Sturgeon Bay, WI- John and Jean Van Den Brandt are putting their money where their passion lies—in protecting the wild spaces of Door County for future generations. The celebrated wildlife photographer and his wife and field assistant, Jean, have visited some of the most remote landscapes on the planet—hundreds of miles from a road and within yards of wildlife in their habitat untouched by man. Yet, the couple’s concern for the protection of nature is focused on the Door County peninsula. The pair recently presented the idea of a matching gift challenge to Door County Land Trust (DCLT) to inspire more people to join the organization’s land protection efforts.
“I think anyone who loves Door County at some point has that moment where they have that little bit of apprehension thinking about what this will be like 50 years from now, or beyond,” John says. “We think that this is the time to consider doing something that is more than just making a gift or contribution. It’s an investment in the future of Door County.”
The challenge works in this way: For each person who makes a first-time donation to DCLT before the end of 2023, the Van Den Brandts will match the gift dollar for dollar, up to $40,000. Secure donations may be made by visiting www.DoorCountyLandTrust.org/
Witnessing the Land Trust’s recent, swift purchase of ecologically important land through the Land Acquisition Fund inspired the couple to make efforts now to replenish the fund’s coffers. “The Land Acquisition Fund was used this year with great benefit and results,” John said. “We think it’s crucial that it gets replenished so that the Land Trust can seize future opportunities when critical habitat suddenly becomes available. The window of opportunity to purchase and protect those keystone parcels of land might only be once in our lifetime, so a robust land acquisition fund will enable the Land Trust to respond to those opportunities when they arise. Giving to this isn’t so much an obligation as it is a privilege.”
The Van Den Brandts’ attachment to Door County began as children growing up in Wisconsin, when their respective families vacationed regularly on the peninsula. When the couple met in 1998, their combined appreciation of nature led to both a personal and professional partnership, with frequent visits to Door County, including their wedding and honeymoon in 2002. By 2007, the couple formed their own wildlife photography company, Wild Wind Images (wildwindimages.com).
“We’ve been privileged to witness the most stunning spectacles of nature—from zebras crashing across the Mara River in Africa, to polar bears stalking in the Arctic, but we feel the most soul-stirring and wondrous moments have been in Door County,” Jean says. “You can get up close to the Escarpment where the moss is growing on rocks. You’re smelling it, you can reach out and feel it. Birds are flying around, and the water is crashing on the shore. We feel like we are enveloped in nature in Door County.”
Door County Land Trust is grateful for the Van Den Brandts’ generous challenge donation. “This extraordinary act of generosity truly makes a difference in protecting the environment for wild creatures and for future generations,” said Director of Charitable Giving Cinnamon Rossman. “We are grateful for their foresight and vision. Their challenge gift will make such a lasting difference in Door County.”
About the Door County Land Trust
Protecting Door County’s Exceptional Lands and Waters…Forever. Door County Land Trust protects the wild places, scenic beauty, and ecological integrity that make the peninsula and islands so special. Fourteen featured nature preserves are open for hiking, and other low-impact, non-motorized recreational activities–all at no charge to the public. Trail maps and more information may be found at www.doorcountylandtrust.org.
