Established 1992
WAUKESHA COUNTY LAND CONSERVANCY
Waukesha County Land Conservancy
protecting and caring for environmentally
significant land
and water in Waukesha County for future generations
protecting and caring for environmentally
significant land
and water in Waukesha County for future generations
2020 CONTEST WINNER
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Eastern Milksnake
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
The snake in this picture was one of my most exciting finds of the year, because it was the first Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) ever documented alive in Muskego. The site where this was found is currently undergoing a habitat restoration project.
Title: Eastern Milksnake
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
The snake in this picture was one of my most exciting finds of the year, because it was the first Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) ever documented alive in Muskego. The site where this was found is currently undergoing a habitat restoration project.
2020 Submissions
Photographer: Annie Kamoske
Title: Pondhawk Dragonfly
Location: Muskego, WI
I feel blessed that I am able to see amazing wildlife right in my own backyard.
Title: Pondhawk Dragonfly
Location: Muskego, WI
I feel blessed that I am able to see amazing wildlife right in my own backyard.
Photographer: Bill Reichenbach
Title: Gnarly Kentucky Coffeetree Against an Early Spring Sky
Location: Martin's Woods State Natural Area
I love visiting WCLC properties, Martins Woods is one of my favorites. Spring time is pretty amazing there, and the more often you go the more you see.
Title: Gnarly Kentucky Coffeetree Against an Early Spring Sky
Location: Martin's Woods State Natural Area
I love visiting WCLC properties, Martins Woods is one of my favorites. Spring time is pretty amazing there, and the more often you go the more you see.
.jpg)
Photographer: Hunter Reinholtz
Title: Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Location: Wisconsin
Title: Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Location: Wisconsin
Photographer: Eric Melka
Title: Wood Duck at Sunrise
Location: Nagawicka Lake, Waukesha County, Delafield, WI
Morning on the lake is a time of quiet and calm. As the sun begins to peek above the horizon wildlife meanders out of the brush and the song of birds rises with the sun. The chance to see birds on their spring migration lured me out on a mid-April morning for a cold paddle on my kayak with my camera. As I rounded a small inlet in the lake I was greeted by this colorful Drake Wood Duck.
Title: Wood Duck at Sunrise
Location: Nagawicka Lake, Waukesha County, Delafield, WI
Morning on the lake is a time of quiet and calm. As the sun begins to peek above the horizon wildlife meanders out of the brush and the song of birds rises with the sun. The chance to see birds on their spring migration lured me out on a mid-April morning for a cold paddle on my kayak with my camera. As I rounded a small inlet in the lake I was greeted by this colorful Drake Wood Duck.
Photographer: Jean Weedman
Title: Sunning!
Location: Eagle Nature Trail
The trail is a small habitat area, resplendent with native plants and wildlife! It is not unusual to catch a critter, like this frog, in a moment of peaceful enjoyment.
Title: Sunning!
Location: Eagle Nature Trail
The trail is a small habitat area, resplendent with native plants and wildlife! It is not unusual to catch a critter, like this frog, in a moment of peaceful enjoyment.
.jpg)
Photographer: Hunter Reinholtz
Title: Bull Snake (Pantherophis catenifer)
Title: Bull Snake (Pantherophis catenifer)
Location: Wisconsin
Photographer: Maggie Pray
Title: A Face Only a Nature Lover Could Love
Location: Mukwonago Park
I was able to take this picture during the citizen science program reptile survey provided by Waukesha County. I have learned so much and been able to experience the diverse natural habitats of Waukesha through this program.
Title: A Face Only a Nature Lover Could Love
Location: Mukwonago Park
I was able to take this picture during the citizen science program reptile survey provided by Waukesha County. I have learned so much and been able to experience the diverse natural habitats of Waukesha through this program.
Photographer: Bill Reichenbach
Title: Marsh Marigold and Skunk Cabbage
Location: Along stream at Martin's Woods State Natural Area
I love visiting WCLC properties, Martins Woods is one of my favorites. Spring time is pretty amazing there, and the more often you go the more you see.
