Exploratory discussions of a possible merger between the Ridges Sanctuary and the Door County Land Trust concluded that it was not the right time to combine.  The two organizations announced a possible partnership in early September.  Door County Land Trust Executive Director Tom Clay says that although the organizations developed a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the other through the process, it was decided that now is not the right time to combine.

Clay says the merger talks were well worth the time even though it did not come to fruition.   He says the process helped both organizations look within strategically and moving forward.  The Door County Land Trust also announced Friday the purchase of 20 acres of the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area on Washington Island.