Mississippi Valley Conservancy is excited to announce the acquisition of a 162-acre property along the Mississippi River in Nelson, Wisconsin. This effort is made possible through a collaborative partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Wisconsin Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, and ensures the preservation of a vital piece of our region's natural heritage for generations of wildlife, outdoor enthusiasts, and future conservationists.
Initial work to protect this land in Buffalo County started in 2009, when Dwight and Aimme Hemion met with staff of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, a land trust dedicated to providing permanent protection for important natural lands in the Mississippi River Valley. Before the Hemions were able to finalize the sale of the land to Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Dwight passed away. Several years passed as they worked to acquire the land and Mississippi Valley Conservancy asked The Nature Conservancy for help. In May 2012, The Nature Conservancy purchased the property to protect it until a time when Mississippi Valley Conservancy could take ownership. The Nature Conservancy formally donated the property to Mississippi Valley Conservancy on June 11, 2025.
Now named Wandering Rock State Natural Area, this property is bordered by other lands protected by Landmark Conservancy and the Town of Nelson. Its acquisition and restoration link these neighboring properties to form a connected, 400-acre corridor of protected land along the Mississippi River. This expansive, unified landscape provides essential habitat for endangered species and helps preserve rare ecosystems that are rapidly disappearing in Wisconsin.
(Photo: Levi Plath and Michael Reitz discuss restoration plans for the 162-acre property overlooking the Mississippi River. By Karen Solverson)
With this land acquisition, Mississippi Valley Conservancy is taking a hands-on role in expanding and improving the health of critical habitats like dry bluff prairies and oak woodlands that sustain wildlife such as the ovenbird, red-headed woodpeckers, and ruffed grouse. These rare habitats are increasingly under threat from invasive shrubs, which disrupt native plant communities. Adjacent cliffs support a nesting pair of the state endangered peregrine falcon, which utilize the property to forage for food for their chicks each year.
Prairies are among the rarest habitat types in Wisconsin. Today, less than 12,000 acres of prairie remain, and those fragments are small and scattered, making it difficult for native plants and animals to gain a foothold. While Wandering Rock is home to these rare habitats, they require help to endure and grow. “Prairies evolved with people and require our help to persist,” commented Mitchel Block, conservation specialist at Mississippi Valley Conservancy. “We prioritize the use of prescribed fire and proactive management to ensure these complex and diverse natural communities not only survive, but can thrive and expand.”
(Photo: A scarlet tanager takes a well-earned rest along the Mississippi River flyway. Conserved lands like this provide critical stopover habitat—offering food, shelter, and safety during their long migration between South America and North America. By Connor Kotte)
Planned restoration efforts will ensure a thriving environment for both wildlife and people. Local hikers, hunters, birdwatchers, and nature lovers all benefit from enhanced access to this breathtaking landscape. Located along the Great River Road, the property is viewed by tens of thousands of travelers each year and contributes significantly to the region’s scenic beauty—making conservation efforts here especially valuable to the local economy and recreational users. Mississippi Valley Conservancy’s commitment to protecting this land aligns with The Nature Conservancy’s mission to conserve land and habitat and to offer the public meaningful opportunities to experience and engage with nature.
“We are thrilled to transfer ownership of this property to longtime partner and conservation leader Mississippi Valley Conservancy,” said Elizabeth Koehler, state director of the Wisconsin chapter of The Nature Conservancy. “We know the property will be in good hands, and we can’t wait to see the long-term benefits of active management and restoration on the site. This new investment of time, expertise, and funding will provide benefits for nature and the local community for generations to come.”
Community members can support the effort to restore these rare habitats by volunteering at work parties or donating to support the long-term care of this special place. “We’re inviting the community and volunteers to join us at Wandering Rock State Natural Area on August 21st to help open trails, clear invasive species and brush, and improve habitat on the Conservancy’s newest acquisition,” Block shared. “Together, we can restore and maintain the property’s stunning oak woodlands and diverse remnant prairies that so many wildlife species along the Mississippi River corridor depend upon.”
(Photo: Volunteers and Conservancy staff began clearing existing trails for better public access in the summer of 2025. These cleared trails can also work as fire breaks once it is time for a prescribed burn. Photo by Payton Lott)
“Whether you’ve got time, tools, or simply a love for the land, there’s a place for you in this work,” shared Carol Abrahamzon, executive director of Mississippi Valley Conservancy. “Join us at one of our upcoming habitat restoration days, help spread the word, or make a donation to support the care of these unique ecosystems.”
Mississippi Valley Conservancy has initiated a fundraising campaign to ensure that the needed restoration work will not only begin now, but continue far into the future. Donors play a key role in protecting the land’s long-term health, supporting care of the land, strengthening climate resilience, and uniting the community through conservation. Abrahamzon added, “Every bit helps, as we bring conservation closer to home.”
Want to help make a difference at Wandering Rock State Natural Area?
-Volunteer at an upcoming event
-Donate to support restoration
-Become a member
Your ongoing support makes all of the difference as we work hard to protect the natural beauty of the Coulee Region for the people and wildlife that call this place home.
