A group led by David Musolf explores Faville Grove Sanctuary in 2017. The newly-added 80-acre parcel is visible in the background to the left of the woodlands (photo via Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance archive).
It’s official: As of Tuesday, October 17, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance is the proud new owner of 80 acres of rolling uplands and marshland at Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills.
We are thrilled that we were able to protect this important piece of land. Land that will soon be home to nesting birds like Bobolinks and Sandhill Cranes. Land that protects the wetland from erosion and runoff. Land that gives life to bees, butterflies, amphibians, and a myriad of other native critters.
“I suspect I’m like the many who are exhilarated by the progressive land actions of the Bird Alliance. . . I think there are few things as important as purchasing land.
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This addition is significant. Now, almost all of the sanctuary’s unique and critically-important Faville Marsh is protected. And what’s now a farm field will become vibrant, native prairie and woodland habitats.
This is a happy, happy day!
I just want to say thank you to each of you. Conservation is full of meaningful change, and this year has involved growth and change galore. This certainly includes important land projects that provide countless benefits to birds and beyond, which our members make possible.
The funding for this land purchase was pulled from our land acquisition pool, a special fund reserved for buying land. In order to act quickly and opportunistically for future land purchases and protection, we need your help. Now that we’ve officially added an 80-acre piece to the landscape puzzle, will you donate to secure your own piece of the Faville Grove puzzle?
I’m a big fan of jigsaw puzzles—and just look how close we are to completing this one! Your donation will add another puzzle piece in the image above. As more nature lovers donate to this effort, more puzzle pieces will fill in to reveal the beautiful landscape you are helping support. We are grateful to our many incredible members who have added pieces to the puzzle! You can give a donation in any amount.
Here are some pieces we hope you can fill in:
15 farmland pieces remain. This land will be restored to native prairie and you can purchase a piece for $50.
16 forested pieces and 4 wetland pieces remain at $250 and $100 each.
Edge pieces are available at varying amounts.
You can even purchase partial pieces, in any amount, and we will partially shade the piece.
Please consider giving to help complete the puzzle project, which will refill this important land acquisition fund. Then, the next time a parcel of tremendous potential becomes available, we can act on behalf of birds and those who love them to protect it.
And, join me in celebrating this important addition to Faville Grove Sanctuary. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Written by Matt Reetz, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance executive director
