GREEN COUNTY — The purchase of 39 acres in Beloit Township will help preserve a local trout stream. Green-Rock Audubon Society is the new owner of the property at 6400 Cleophas Road as of Jan. 31. A grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources assisted in the purchase.

The East Branch Raccoon Creek is fed by large springs on the property. As the land is restored, the quality of the springs is expected to be enhanced. The land is contiguous with the Gabower-Reilly Reserve which is owned and managed by Green-Rock Audubon. It is also adjacent to the Briggs Wetland on Brostuen Road, owned by The Prairie Enthusiasts. It will connect to the restoration of the portion of the creek north of Cleophas Road.

The larger tract of protected land will be beneficial for wildlife and native plants. Tadpoles have already been seen in one of the spring’s pools.

Green-Rock Audubon is seeking contributions to help pay for the restorative work on this property and other land they manage. Their address is: P.O. Box 1986, Janesville, WI 53547. They may be contacted through Facebook and their website: greenrockaudubon.org.