Land Acquisition Campaign

In the fall of 1995, Standing Cedar Community Land Conservancy was founded with the purchase of one of the largest remaining tracts of undeveloped land along the lower St. Croix. Protecting this 1116 acre tract of former farm fields, bluffland and deep wooded ravines took a true community effort on both sides of the river. In the past thirty years since that initial purchase of the Englewood parcel, Standing Cedars has increased the area of protected land to nearly 1700 acres through both private conservation easements and additional land acquisitions.

This amazing feat has been achieved through an all volunteer effort and the financial support of people who care deeply about land protection. Working together we have restored more than 150 acres of native prairie and developed and maintained a  trail network for public use and enjoyment. 

This past November we learned that a visually significant parcel of privately held land was coming up for sale. Standing Cedars was given an opportunity to purchase this ten acre homestead, just north of the main Engelwood parking lot, that is completely surrounded by protected land, including the Engelwood tract on three sides. In January our board of trustees took a bold step and signed an agreement to purchase this critical piece of land. As we look to the future needs and conservation goals of Standing Cedars, along with projected growth for the surrounding area, this opportunity was simply too important to pass up. 

In order to secure this land from development, we are initiating a capital campaign to raise $500,000. We aim to do this through a combination of gifts from individuals, foundation grants and if necessary a bridge loan. The more money we can raise by the May 1st closing, the less money will need to borrow. If we are successful in reaching this goal we will fulfill a dream of Standing Cedars creating a hub that facilitates various future initiatives, including equipment storage, public restrooms, office space and a home base to serve as an educational center.  

Your gift will allow Standing Cedars to expand our impact through offering more nature based programming for all ages. 

As a supporter of Standing Cedars we know that you share our concern for habitat loss along the St. Croix River. We need your help today to secure this land purchase so that together we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy open space to explore and discover the natural world. Please join us in this valuable work by making a tax deductible contribution today.

Thank you for taking this bold step with us.

"Standing Cedars' achievements in protecting land in the St. Croix valley continues to be vitally important in providing natural experiences for all.  This current campaign to protect a key parcel is yet another example of SCCLC's commitment to land conservation."

        Peter Gove, past board chair, St. Croix River Assn (now Wild Rivers Conservancy) & long time conservation leader.

"Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy is one of my favorite hidden gems.  I like to go there a lot with my son and my dog, actually, and it's one of those places where we almost never see other people.  But they've been doing a lot of great oak savanna, prairie woodland restoration over the years.  Its' just such a fun place to go and explore and watch the changing seasons."

     Angie Hong, MPR interview 1-17-2023