"The Conservation Reserve Program has made it possible for us to convert our farm consisting of marginal and fragile farm land into a place of beauty and a natural sanctuary which will be enjoyed by many in the years to come," said William and Patricia Henke of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin.

With CRP cost-share assistance the Henkes have also been able to restore about 20 acres of marginal cropland to native grasses. One of the areas of native grass seeding is adjacent to the remnants of a former oak savanna. These plantings have contributed to the beauty of the land and provide food and cover for various animals and birds. The number and variety of animals and birds has increased markedly in the years since these practices were undertaken.

Many former crop fields on the Henkes' farm enrolled in CRP were planted to red pine trees. Those trees are now between 15 and 18 years old and add further diversity to the landscape. "They are spectacular in their setting, surrounded by native forests dominated by oak," said Patricia. "These trees will in time provide pulp and saw logs, contributing to the economy of Wisconsin. We do not expect to see this development in our lifetime, but it will be available for future generations."

"The financial incentives offered by CRP were sufficient to encourage us to engage in conservation actions which we may not otherwise have afforded or considered. The more involved we became, the more we wanted to do," said William.

In 2000, William and Patricia entered into a land use agreement with Eau Claire County by which the local nature center -- Beaver Creek Reserve -- is able to use 420 of the 480 acres on the farm for recreational and educational purposes. Beaver Creek Reserve is located about four miles from the Henkes' farm.

During the last four years a consortium of local high schools has offered a class entitled "Field Research," utilizing the farm as an outdoor laboratory.

In 2003, a MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) Program site was established on the farm. This is part of a nationwide program sponsored by The Institute for Bird Populations, and the Henke farm is one of 500 sites to participate. Last year 65 bird species were identified on the Henke property. This is an ongoing program and will continue indefinitely in the future. In the fall of 2005, a charter school established at Beaver Creek Reserve also began using the farm as an outdoor laboratory.

In 2004, the Henkes placed a conservation easement on 160 acres of their farm, thus insuring that the land will never be developed but will remain as a nature reserve. They are already planning to place a conservation easement on additional land in the near future. Eventually a major portion of the 480 acre farm will be given to Beaver Creek Reserve.

"One of the major contributions of CRP is that it has enabled us to keep our land without significant personal outlay. This, in turn, has enabled us to keep our land out of the hands of developers, who are eager to acquire such land for their purposes," said William Henke. For example, land which adjoins the Henke farm recently sold for $3,000 per acre for development purposes.

As a result of their participation in CRP, William and Patricia see the following benefits to their community and state:· Greatly enhancing water quality in the headwaters of Beaver Creek· Drastically reducing erosion.· Improving habitat for birds and animals· Serving as a major MAPS site· Preserving choice land from development· Providing outdoor laboratories for various educational activities

Student catching aquatic life from a shallow water area for wildlife.

Zachary, Rachel, and Sarah Rogers enjoy CRP native grass mixture planting, recreating the prairie. Notice the height of the prairie; also in the background is CRP tree planting.

William Henke standing in his prairie field.

CRP tree planting and Timber Stand Improvement, being viewed during a walking tour.

Tree planting practice on CRP acreage.