Restoration Work at MVC Site

Dairyland Vegetation Management staff lent their expertise to the Mississippi Valley Conservancy (MVC) last month for restoration work at the Wandering Rock State Natural Area located near Nelson, Wis. The 162-acre preserve consists of rare bluff prairies, oak woodland, cliffs and forest habitat that support wildlife ranging from migratory birds and red-headed woodpeckers to deer, ruffed grouse and wild turkey. Manager, Transmission Services Don Loock; Supervisor, Vegetation Management Shane Gran; Foreperson, Line Clearance Technician Bill Kremer and Line Clearance Technician III Owen Johnson helped complete brush clearing in a four-acre opening along the preserve's western boundary where invasive species were taking over the grassland habitat.

In an MVC Wild Reads blog, Director of Communications & Outreach Karen Solverson explained the impact of the donated work.

"The donated labor helped complete work that otherwise would have taken Conservancy staff weeks by hand, creating opportunities for future wildlife shrub and tree plantings, and preparing the site for additional habitat restoration. Dairyland has long been a supporter of the Conservancy's work, including assisting with habitat preservation efforts, pollinator habitat development and educational programming across nine counties."

"We are incredibly grateful to Dairyland Power, the National Wild Turkey Federation, our volunteers, and every donor whose generosity keeps this work moving forward," shared Executive Director Carol Abrahamzon. "Together, we are restoring habitat, supporting wildlife, and ensuring places like Wandering Rock remain healthy and inspiring for generations to come."

Dairyland's MVC support also includes managing the 110-acre conservation easement at the Alma Off-Site for habitat preservation and enhancement. Additionally, our Environmental Stewardship initiatives have supported the development of approximately 250 acres of pollinator habitat and advanced peregrine falcon reestablishment efforts that have led to 170 chicks fledging from our facilities.