Standing Cedars Land Conservancy
The Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy generates public wealth by safeguarding land, opening it for public use, and ensuring that ecological and cultural heritage along the St. Croix River is preserved for generations.
Who They Are
Founded in 1994 as a volunteer-driven nonprofit rooted in the St. Croix Valley.
Created to protect and restore natural habitats along the Lower St. Croix River, beginning with the 1,116-acre Engelwood property.
Has permanently protected 1,700+ acres through land purchases and conservation easements.
What They Do
Land Protection: Fields, forests, prairies, and river bluff habitats safeguarded against development.
Restoration: Stewardship ensures the ecological health of the land.
Public Access: Over 1,500 acres are free to the public for hiking, birding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hunting by permit.
Conservation Easements: Enable private landowners to retain ownership while ensuring permanent protection from overdevelopment.
Support & Partnerships
Backed by state grants, foundation support, and individual donors.
Works alongside government agencies and community members to create a sustainable greenway along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Key Properties
Property | Acreage | Key Features | Public Access / Use |
Engelwood | ~1,100 acres | Deep ravines, rare native prairie, floodplain forest, wetlands; endangered kittentails; borders the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway | Open for hiking, birding, skiing, snowshoeing, hunting (permit) |
Tewksbury | 90 acres | Scenic views of the St. Croix River; trail partly on National Park Service land | Public trail system, river overlooks |
Buffalo Skull | 245 acres | Dry cliffs, oak savanna, moist ravine, maple–basswood forest, prairie pasture; active restoration (cedar removal, burns, invasive control) | Trails for hiking, birding, and nature study |
Brown Property | 84 acres | Gifted by Mary “Molly” K. P. Brown; linked to Osceola’s history (Champion Aircraft); mix of woodlands and fields | Public access not yet specified, preserved as part of Standing Cedars’ network |
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