Activities and News
BIRD WALK AND WILDFLOWER WALK REPORT: GREAT DAYS
We’re so gratreful to Rick Fare and to Kay McCleland for their expertise and willingness to lead our BIRD WALK and our FLOWER WALK this year. Thanks also to those who attended and learned more about our amazing woods and our critters! We had fun on the Tabor Woods trails for both events, and even spotted a Pileated Woodpecker,along with a tree-trunk nesting site. The wildflowers like the ephemeral Bloodroot were out in full force.
SCHOOL TO NATURE PROGRAM REPORT
We welcomed students from local schools on five dates this May, had really good weather, and we are tired but happy to report it was a great success. Students are giving us feedback right now. If you want to know more about the School To Nature program, or what it takes to be a leader of a small group of students for a walk in the woods, contact Jill Baranowski: jillbaranowski1@gmail.com .
TRAIL CLEANING SATURDAY MORNINGS
IF YOU USE OUR TRAILS, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING. Barb Hugier is leading a very dedicated group of our volunteers ON THE SECOND SATURDAY MORNING OF EACH MONTH, 8:45am MEETING AT KING’S CORNER, to make sure our trails are cleared and our invasive plants can be pulled out. Any ages are welcome. Some students may need “service hours” and some businesses encourage community involvement, so this may be for you or someone you know. If you can join this effort please contact Barb. barbhugier@gmail.com / 262-930-5657. Scout or school groups would be welcome too!
CC LUNCHES- THIRD FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH
All members and friends of the Conservancy are invited to monthly luncheons held at Douglas Avenue Diner or another local restaurant. We share laughter, conversations, a meal—and sometimes share information about upcoming CC events. If you’re not already on our list and want to receive monthly invitations and reminders, please contact Diana Lesnjak with your email address: lesnjakdm@gmail.org . Dates coming up: 6/19, 7/17.
OUR TRAIL SYSTEM- TIPS FOR WALKERS AND RIDERS
Special Note: after heavy rainfall, CC trails in some areas may muddy.
OUR TRAILS ARE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND, THEY ARE ALWAYS IMPROVING THANKS TO VOLUNTEER WORK, AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL OUT THERE! Hiking and equestrian trails on Caledonia Conservancy properties are places of wonder and beauty all year ‘round. A new bridge, new railing, and added bark in some steep places, add to the pleasure. Here are tips for you:
- Have your cell phone fully charged and Location turned to ON. The Caledonia Fire Department can find you if you are lost or hurt. There are even numbered “location tags” along the trail that can be reported if you phone 911.
- Dress for the weather, long pants and sturdy shoes/boots are always advised. Trails can be muddy after a rainfall; a walking stick may be useful if you are hiking.
- Some trails can become remote, hilly, or challenging; so if you have any concerns we suggest walking or riding with a friend or with a group.
- Dog owners: your pets are welcome IF they are leashed, and (of course) if you clean up any “poop” as you would on any neighborhood stroll. Dogs as well as humans may encounter HORSES, so make sure you can control your pet.
- If you discover a branch or small tree down blocking a trail and you can easily move it, please do so; move it entirely off the trail if possible.
- HIKERS: if an equestrian approaches on the trail, do not hide; instead stop and softly greet the rider and horse, to avoid scaring the horse. If you have a dog with you keep the dog firmly at your side and quiet if possible.
- EQUESTRIANS: never enter or continue on a trail that is deeply muddy, as this can cause great problems if the hoofprints dry out later and create holes or bad footing for future riders. Stick to firm trails only.
- Finally, never leave any litter behind and collect any litter you see if it’s possible. If you see a problem such as evidence of vandalism, or a downed tree that can’t easily be moved, Barb Hugier will act as a contact for the Conservancy: (262) 930-5657 / barbhugier@gmail.com . (Thank you, Barb!)
The latest WILLOW TIMES is now published. Grab a coffee and then click here.
On Thu, Oct 30, 2025 a group gathered to celebrate the installation of a new bridge on the Trout Ponds Prairie trails. Read all about here.
FUNGI HUNT: Mushrooms and lichens have been gorgeous this year as always on CC trails. In 2025 volunteers provided MONTHLY articles on current fungi to watch for on the trails- find them in the link above.
GIVING TO OUR CONSERVANCY: if your plans for the year include a donation to your Caledonia Conservancy, to assure that our system of riding and walking trails can be managed and improved for all, we’d appreciate it and we pledge to continue our good stewardship of these wild lands. The DONATE button is located farther lower on this page. THANK YOU!
SANDY DE WALT- so many memories…
In 2025, the Conservancy mourned the passing of one of our most active and dedicated members, Sandy DeWalt, a person known for leadership and passion for our lands and trails—also for her smile and gentle wit. Her footprints will forever be on every trail of the lands she loved. We nominated her for the Gathering Waters’ Volunteer of the Year Award for 2024 and SHE WON! Sandy’s family received the lovely award plaque at a crowded gathering at Tailgaters’ in October 2025, and the two new BENCHES engraved with messages and her name have been placed out in the woods. Woo Hoo!—as she would say.
We hope that our mission to preserve wild spaces and maintain trails in Caledonia matches our own; please donate whatever you can by clicking the button above. If you’d like to designate a specific use for your donation, you can enter that information in the Special Instructions field that appears at checkout. All donations keep our work going!
COOKIE BOOKS AVAILABLE
One of our “MERCH” items for sale is a lovely illustrated COOKIE RECIPE BOOK that features so many of our local volunteers’ favorite cookie types- all in one volume. Just click the page link above to see about ordering your own!
Check out our 2024 Mane Event photos here.
MANE EVENT 2026- MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR NEXT YEAR, AUGUST 15 !
“A GLORIOUS-AND EPHEMERAL-SPRING MORNING” ARTICLE
Click this link for a story inspired by the Caledonia Conservancy Trail. It appears also on the Eddee Daniels Blog.
Thanks so much to our many Volunteers, Committee Members, and Financial Supporters, for your GREAT WORK !
Caledonia Conservancy trails are maintained and improved through the generosity of our volunteer workers and our donors. We seek financial donations in any amount, and we’re always on the lookout for local and national foundations or grants that might be a resource. In-kind donations of materials or labor from local businesses are needed and welcomed. We feel that our work is vital to preserving wild spaces in our Village; so also consider becoming an active worker and/or committee member if you are able.
Note: there is a DONATE tab at the top and bottom of this page, and a red DONATE NOW button on that page to click.
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