Title: Marsh Marigold and Skunk Cabbage
Location: Along stream at Martin's Woods State Natural Area
I love visiting WCLC properties, Martins Woods is one of my favorites. Spring time is pretty amazing there, and the more often you go the more you see.
Photographer: Bill Reichenbach
Title: Monarch on Liatris
Location: Eagle Centre Prairie
I love visiting WCLC properties, Martins Woods is one of my favorites. Spring time is pretty amazing there, and the more often you go the more you see.
Title: Monarch on Liatris
Location: Eagle Centre Prairie
I love visiting WCLC properties, Martins Woods is one of my favorites. Spring time is pretty amazing there, and the more often you go the more you see.
Photographer: Colleen Serflek
Title: Frog
Location: Paradise Springs
This picture is from my first visit to Paradise Springs. What an incredible way place with so much history.
Title: Frog
Location: Paradise Springs
This picture is from my first visit to Paradise Springs. What an incredible way place with so much history.
Photographer: Bill Reichenbach
Title: Woodland Phlox
Location: Along stream at Martin's Woods State Natural Area
I love visiting WCLC properties, Martins Woods is one of my favorites. Spring time is pretty amazing there, and the more often you go the more you see.
Title: Woodland Phlox
Location: Along stream at Martin's Woods State Natural Area
I love visiting WCLC properties, Martins Woods is one of my favorites. Spring time is pretty amazing there, and the more often you go the more you see.
 (2).jpg)
Photographer: Hunter Reinholtz
Title: Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Location: Wisconsin
Title: Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Location: Wisconsin
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Mossy Tree
Location: Nashotah Park Trail
Title: Mossy Tree
Location: Nashotah Park Trail
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Sunrise on Lake Nagawicka
Location: Delafield
Title: Sunrise on Lake Nagawicka
Location: Delafield
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Oak Tree
Location: Retzer Nature Center
Yellow Trail
Title: Oak Tree
Location: Retzer Nature Center
Yellow Trail
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Woolly Bear Caterpillar
Location: Waukesha, WI
Retzer Nature Center Yellow Trail
Title: Woolly Bear Caterpillar
Location: Waukesha, WI
Retzer Nature Center Yellow Trail
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Nashotah Lake
Location: Nashotah, WI
Nashotah Park
Title: Nashotah Lake
Location: Nashotah, WI
Nashotah Park
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Sunrise on Pewaukee Lake
Location: Pewaukee Lake
Title: Sunrise on Pewaukee Lake
Location: Pewaukee Lake
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Sunset at City Beach
Location: Lac LaBelle in Oconomowoc
Title: Sunset at City Beach
Location: Lac LaBelle in Oconomowoc
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Mushrooms on a Log
Location: Retzer Nature Center
Yellow Trail
Title: Mushrooms on a Log
Location: Retzer Nature Center
Yellow Trail
.jpeg)
Photographer: Theresa Karaffa
Title: Sunrise on Pewaukee Lake 2
Location: Pewaukee, WI
Maple Avenue Boat Launch
Title: Sunrise on Pewaukee Lake 2
Location: Pewaukee, WI
Maple Avenue Boat Launch
Photographer: Rachel Aumann
Title: Lapham Peak Yellows
Location: Lapham Peak (Kettle Moraine State Forest)
I took this on one of my longer bike rides of the season (about 22 miles round trip), and was inspired by the gentle hues and layers of yellow. Thankfully I am not allergic to ragweed ;)
Title: Lapham Peak Yellows
Location: Lapham Peak (Kettle Moraine State Forest)
I took this on one of my longer bike rides of the season (about 22 miles round trip), and was inspired by the gentle hues and layers of yellow. Thankfully I am not allergic to ragweed ;)
Photographer: Rachel Aumann
Title: Down By The River
Location: Fox River Park
This photo illustrates the importance of preserving green spaces. You can see housing subdivisions nearby. These parks are crucial for both humans and nature. They literally feel like 'breathing' space.
Title: Down By The River
Location: Fox River Park
This photo illustrates the importance of preserving green spaces. You can see housing subdivisions nearby. These parks are crucial for both humans and nature. They literally feel like 'breathing' space.
