A small but important piece of Washington Island was officially acquired Wednesday by the Door County Land Trust. The land purchased from Doug and Barbara Lewis expands the island’s Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area by an additional 20 acres. The area is listed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a globally significant conservation area in its wildlife action plan. It is the second time in about a month the Door County Land Trust was able to protect land that is home to threatened species like the Hine’s emerald dragonfly and the dwarf lake iris. The organization was able to accomplish that feat when it completed its purchase of a 40-acre easement between the towns of Baileys Harbor and Gibraltar.  Executive Director Tom Clay says the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area also provides more space for migratory birds passing through.

The conservation costs will be covered thanks to funding from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund program and the Fox Valley and Green Bay Natural Resources Council. The Door County Land Trust protects more than 700 acres on Washington Island and Clay hopes there are more opportunities on the horizon.