In 2023, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) and Restoration of Our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS) launched a collaborative effort to restore the tree canopy across Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) campuses. With funding support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Urban Forestry Program, this initiative aims to replace over 300 ash trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation and create vibrant, green spaces for students and the community.
Read MoreThe City of Kewaunee is embarking on an ambitious effort to restore the Marshland Walk, a beloved city-owned boardwalk that was severely damaged by flooding in 2020. This project is not just about rebuilding infrastructure; it represents a broader commitment to ecosystem restoration, community access to nature, and long-term coastal resilience. Through our Coastal Resilience Community Impact Project (CRCIP), Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) is playing a key role in helping the City navigate the funding, planning, and implementation of this effort.
Read MoreAt a recent presentation, an audience member shared a phrase that really resonated with me: “We all have a water story”. During these first few months of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the many water stories I had the privilege of experiencing in 2024.
Read MoreThe Sheboygan River Basin Partnership (SRBP), a Partner Group of Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), has a longstanding commitment to cultivating community partnerships that promote stewardship and sound decision-making for a healthier Sheboygan River Basin. This year, SRBP has renewed its focus on expanding public engagement through new and existing collaborations, furthering its mission to engage the community in meaningful conservation action.
Read MoreThe 15th annual Lakeshore Water Summit celebrated a decade and a half of impactful conservation work by the UWGB-Manitowoc Lakeshore Water Institute and its partners. The event highlighted research by the “Stream Team,” a group of student interns who monitor water quality in Manitowoc County creeks, contributing data to watershed restoration efforts. This year’s research demonstrated land use impacts on water quality and local restoration success, showcasing the program’s role in supporting local and regional conservation initiatives.
Read MoreAround this time last year, I was meandering through the quiet woods of the Chequamegon National forest, not yet knowing this hike would be unlike any other. As I ambled through the trees, my phone rang– it was a call from LNRP board members asking me if I would accept the role of leading this remarkable organization! Now, almost a year later, I want to take a few paragraphs to reflect on all we have to be thankful for at LNRP.
Read MoreThe Great Lakes region is facing a growing array of challenges from the continual spread of invasive pests to a warming climate that brings with it new extreme weather patterns. These issues are placing unprecedented strain on our coastal habitats, endangering the ecological health of areas critical to migratory birds and other wildlife. With funding from the U.S. Forest Service and Wildlife Conservation Society, LNRP is working with a team of consultants, nonprofits, municipalities, and community members to spearhead a comprehensive tree planting initiative that tackles these environmental threats head-on.
Read MoreNestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Crescent Beach in Algoma is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. However, maintaining the beauty and ecological health of this valued community space requires continuous effort, especially in the battle against invasive species. Enter the Friends of Crescent Beach (FOCB) and their dedicated volunteer group, the Crescent Crew, who have taken up the challenge of restoring and preserving the natural habitat of Crescent Beach.
Read MoreOne of my summer reads is the amazing book Braiding Sweetgrass, in which author Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves together Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants. Her deep discussions concerning the importance of the relationships we have with people and the land reflects the core values we hold dear at LNRP. She writes, “Restoring land without restoring relationships is an empty exercise. It is a relationship that will endure and a relationship that will sustain the restored land.” For LNRP, the work of caring for our lands and waters has only been possible because of the relationships that we’ve fostered over 21 years with passionate grassroots organizations, engaged community members, and effective government leaders.
Read MoreTrout in the Classroom (TIC) is a nationally recognized program and curriculum aiming to bridge classroom education with the natural world, fostering environmental stewardship in the process. In 2016, community reconnection to Stony Brook began with bringing the Trout in the Classroom program to Chilton School District (CSD). Since then, Oshkosh Area School District has joined CSD in adopting this valuable program that teaches students how to raise trout and assess their habitat conditions in Stony Brook.
Read MoreThe City of Port Washington is embarking on an exciting watershed-scale initiative to revitalize Valley Creek, a crucial tributary flowing into Lake Michigan. This project aims to tackle the challenges facing Valley Creek using innovative, nature-based solutions. The goal is to not only stabilize the stream’s condition, but also strengthen the surrounding ecosystem and community by building climate resilience and improving public access.
Read MoreWith the spring blooming of Forsythia, the LNRP team has been embarking on a campaign of restoration site visits, partner engagements, tabling events, speeches, town meetings, and so much more! Consider this letter as your Season Pass to come out and join us or our dedicated partner groups for a myriad of community events and volunteer opportunities. We invite you to get your boots dirty, meet some amazing people, and engage in work that truly improves the lives of everyone in your community.
Read MoreThe City of Port Washington received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to start designing restoration plans for the Valley Creek Corridor. The Valley Creek Corridor has been experiencing excessive bank erosion which damages infrastructure, degrades native fish habitat, and poses health and safety risks. LNRP has been working with the City of Port Washington to secure funding for this project, and has been subcontracted with these funds to implement education and outreach programs. Ultimately this project has the potential to improve water quality and habitat, significantly reduce the risk of flooding, and increase safety and accessibility of this valuable public green space.
Read MoreThis year, LNRP received a grant from the West Foundation, which funds work in the Manitowoc River Basin. With this generous support, LNRP will be able to increase investment in ongoing initiatives in this region, expand support through our partner groups, and leverage additional funds for project grants. These funds help make possible projects ranging from small-scale, educational initiatives like Trout in the Classroom to large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects like the Coastal Resiliency Community Impact Project (CRCIP). LNRP thanks the West Foundation for their support of our work, and their contribution to the health and vitality of the Manitowoc River Basin.
Read MoreNavigating the successful work of 2023 has left LNRP in an amazing position for 2024 and the critical work that lies ahead! Working side by side with our partner groups, we strive to protect fragile natural resources, forge working relationships with agricultural communities, support practices that positively impact climate change, and control invasive species to promote habitat biodiversity. This critical work involves people, funding, resources and a whole lot of passion.
Read MoreInvasive species can cause widespread damage to ecosystems, reducing overall health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. That’s why a collaborative team called the Lakeshore Invasive Species Management Area (LISMA) has been working on invasive Phragmites control efforts for over 10 years throughout northeast Wisconsin. Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&D), Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance, and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. are championing LISMA to protect and enhance the resiliency of the Great Lakes region through an innovative, grassroots approach.
Read MoreGiven annually in recognition of Tom Ward for years of dedicated and inspirational service to our Lakeshore communities, the Ward Award honors individuals, landowners, businesses, and local units of government for leadership of collaborative efforts to control and eradicate invasive species in the Lakeshore region of Wisconsin. This year, the 3rd annual Ward award goes to Tony Fessler, representing Restoration of our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS).
Read MoreThe Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department (SWCD) is conducting a study to evaluate post-drawdown conditions of the Forestville Millpond. Results will be used to assess changes in water quality, clarity, depth, aquatic plant community, and the overall health of the waterbody. Project deliverables will include a final report on the collected data and an analytical comparison to historic results.
Read MoreThe Lakeshore Water Institute, a collaboration between Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) and UW-Green Bay Manitowoc, hosted the annual Lakeshore Water Summit on Wednesday, October 11th. The summit provided a forum for students, who call themselves the “Stream Team,” to present on data that they collected and analyzed over the summer.
Read MoreCalumet County is partnering with Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development Council and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to map and treat invasive Phragmites across the county. Invasive Phragmites is a tall, colony-forming grass, introduced from Europe, that is invading both urban and rural areas. By mapping, treating, monitoring, and providing long-term control of these invasive populations, this project will have significant long-term benefits for migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, marsh spawning fish, pollinators, and other native fauna.
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