Photographer: Rachel Aumann
Title: Take Off, Eh
Location: Honey Acres subdivision in the town of Waukesha
We have several pairs of Sandhill Cranes that roam the neighborhood. We all give them space and enjoy their presence. This is the first and only time I've seen 4 together. You can tell 2 are adolescents, as they lack the red on their heads and are more gray and sandy in color.
Title: Take Off, Eh
Location: Honey Acres subdivision in the town of Waukesha
We have several pairs of Sandhill Cranes that roam the neighborhood. We all give them space and enjoy their presence. This is the first and only time I've seen 4 together. You can tell 2 are adolescents, as they lack the red on their heads and are more gray and sandy in color.
Photographer: Kate Kotecki
Title: Red-Tailed Hawk Family in Oak Nest
Location: Brookfield, WI (Waukesha County)
I appreciated being able to watch two Red-tailed Hawks raise their two chicks this spring (2020) in our back woods. In the photo, that chick already has giant yellow talons. The hawks reminded me how hard some of nature's more formidable residents work to survive day after day, whether building their huge nest or hunting prey. I stayed "socially distant," taking occasional photos from a tripod (no nest cams or drones, of course). Just one of so many species that depend on our mature oak trees.
Title: Red-Tailed Hawk Family in Oak Nest
Location: Brookfield, WI (Waukesha County)
I appreciated being able to watch two Red-tailed Hawks raise their two chicks this spring (2020) in our back woods. In the photo, that chick already has giant yellow talons. The hawks reminded me how hard some of nature's more formidable residents work to survive day after day, whether building their huge nest or hunting prey. I stayed "socially distant," taking occasional photos from a tripod (no nest cams or drones, of course). Just one of so many species that depend on our mature oak trees.
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Green Tree Frog
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Title: Green Tree Frog
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Smooth Green Snake
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Title: Smooth Green Snake
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: A Pair of Redbelly Snakes
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Title: A Pair of Redbelly Snakes
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Predation by T. sirtalis
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
This Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), was found eating an American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) in a newly restored section of prairie that is owned by Muskego High School. It was nice to see the snake, as it showed that species from the neighboring nature preserve had begun to move in.
Title: Predation by T. sirtalis
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
This Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), was found eating an American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) in a newly restored section of prairie that is owned by Muskego High School. It was nice to see the snake, as it showed that species from the neighboring nature preserve had begun to move in.
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Baby Hognose
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Title: Baby Hognose
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Tiger Salamander
Location: Muskego County Park
Title: Tiger Salamander
Location: Muskego County Park
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Greensnake in Oak
Location: Muskego
Title: Greensnake in Oak
Location: Muskego
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Newt Displaying Unkenreflex
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
This picture shows an Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) showing its brightly colored belly, in a defensive display called “Unkenreflex”.
Title: Newt Displaying Unkenreflex
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
This picture shows an Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) showing its brightly colored belly, in a defensive display called “Unkenreflex”.
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Blanding's Turtle
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
This picture shows an adult Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). The Blanding’s turtle is declining all across its range. It was officially removed from the state endangered species list a few years ago, although many experts believe that it should’ve stayed on the list, as the species is still in trouble.
Title: Blanding's Turtle
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
This picture shows an adult Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). The Blanding’s turtle is declining all across its range. It was officially removed from the state endangered species list a few years ago, although many experts believe that it should’ve stayed on the list, as the species is still in trouble.
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: Burrowing Hognose Snake
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
This picture shows a beautiful adult Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos), who I found while burrowing. You can see that she had flattened her neck out, almost like a cobra, in an attempt to scare me away.
Title: Burrowing Hognose Snake
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
This picture shows a beautiful adult Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos), who I found while burrowing. You can see that she had flattened her neck out, almost like a cobra, in an attempt to scare me away.
Photographer: Jarret Dietzler
Title: "Dead" Hognose Snake
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
The animal in this picture is the Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos), and it is faking it’s own death. Hognose snakes are the drama queens of the reptile world, and often feign death by flipping over and writhing around.
Title: "Dead" Hognose Snake
Location: Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
The animal in this picture is the Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos), and it is faking it’s own death. Hognose snakes are the drama queens of the reptile world, and often feign death by flipping over and writhing around.
