Community Spotlight:
Town of Liberty Grove
Why We Signed the Pledge
Door County North—including Ellison Bay, Gills Rock, Rowleys Bay, and other hamlets in the Town of Liberty Grove—took the pledge because protecting our natural resources is vital to the sustainability of our culture and community.
Liberty Grove is home to 13 town parks, including Mariner's Park (under development in Gills Rock), two county parks (Ellison Bluff Park and Door Bluff Headlands Park, which is now the largest county park in the region), Newport State Park (a designated Dark Sky Park), the Mink River Estuary, and numerous Door County Land Trust properties.
In addition to the parks system, here are a few ways Liberty Grove is committed to outdoor living and sustainability:
Greater Escarpment Organization Discovery Center
The Greater Escarpment Organization Discovery Center (GEO-DC) is a hyperlocal nonprofit dedicated to "cultivating knowledge and stewardship of the Niagara Escarpment corridor and its geological, ecological, and cultural wonders in people of all ages and from all walks of life."
The organization's goal is establish a new Niagara Escarpment Discovery Center that would provide Wisconsinites and visitors with opportunities to learn about Niagara Escarpment education, scientific research, and resource protection policies. GEO-DC would also serve as an indoor and outdoor learning space for people of all generations and diverse interests to learn about, experience, appreciate, and love the escarpment.
The group most recently installed interpretive signs at the Porte Des Morts Stairs in Gills Rock.
Ellison Bay Flower Project
The Ellison Bay Flower Project was started in 2008 when the Ellison Bay Service Club (EBSC) began planting flowers in decorative barrels around town in the interest of beautifying and educating the community.
The project started small with 10 barrels, and in four years, grew to 40 barrels and 7 large planters, including Klenke’s Truck. In 2016, a resident built orchard-style boxes to replace the aging barrels and branded them with the EBSC logo using the forge at The Clearing Folk School.
Twelve volunteers now care for the flowers from May to October, which includes planting, watering, and fertilizing the planters every other day. Thanks to community involvement and generosity, this project has continued to thrive through the years.
Door County Sea Kayak Symposium
The year 2021 marks the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium's 18th year of gathering paddling enthusiasts on the shores of Door County for community building and skills development.
In addition to group kayaking outings, classes, social gatherings, and an auction to benefit the Door County Land Trust, the symposium offers paddlers from around the country the opportunity to discover the beauty of Door County and learn how to protect and care for it while recreating.
Road Clean-Up Projects
Each spring and summer for the past 14 years, the Ellison Bay Service Club (EBSC) has hosted road- and highway-cleanup events. The organization also runs a year-round Adopt-a-Highway program. Over the years, hundreds of pounds of litter have been removed from local roadways, allowing pristine grass and wildflowers to flourish.
Volunteer for the Ellison Bay Flower Project
Help keep Northern Door beautiful and welcoming by assisting with care and maintenance of the public flower planters.
Help Make GEO-DC a Reality
If you share GEO-DC's vision for a learning and nature center designed to help visitors learn about and love the Niagara Escarpment, consider donating to or joining the cause.
Attend the DC Sea Kayak Symposium
Join the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium and meet a group of passionate paddlers looking to form a community, learn new kayaking skills, and spread love for the Great Lakes.