Groundswell Conservancy Preserves Wetlands in Wisconsin

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

Groundswell Conservancy is an organization dedicated to creating more green places in Wisconsin. This is an anticipated mission given that climate change is affecting animals, people, and land.

Groundswell Conservancy was founded in 1983 as the Dane County Natural Heritage Foundation; however, its name was changed in 2017 to reflect its efforts to create more green spaces. The organization has thrived for over 40 years, operating in Dane County and the surrounding areas of south central Wisconsin. They currently have a total of 157 projects ranging from wildlife habitat restoration to equitable access to open space. Much of the land the group has protected is open to the public for recreation and in some cases, hunting.

Groundswell Conservancy protected its first land in the Town of Dunkirk. Preserving 175 acres of wetlands and prairie-restored farm fields. The land, located south of Stoughton, was previously owned by Joyce Brehm. It is located across the highway from the Yahara River. Brehm and her husband, Sanford Quayle, bought the property when it was open farm fields. Quayle has since passed away, but planted many trees over the years. Groundswell Conservancy helped create the easement on March 28, 2025. Funding was provided by the Town of Dunkirk, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant, and supporters of Groundswell Conservancy.

Wisconsin has lost nearly half of its wetlands, and the Brehm Quayle Conservation Easement will help reverse that. Climate change is causing heavier rainfall in Wisconsin, and the wetlands from this purchase are crucial because they act as a natural sponge for floods. This natural sponge will stay intact for the betterment of people, animals, plants, and insects. Moving forward, Groundswell is looking for more opportunities to create easements in the community.

[Sources: Wisconsin State Journal; Groundswell Conservancy]