Dismal news that concerns birds, their habitat and the environment is never all that difficult to find. So it’s a relief and wonderful change to wake up in the morning and find a little good news! Here are a couple of land acquisition stories from Wisconsin that made my day. As you've probably seen from my previous posts, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is the place I most often frequent for birding and bird photography.
Friends of Friends step up
Madison Community Foundation donates $100,000
The Friends of Pheasant Branch have a new best friend today. The Madison Community Foundation made an 11th-hour donation Tuesday that put the Friends within reach of their goal to purchase 19.27 acres of key watershed land within the Middleton City limits. "I didn't even have a response. I just melted in my chair," said Brian Butler, president of the group, describing his reaction when he learned that the foundation was donating $100,000 to make the Friends' $3 million purchase a reality.
Link: Full Story from the Capital Times
The Nature Conservancy’s Save of the Week
Protecting Waters and Old-growth Forests in Northern Wisconsin
Through a combination of a multi-million dollar state grant and major financial support from private individuals, the Conservancy has launched an effort that will protect close to 1,000 acres in the headwaters of two major rivers, the Presque Isle and Ontonogan, in northeast Wisconsin.
Link: Full Story from The Nature Conservancy
Grasshopper Sparrow image © 2005 Michael McDowell