The Driftless Area, so named because of the absence of glacial deposits – or “drift” – is a unique geographical region that encompasses most of southwestern Wisconsin, part of southeastern Minnesota, bits of northeastern Iowa, and a portion of northwest Illinois.
Map credit: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
Unlike most of the Midwest, which was repeatedly ground smooth by glacial ice, the Driftless Area is filled with tall bluffs, forested ridges, narrow ravines, and deeply carved river valleys. The Mississippi River cuts through the heart of the region, forming Lake Pepin at its widest point.
Not only is the geology surrounding Lake Pepin and the Upper Mississippi River Valley unique, but the ecosystem is a “biodiversity hotspot” and home to rare habitats like goat prairies and oak savannas. Unfortunately, the Driftless Region is facing a hastened loss of biodiversity, mainly caused by poor land management. This stems anywhere from unsustainable farming practices to the insurgence of invasive species. In order to preserve the natural richness of the Driftless Area, measures need to be taken to promote collaboration in conservation efforts. There are many organizations working to make an impact, and by focusing on biodiversity hotspot and a feature synonymous with the Driftless Area, the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance is working to restore and protect what's threatened before it's too late.
LPLA spearheaded the habitat restoration project in Bay City and kicked off the work with a “Golden Shovel” event in May 2023. In attendance were many local and national agencies, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.