This past calendar year has been a memorable one for GLC as we marked the milestone of 25 years as your local land trust. We started the year by hiring a new Executive Director, Jennifer Born Rutten. Jennifer brings her passion for conservation and organizational skills to GLC. She leads staff including Abbey Vizelka our long term Land Manager and recently hired Sophia Gosetti, Willow Creek Project Manager. The team also includes volunteer intern Jack Coulter, who is helping with grant applications, leads targeted nature hikes and committee work.
 
Two new conservation easements were added this past year, one in Fond du Lac County and one in Calumet County, making a total of 27 conservation easements held in our 5 county region.
Several additional conservation easements are near completion.
We continue to steward our 5 preserves which are open to the public.
 
Willow Creek Preserve is our flagship property located in the city of Sheboygan.  The Willow Creek Team consisting of staff and dedicated volunteers are working on a 5 year restoration plan of this former farmland. This year we started biodiversity studies on the preserve, and were thrilled to discover Wisconsin special concern species and one federally protected endangered species which we continue to monitor. We had a community celebration of GLC’s 25th anniversary at the preserve on October 9..
 
During the ongoing pandemic GLC has been able to offer our community various outdoor events. New community partnerships have been established with Mead Public Library, Sheboygan Area School District- Etude Schools, John Michael Kohler Art Center,  plein air artists, and several businesses. We are working on starting an endowment to ensure our perpetuity.
 
All of the above has been made possible by our members, donors and volunteers,
We are grateful for your support and look forward to an exciting 2022.
 
Cynthia Northup
Board President