What We Do

Riverland Conservancy began in 1997 through a generous donation of land by Wisconsin Power and Light Company.  The following provides a brief summary of our unique history:

In 1916, Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WP&L), now a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, began construction of the Prairie du Sac hydroelectric dam on the Wisconsin River to provide electricity to customers in the area.  At that time, WP&L purchased 300 acres of land near Merrimac, WI as a flood buffer zone around the dam reservoir.  Operation of the dam backed up water and flooded part of the property to form what is now known as Gallus Slough.  Alliant Energy continues to own this original 300-acre parcel and has permanently protected it through a conservation easement held by Groundswell Conservancy.

Between 1960 and 1962, WP&L purchased additional land adjacent to the Gallus Slough property as a potential site for an electric generating facility.  After further consideration, the facility was built near Portage, WI instead, leaving the land near Merrimac undeveloped.  In the late 1980’s, WP&L recognized the value of the Merrimac property as a natural area and began a process of native habitat restoration.  As a way to demonstrate its commitment to the environment, WP&L decided to create a non-profit organization to protect and manage the Merrimac property.  In November 1997, the lands comprising the Merrimac Preserve were donated to Riverland Conservancy.  The purpose of this new non-profit organization was to preserve natural resources through the restoration of prairie, oak savanna, and wetland habitat.  This included wildlife management and the development of hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails.

In December 2002, Interstate Power and Light (IP&L), also a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, donated an additional 200 acres of land to Riverland Conservancy.  This property is located near Lansing, Iowa, just south of the Lansing Power Station.  The property was originally purchased by IP&L in 1973 to use as a buffer zone for the power plant, but newer and cleaner technologies made that need obsolete.  Similar to the Merrimac property, this land will now be protected from development and managed for the benefit of native species.

Over the last +25 years, Riverland Conservancy has conducted extensive ecological restoration of its preserves.  We have restored the natural hydrology of our wetlands by removing drain tiles and filling or plugging artificial drainage ditches.  We have returned over 600 acres of crop land to native prairie vegetation.  We have removed several pine plantations and old fence lines that fragmented the habitat.  We have improved trout habitat in our streams and installed a number of wetland scrapes.  These shallow, open-water features provide preferred nesting locations for many species of waterfowl as well as habitat for marsh birds, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates.  Our restoration work continues.  Each year we conduct prescribed burns, control invasive species, and remove undesirable trees and brush.  This work is funded by various grants and generous donations from our supporters and partners.

Over the years, Riverland Conservancy has purchased and protected an additional 405 acres of land to add to its Merrimac Preserve.  Acquisition funding has been provided by numerous partners including: the Wisconsin Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the Bart and Char Olson Foundation, the North American Waterfowl Conservation Act, and several private donors.

Today, our preserves provide quality habitat for many species of wildlife.  The Merrimac Preserve is a birding hotspot, especially for grassland birds and waterfowl.  A sampling of our more common, yet iconic, wildlife species include sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, beavers, monarch butterflies, and snapping turtles.  Several more elusive species have also been reported on our preserves including badgers, bobcats, and even the occasional wandering black bear.  We are committed to continually improving our preserves for the benefit of our native species as well as our visitors.