With our fiscal year ending on June 30th, we at Groundswell Conservancy are reflecting on a major milestone—and we have so much to be grateful for.
Last month, we shared news of a landmark partnership between Groundswell, Dane County, and the Ho-Chunk Nation. Together, we’re protecting 165 acres of vital land along the Yahara River in the Town of Dunn. Thanks to Dane County’s approved funding to purchase the Herro property, this land will officially be returned to the stewardship of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
The community’s response has been inspiring. Since the announcement, news outlets across the state have highlighted the story, shining a spotlight on this unique landscape and the teamwork that’s making it happen.
We’re grateful to share a few of these stories with you:
- PBS Wisconsin’s Here & Now featured the project in its June 19 episode, including interviews with project partners and footage from the property.
- The Capital Times published a thoughtful piece on why this landscape matters and the years of collaboration that helped bring the project to this point.
- WORT Community Radio spoke with Groundswell’s executive director about the conservation effort and the importance of protecting places like this as development pressures continue to grow.
This coverage highlights a truth we hear from supporters like you every day: People care deeply about protecting southern Wisconsin’s unique lands, waters, and history.
Projects of this scale don’t happen overnight. They require patience, trust, and a shared commitment. We’re incredibly proud to partner with Dane County, the Ho-Chunk Nation, and many others to bring this vision to life.
As our fiscal year comes to a close, there’s still time to make a difference for conservation where you live. When you donate to Groundswell, you aren’t just protecting southern Wisconsin’s vital lands and waters—you’re helping us seize urgent opportunities to bring people and nature together.
Thank you for being part of this work. We couldn’t do it without you.
Map highlighting Herro property and other conservation properties in the Town of Dunn region