Message from the Board President

The seasons are most definitely turning. Change is something that happens whether (or “weather”) we like it or not, and being hearty Wisconsinites, we generally know how to adapt to change. As LNRP approaches the end of its 20th anniversary year, the board of directors and staff are also embracing some big changes; changes that are opening important opportunities for us as we look toward the future with optimism and great anticipation… as well as with open eyes to the challenges that continue to drive us as an environmentally-focused nonprofit.

There are many ways to support LNRP. Thank you for your generosity!

Beyond donating to support LNRP’s mission, there are many other ways to share your love for LNRP. Thank you for contributing to conservation from the ledge to the lakeshore.

Reflecting on 20 Years of Impact

For 20 years, LNRP has been committed to the ideals of conservation, collaboration, and community as we serve 2,400 square miles of the Lakeshore Basin. You can find an overview of our impact here, and we encourage you to explore the 2021-2022 Impact Report for more details, reflections, and voices!

Springtime Synonyms… Message from the Executive Director

Spring has sprung – and with it, all the requisite synonyms we all use to describe this time of year.

Rebirth. Reawakening. Renewal. Rejuvenation. Regeneration. Revival. And yes, Restoration.

All of the above words certainly connect intimately to our LNRP mission. Really, they capture the essence of the transformative community-focused, conservation-based work we do with our partners, friends, and supporters like you…

Meet the New Director of Projects Amy Lentz

Amy Lentz joins the LNRP team with 8 years of experience in non-profit work, primarily in Milwaukee County. Those positions focused on environmental education, youth mentorship, and science communications, as well as political organizing. She has a M.S from UW- Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences and a B.S from UW-Madison in Environmental Science and History.

Project Update — Coastal Resilience Community Impact Project

Extreme precipitation events, coastal storms, and fluctuating water levels pose threats to Lake Michigan coastal communities. Flooding, erosion, and storm surge can threaten properties and impair infrastructure and other assets that are vital to the region’s economic security. Agricultural and urban runoff during heavy rain events can also impair water quality in receiving water bodies, further threatening recreation and tourism. Planning, preparing for and adapting to these and other climate change hazards can enhance community resilience and strengthen coastal economies.