One way we collaborate with landowners is through our Biodiversity Projects. With volunteer leadership at a township level, these projects engage local landowners in land conservation and restoration. The project provides tools and resources to property owners and local businesses to encourage sustainable management of their land no matter the acreage.
Since 2020, our flagship project, Lyons Biodiversity Project (LBP) in Lyons Township has grown to 1,871 total acres, in collaboration with thirty-one property owners. And participation is growing! “As we begin the give back chapter of our lives, Lyons Biodiversity has opened their arms with information, connections, and experience. We believe that when you set out to do good the world will conspire with you. Lyons Biodiversity is a wonderful conspiring partner.” – Rebecca and Hank Newell, LBP Participants. Of course, another sign of the project’s true success starts when some of the wildlife that has left Lyons–such as the Meadowlark and Bobolink–return.
Building on the success in Lyons, in 2024 KMLT launched a new Biodiversity Project in LaGrange Township. It starts with 275 acres across several private properties, including our own Petersen Island Woods Preserve. We plan to include shoreline restorations along private lakefront properties. Even though these properties are less than an acre in size, they have a big impact on lake health.
And the excitement is growing! The LaGrange Biodiversity Project will include conservation efforts on the 187 acres of Girl Scout Camp Juniper Knoll. “We’re thrilled to join KMLT in its efforts to promote conservation values and biodiversity in the township Camp Juniper Knoll calls home.” – Anna Edwards, Chief External Affairs Officer at Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Township Biodiversity Projects allow KMLT to help landowners commit to habitat restoration without acquiring the land ourselves. As a part of our strategy for the future, KMLT will identify new strategic properties to acquire while using other tools and partnerships to grow open space conservation in Walworth County.
