For several decades, Bill and Joanne Groves have called their beautiful 85-acre property home. Nestled in the rural Town of Rockbridge, just north of Richland Center, this land has been a constant presence in their lives, a place of quiet beauty and cherished memories. They've cultivated a deep connection with the land—treasuring the rolling hay fields, the forested ridgeline, and the wide-open views that surround them. It was passed down to Bill by his family, including his beloved relatives Alice and Rinold “Riney” Jasper. Alice, though connected to Bill only through family marriage, always considered him her adopted son. Bill spent countless hours hunting the land with Riney, and he lovingly cared for Alice after Riney passed away. When Alice decided to pass on the property to Bill, she made her wishes clear: she didn’t want the land divided or developed.
Bill and Joanne have always held those wishes close to their hearts. They’ve spent years nurturing the property, watching wildlife flourish, encountering black bears and regularly seeing their friend Robert the bobcat. Their children now help manage the forested areas, guided by a forest management plan, continuing the family tradition of hunting together and stewarding the land with respect.
In 2022, the Groves took the first step that would honor Alice’s wishes in the most lasting way. That year, the Conservancy closed on a conservation easement with their neighbor, one of the Conservancy’s largest easements ever. After thoughtful discussions with their neighbor, the Groves chose to work with Mississippi Valley Conservancy to donate a conservation easement on their property, ensuring its protection for generations to come. This decision was made with great care and a deep sense of responsibility—to preserve the land that had meant so much to their family, and to honor the legacy of those who had come before them. On February 17, 2025, after many discussions and planning meetings between the Groves and Conservancy staff, the conservation easement was signed. According to Chris Kirkpatrick, Conservation Manager for the Conservancy, “Their donated easement, combined with that of the neighbors’ property, has established one of the largest privately owned protected wildlife corridors in the area, now totaling 1,078 acres.” (photo below)
By protecting their land, Bill and Joanne have not only preserved the scenic beauty of their home but also ensured the health of its wildlife habitats—where thriving butternut trees, a species of special concern in Wisconsin, naturally reproduce, and diverse forests and productive hay fields remain intact. This expansive corridor will continue to provide sanctuary to countless species for years to come.
Their commitment to conservation aligns with the goals of the Town of Rockbridge Comprehensive Plan, which prioritizes the protection of farmland and natural resources. By signing this conservation easement, they have ensured its permanence as a vital piece of the local landscape, safeguarding the land from the threat of development, unsustainable farming practices, and the fragmentation that often accompanies subdivisions. Although it is protected by the Conservancy, it will remain a private property for their children and grandchildren to enjoy.
For Bill and Joanne, this conservation easement is more than just a legal agreement—it is a testament to their love for the land, and a way to ensure that Alice and Riney’s wishes are honored for years to come. It’s a legacy they’ve created, not just for their family, but for the land and wildlife they cherish so deeply.
