“Dedicated to the ideals of good water quality in the Sunrise and St. Croix Rivers, the preservation of habitat for native plants and wildlife, and a vibrant rural/farm economy that embraces sustainable agricultural practices.”
The Amador-Sunrise Registry was launched in 2008 to support the conservation efforts of private landowners with property in Amador and Sunrise Townships of Chisago County. An informal membership-based program, the Registry brings together people who share an appreciation for the rural and natural heritage of the area, and are interested in caring for their land in ways that project these values.
Anchored by WEI’s own Amador Hill Retreat Center, the program has grown to include a total of eight properties and over 216 acres. Our 2009 member gatherings were held in community settings: in February at Wild River State Park, and in September at Landscape Alternatives. Participants enjoyed presentations on local ecology and landscaping with native plants (as well as coffee and blueberry pie!). To date, two members have participated in free “Ecologist Walk-abouts” of their land with program ecologist Tara Kelly— a great chance to find out about their properties’ unique natural features, ask questions, and get ideas for how to achieve their goals. Also this year, buckthorn wrestlers were happy to learn that the Registry has now acquired a “weed wrench” for loan to members. (Go get ‘em).
Heartfelt thanks to those who participated in the year’s events, in particular guest speakers Dave Crawford and Roy Robison. We look forward to the Registry year ahead; a chance to learn, to meet more conservation-minded friends and neighbors, a chance to work together to protect the beautiful landscapes of this region.
This program operates with funding assistance from Embrace Open Space, which is supported by the McKnight Foundation. For more information, contact program coordinator Laurie Allmann at laurie@w-e-i.org.
