Tall Pines Conservancy has secured its first Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to preserve the 84-acre Metz farm property in the Town of Erin, reported Washington County Daily News.
The newly protected land, known as the Metz Preserve, connects two sections of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Loew Lake Unit. The Oconomowoc River flows through the property, creating wetland habitat and serving as an important water resource for the region. Its location makes the preserve particularly significant for watershed protection, helping prevent nutrient runoff, protecting groundwater recharge areas, and providing natural flood control.
For the Metz family, who have farmed the land since 1942, it’s an opportunity to ensure their property’s long-term protection.
“Preserving this amazing piece of property for the enjoyment of the public was the right thing to do and exactly what our ancestors would have wanted,” Steve Metz said. “Working with Tall Pines Conservancy was an easy decision given their like-minded mission of preservation.”
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, awards grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations protect natural areas and expand outdoor recreation opportunities. This grant marks a significant milestone for Tall Pines Conservancy and opens new possibilities for future land protection efforts in Waukesha County.
Since 1999, Tall Pines Conservancy has worked to protect the region’s natural resources and rural character, preserving nearly 3,000 acres of farmland, water resources, and open spaces. The Metz Preserve project demonstrates how state funding programs can help local land trusts expand their conservation impact and ensure Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage endures for future generations.
Featured image by Tall Pines Conservancy, 2024
