Milwaukee County is the most urbanized county in the state.  Consequently there is extreme pressure on the few remaining undeveloped areas.  The project provides for the preservation and restoration of one of the last known examples of virgin (unplowed) prairies in the highly populated Milwaukee County .  It also will contribute to the public’s knowledge of this type of rare and unique habitat because it will be open for viewing and educational access. The Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy’s Mission is: To preserve and protect land and water resources with significant conservation or open space value for the benefit of the  public, and the wildlife that depends upon it, in order to maintain quality of life, biological diversity and natural scenic beauty for future generations.  This project represents a significant contribution to the goals of MALC.

      In the Spring of 2005 ownership of this 23 acre was transferred to MALC.  The site includes a remnant prairie, a sedge meadow, savanna, and wetlands. Over 130 native plant species have already been identified on the site, and it is anticipated that proper management will increase that number. The ultimate goal of the project is to have an outstanding example of pre-settlement land conditions that can be used for enjoyment and educational purposes by the citizens of Southeastern Wisconsin . In the ecological context, this project area plays a critical role in terms of water quality, wildlife habitat and species diversity that was once dominant, but is now extremely rare in Southeastern Wisconsin . As an important part of the biological world, the site will provide a meaningful research area of the nearly extinct Midwestern prairie. As this site links a SEWRPC Isolated Natural Area and a Secondary Environmental Corridor, its protection will benefit the Root River watershed. The wetlands and adjoining sedge meadow will protect Legend Creek from run-off when the surrounding area is developed. The site will be open to the public; therefore, the project will also contribute to the health and social well being of the community by providing a link to the natural world as well as a peaceful place of rare solitude tucked away from busy everyday life.