The response to the Ice Age Trail Alliance fundraising campaign to permanently protect property for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Langlade County was INCREDIBLE. In little over a month, supporters donated nearly $160,000—exceeding our initial fundraising goal way before deadline!
Your commitment impressed the trustees of Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust so much they decided to increase their match from $120,ooo to $200,000! Thanks to your generosity and that of Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust, the Alliance will be able to protect and preserve additional land across the state.
Why the Match Was Increased
Early in 2021, Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust initially gifted the Alliance $360,000 to purchase three properties (two in Langlade county, one in Polk county). When another property in Langlade became available, Prairie Springs agreed to contribute additional funds toward its purchase, as long as the Alliance could match it with other private funding.
In mid-August, we asked supporters like you to contribute to protect this Langlade property. Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust agreed to a 1:1 match for all donations up to $120,000 received by Sept. 30. That meant the Alliance could have up to $240,000 to acquire and preserve the property in Langlade, with the goal of later creating off-road hiking trail and a dispersed camping area.
Trail supporters and land protectors came out in force! Langlade County land protection donations totaled nearly $160,000—far exceeding the initial match challenge. That meant the campaign was over, right? Well, not so fast!
When we shared the news about donations exceeding the goal with the Prairie Springs trustees, they pointed out it wasn’t Sept. 30 yet. And, they challenged us again: offering another $80,000 in matching (all donations up to $200,000)—if we could raise it by the end of the month. So…here we are.
How the Match Will be Used
The Alliance will soon acquire the fourth property we intended to protect with funds raised from the initial challenge match.
Additional funding will be placed in the Alliance’s Prairie Springs land protection fund, named in honor of the generosity of the initial donors. This fund will allow the Alliance to move fast to acquire land when it becomes available. With more than 500 miles of Trail still to be pulled off road, there is a lot of property to acquire and protect in order for the Trail to be completed.
The nice thing about the Alliance’s Prairie Springs land protection fund is how it’s set up. If any land purchases qualify for reimbursement (from state, federal, or private sources), the reimbursed funds will go back into the Prairie Springs land protection fund for future acquisition opportunities. Therefore, donations to this match campaign will be used again and again.
Donations received before 9/30 will be matched (up to 200k)
Your donation today will have a positive impact on land protection well into the future, creating miles of off-road hiking and new experiences for future generations.
Your donation is tax-deductible.
And remember: it will be doubled!
$100=$200 $250=$500 $500=$1,000
