ABOUT
RESTORING LANDS
The mission of Restoring Lands is to protect, connect and restore Southeast Wisconsin’s vital lands and waters for the benefit of all.
Our efforts improve the water quality of our lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands; protect and enhance wildlife habitat; and preserve the scenic and open spaces that define our rural landscapes and beautify our urban neighborhoods. By creating strong conservation relationships across our region, we promote public awareness of the benefits of land preservation and provide opportunities for nature-based recreation, improving the quality of life in our communities
Our History
Restoring Lands is the culmination of a two-year merger process between the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust and the River Revitalization Foundation.
In 1992 a group of Ozaukee County residents, concerned about the negative effects of growth and the rapid loss of natural areas and open spaces in their county, founded a land trust to preserve treasured natural resources. In 1997, at the invitation of land owners and community members in Washington County, the trust expanded its service area to include Washington County. Since inception, the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT) has protected more than 7,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and open space through acquisition and conservation easements, including the recent major effort to protect the treasured Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs.
In 1987, the Wisconsin Legislature created the Milwaukee River Revitalization Council to advise the State on the revitalization of the Milwaukee River Basin. The Council developed the Riverway Plan in 1991, with recommendations for recreation, entrepreneurial, and cultural activities to take place on and near the Milwaukee River and tributaries. The River Revitalization Foundation (RRF) was founded in 1994 to implement the Riverway Plan, and was an instrumental partner in the creation of the Milwaukee River Greenway in Milwaukee County.
In 2022, after three decades of successful operation, OWLT and RRF began to explore the possibility of a merger. Over the following 24 months, board and staff from the two organizations established that the missions, goals, and values were well aligned. Complementary strengths of the two groups - OWLT’s significant land holdings, robust stewardship programs, and deep relationships with landowners, and RRF’s community-driven programming to activate and maintain beloved and well-used neighborhood greenspace - suggested that a merger would create an organization that was greater than the sum of the parts. Staff began working as a single team over the course of 2024, and in 2025 a merged board held its first meeting as Restoring Lands, A Wisconsin Land Trust.
.jpg)
RESTORING LANDS RESOURCES
Ozaukee Washington Land Trust’s biennial report reflects the support of our mission and positive impacting in our community.
Year-over-year we have invested your donations back into the community through habitat restoration, water protection, and permanent conservation of the places that make our community special.
Your generosity serves as a constant reminder that our community continues to be a truly remarkable place for our families, friends, and wildlife to enjoy, now and in the future. Thank you for all your conservation efforts and continued support.