Ozaukee washington land trust and river revitalization foundation (land trust) intend to use community-based approach to manage and enhance the habitat quality at two of its properties, koch woods,…

The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, a non-profit organization, received a $160,376.61 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coastal Program (CFDA 15.630) on April 1, 2024. Through this funding, the Land Trust will use a community-based approach to manage and enhance habitat quality at two of its properties: Koch Woods, a 2.5-acre natural area along a Milwaukee River tributary, and Turtle Park, a 4-acre urban prairie with over 800 feet of Milwaukee River frontage. The project incorporates engaging community volunteers, high school interns, university service learners, and local conservation groups in stewardship efforts to leverage capacity, strengthen community connection to nature, and nurture future conservation leaders. This award supports the Land Trust's mission of protecting and restoring natural habitats while fostering public engagement in the Milwaukee River Estuary Area of Concern.

Ozaukee washington land trust and river revitalization foundation (land trust) intend to use community-based approach to manage and enhance the habitat quality at two of its properties, koch woods, a 2.5 acre natural area along milwaukee river tributary, south branch creek and turtle park. Turtle park is a formerly blighted commercial space transformed to 4 acres of urban prairie with over 800 feet of river frontage within the milwaukee river estuary area of concern. The land trust will continue to build on our existing relationships within the community to achieve its goals. Our community approach incorporates engaging community volunteers, milwaukee highschool interns, university of wisconsin milwaukee service learners, milwaukee institute of art and design, and local conservation corps in stewardship efforts. This strategy not only leverages our capacity to increase our boots on the ground efforts but strengthens the community s connection to nature and sense of place while nurturing more people to become stewards and future conservation leaders.