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The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin Protects More Land in Central Sands

The 308-acre acquisition represents an important opportunity to protect rare and declining bottomland hardwood forests in the area.

February 28, 2024 | Adams-Friendship, WI

A small forest opening under blue skies and sun.
Protecting Hardwood Forests The recent acquisition of 308 acres in the Central Sands represents an important opportunity to protect rare and declining bottomland hardwood forests in Wisconsin. © Emily Mills/TNC

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The Nature Conservancy announced today the acquisition and protection of an additional 308 acres of land in Adams County. The acquisition builds on the 3,243 acres TNC protected in 2022, as part of the Central Sands Project Area.

The 308-acre acquisition represents an important opportunity to protect rare and declining bottomland hardwood forests and native biological diversity in the Central Sands. Bottomland hardwood forests are habitat for a variety of species, including some rare, uncommon, and declining species like the Blanding’s turtle, neotropical migrant birds, waterfowl, and freshwater mussels. Some of the common tree species in bottomland forests include silver maple, swamp oak and other oaks, ash, and river birch.

Like most TNC property, the new tract is open to the public for recreation including birdwatching, hiking, and hunting. There are no designated trails or parking areas.

“We’re thrilled to add land with an important bottomland hardwood forest to our overall Central Sands project,” said Hannah Butkiewicz, Central Sands Project Manager for The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin. “Not only is this an opportunity to protect this particular habitat, it adds to the growing network of lands in Central Wisconsin that animals and plants can use to move around and adapt as needed. These are refuges for a wide range of species. I’ve already spotted several exciting plant and animal species at this new site.”

A wet meadow with cardinal flowers showing and trees in the background.
Central Sands TNC's recent 308-acre acquisition in the Central Sands represents an important opportunity to protect rare and declining native species and habitats. © Hannah Butkiewicz/TNC

Not only is this an opportunity to protect this particular habitat, these are refuges for a wide range of species. I’ve already spotted several exciting plant and animal species at this new site.

Hannah Butkiewicz

Central Sands Project Manager

Using its Resilient Land Mapping Tool, TNC identified the Central Sands region of the state, where this property is located, as one of the areas in Wisconsin best able to support plants and animals in a changing climate due to its rich biodiversity and highly varied and connected landscape.  

TNC has a 30-year history of working in the Central Sands region to protect almost 3,800 acres at the Quincy Bluff & Wetlands State Natural Area in Adams County. The organization also worked with partners to develop a Habitat Conservation Plan for the Karner blue butterfly, which was listed as an endangered species in 1992.

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in more than 70 countries and territories, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.