The Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) received a donation of a three-acre parcel on Butternut Lake in Price County from Sharon Buechner of Wausau, Wisconsin. This property, which was donated in November 2025, features over 700 feet of undeveloped lake frontage and is a mixture of forested wetland, bordered by Butternut Lake on the east and Spiller Creek on the west.

This gift holds a deep personal significance for Sharon, as the land has been in her late husband John’s family for many years. The Buechner family has long been connected to the Butternut Area.  It serves as a lasting tribute to John and his father, both of whom loved to hunt, fish, and camp on this undeveloped property.

Though small in size, this donation offers considerable value to the health of Butternut Lake. Butternut is a relatively developed lake near Park Falls, and this property represents a crucial stretch of wild, undeveloped shoreline. This natural state is vital, providing essential habitat for fish, frogs, turtles, and other aquatic life that rely on woody debris and undisturbed banks for survival.

Moreover, the forested wetland serves a critical role in filtering runoff, ensuring high water quality for the entire lake system. The permanent protection of this parcel guarantees that future generations will benefit from its scenic views and the ecological services it provides.

Sharon’s thoughtful decision to conserve this land as a nature preserve, in memory of her husband, is an example of how private land protection can make a public difference. Properties like this, while not necessarily adjacent to other protected areas, are essential. They stabilize shorelines, protect water quality, and preserve the natural character of our lakes.

Learn about NWLT’s newest conservation area by visiting its dedicated webpage.