​Dedicated to the Children of Tomorrow
Kishwauketoe has stood as a testament to what is possible when a community unites to protect our forests, prairies, and ecosystems—not just for ourselves, but for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come.
Photography by Jen Schildgen / BlueVerve Studio
​These gifts are given, over and over, without want of thanks, or expectation to the children of Williams Bay. Unassumingly, the land teaches us truths long forgotten. It reminds us of our tender roots, and grounds us to the wisdom of the Earth.
Kishwauketoe: A Nature Conservancy for the Children of Tomorrow
Photography by Jen Schildgen / BlueVerve Studio
The Beginning
1965 Train Line Decommissioned. When the area’s train route was decommissioned, developers immediately sought to purchase the property that is now Kishwauketoe with visions of building a large boat lagoon, hotels, shopping centers, and a complete golf community. Area residents repeatedly asked the Williams Bay Village Board to stop the developers. To protect the 231 acres, the Board purchased the property for $1,575,000 in 1990.
A Community
Comes Together
July 1st, 1990, the land was formally dedicated as a protected nature conservancy, and Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy –“Dedicated to the Children of Tomorrow” was established. The Village Board created the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy Commission to develop a long-term plan and begin restoration. After the initial purchase of the land, Kishwauketoe has never asked for tax funding. The Friends of Kishwauketoe was organized in 1992 and received its 501(c)(3) status on July 3rd, 1992. The Friends Board is the fundraising entity for the Conservancy and has been key to Kishwauketoe.
Photography by Jen Schildgen / BlueVerve Studio
Photography by Jen Schildgen / BlueVerve Studio
The Land
231 Acres of peaceful natural beauty. Kishwauketoe represents a rare and evolving lakeside ecological area open to visitors year-round. The conservancy’s success is due to the dedication of volunteers, staff, citizens, donors, and all those who have contributed to making Kishwauketoe a beautiful nature conservancy for everyone to enjoy.
Kishwauketoe, pronounced "kish-wah-kee-toe
The name Kishwauketoe, derived from Potawatomi origins, translates to “Clear Water” or “Lake of the Sparkling Water,” reflecting the beauty of Geneva Lake and honoring the Potawatomi people, known as “Keepers of the Sacred Fire” or “The True People.” This land is rich in Native American history, as the Potawatomi once inhabited the area, making the conservancy a place of both natural beauty and historical significance.
Indigenous Peoples
of the Americas
Recognizing the indigenous peoples of the Americas and the 12 First Nations who have called Wisconsin home for thousands of years is a fundamental aspect of Kishwauketoe’s mission. The conservancy’s programs, including events, hikes, classes, and tours, are held on the traditional homelands of numerous indigenous peoples, most recently the Potawatomi, members of the Algonquin family. It is our collective responsibility to learn about and appreciate the history of the land we inhabit and the immense contributions of the indigenous peoples. Kishwauketoe honors and respects the Potawatomi and their predecessors, ensuring their legacy is remembered and celebrated.
