Help us protect Minnesota’s Northwoods

The Nature Conservancy has an exciting opportunity to acquire 12,350 acres of forest and wetland north of Two Harbors. This property, which neighbors our Sand Lake/Seven Beavers Preserve, is a virtually unfragmented ecosystem of birch, aspen, lowland conifer and boggy peatland.

Why here?

An unusual combination of forest and peatland makes this property a perfect habitat for plants and wildlife. This land and its surrounding forests are home to a variety of carnivorous flora, such as pitcher plants, and quintessentially Minnesotan mammals, including gray wolves, fishers, black bears and lynx. 

Many species of raptors, sparrows and warblers take refuge among the birches, spruces and knotty pines, and migratory waterfowl swim in wetland pools. Moose, a species of special concern in Minnesota, are also known to thrive here. By acquiring this land, TNC will ensure that wildlife can move freely across more than 40,000 acres of connected, protected habitat.

Restoration

In 2021, the Greenwood Fire burned hot and fast across one third of this property, damaging access roads, burning parts of the forest’s seed bank and impacting animal and plant communities. 

But all is not lost. Fire is a natural part of this landscape, and these burned acres have created a unique outdoor laboratory for TNC’s restoration efforts. We have already started reforestation efforts—planting more than 300,000 trees in nearby areas impacted by the fire. 

TNC’s experienced team of scientists and land stewards is confident that restoration is possible. We will focus our work on the sections that were most severely impacted by the wildfire and let nature lead in less damaged areas.

As we celebrate 1 million acres protected by our chapter, we know we can do big things for nature when we act together. Contact MNDKEvents@tnc.org to make your gift today!