HIStory
Restoring Lands: a Wisconsin Land Trust is the culmination of a two-year merger between the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust and the River Revitalization Foundation.
1987 | Milwaukee River Revitalization Council
In 1987, Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson established the Milwaukee River Revitalization Council to advise the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about improving the environmental quality 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.
1992 | The Ozaukee Land Trust
In 1992, a group of Ozaukee County conservationists came together to protect their beloved Highland Woods in Mequon, which had been proposed for development. Concerned about the negative effects of growth and the rapid loss of natural areas and open spaces in their county, they founded The Ozaukee Land Trust to preserve treasured natural resources. Shortly thereafter, the Sauk Creek Nature Preserve in Port Washington was identified as another unique natural area in urgent need of preservation and quickly became The Ozaukee Land Trust’s first public preserve. Highland Woods was then purchased by The Ozaukee Land Trust, preserved and then donated to The City of Mequon in 1996.
1994 | River Revitalization Foundation (RRF)
In 1994, the River Revitalization Foundation was founded by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and the Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee to implement the Riverway Plan of 1991. The plan’s main objectives were to create a greenway, build trails, increase public access, restore habitat, and educate the public.
RRF was an instrumental partner in the creation of the Milwaukee River Greenway in Milwaukee County. Today, the Greenway protects over 840 acres (the same size as New York’s Central Park!) along eight miles of the Milwaukee River. Over more than 30 years, RRF created more than 5 miles of riverfront trail connections, planted thousands of native trees and plants, restored over 45 acres of habitat, engaged hundreds of students and volunteers, and invested over $5 million in the river valley. By preserving open space in urban areas, we have relief, through access to these spaces, from the intensity and pace of a dense urban environment. The community benefits from healthy soil, clean air, clean water, enhancing our quality of life, right here in the city.
1997 | The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT)
In 1997, at the invitation of conservationists from Washington County, the land trust expanded its service area to include Washington County. Since inception, the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust has protected forests, wetlands, and open space through acquisition and conservation easements. OWLT has successfully completed several high-profile conservation projects including the preservation of Lion’s Den Gorge, the Mequon Nature Preserve, and Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge.
2022 | Merger Discussions Begin
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.
2025 | Introducing Restoring Lands: A Wisconsin Land Trust
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. Logo Launch events were held in both the West Bend and Milwaukee offices. The new name and logo were introduced to supporters through a variety of events, print mailings, electronic communications, and social media announcements.
