.png)
“Our mission is to work with the community to conserve and protect the beauty and health of the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed.”
About Us
The Kinnickinnic River Land Trust (KRLT) is a community-based land trust dedicated to working with the community to conserve and protect the beauty and health of the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed.
Based in River Falls, Wisconsin, we work throughout the Kinnickinnic River watershed in cooperation with community members, landowners, organizations, and government entities to conserve important natural resources such as clean water, native/migratory wildlife species and their habitat, farmland, and important ecosystems.
Since 1993, the KRLT has protected more than 2,800 acres and over 9.5 miles of riverbank thanks to the support of the members, like-minded organizations, and foundations. The work of protecting the Kinni isn’t over, and we invite you to join us in our efforts to protect this beautiful watershed of the Kinnickinnic River!
Staff Members
Steve Leonard
Executive Director
(715) 301-0724 | steve@kinniriver.org
Why did you choose to work at KRLT?
It’s the opportunity to work with many different stakeholders. All working towards a common goal – to protect the Kinni.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
Hiking the various landscapes from the Nagel property up north to the Kinnickinnic River State Park south where it eventually flows into the St Croix River.
Molly Barritt-Luebke
Donor and Community Relations
(715) 301-0753 | molly@kinniriver.org
Why did you choose to work at KRLT?
I am passionate about protecting the environment, especially the Kinni, and the KRLT embodies this and other important values through its mission. I enjoy meeting people who want to support KRLT's work and connecting them with ways to further conservation efforts in the Kinnickinnic River watershed. I am excited to be part of the direction and initiatives the organization is working on, such as strengthening conservation efforts and providing improved accessibility at the Nature Preserves.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
I enjoy hiking the KRLT preserves and watching how they change throughout the seasons. The Drewiske Preserve is one of my favorites, especially in the spring when the woodland flowers start to bloom. The Kelly Creek Preserve is great to visit and supports multiple ecosystems, so there is always something interesting to see when you visit.
Marty Engel
Land Stewardship Manager
(715) 653-6153 | marty@kinniriver.org
Why did you choose to work at KRLT?
The Kinnickinnic River Land Trust shares many of the same environmental goals and values as I do. After I retired from WDNR I was looking for a part-time option that would allow me to continue conservation work in the area. The Kinnickinnic River watershed has always been a favorite area of mind and the land trust work gives me the opportunity to protect sensitive resources, establish natural habitat and provide additional outdoor recreational opportunities.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
While I have spent many wonderful days over the past 35 years fishing, surveying trout streams, and doing trout stream restoration, my latest passion is restoring preserve habitat. We are currently restoring and maintaining prairie and oak savanna habitats at the Headwaters, Kelly Creek, and Drewiske Preserves. I also enjoy hiking and wildlife observation in the wooded bluffland prairies within the watershed.
Aleisha Miller
Watershed Coordinator
(715) 629-1100 | aleisha@kinniriver.org
Why did you choose to work at KRLT?
I am passionate about protecting the special places in the world. The Kinnickinnic River Watershed is one of those special places. I feel honored to be working with other people who feel as passionate about this place as I do. Bringing people together to keep the Kinnickinnic Watershed healthy is a wonderful opportunity.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
I enjoy spending time in the Kinnickinnic River Watershed with my family. As a River Falls resident, we spend time downtown and the river is always an important fixture in our minds. We enjoy walking the paths and seeing the wildlife right in our backyard.
Jane Taylor
Social Media & Community Outreach Coordinator
(715) 425-5738 | jane@kinniriver.org
Why did you choose to work at KRLT?
I work for KRLT because I support their mission to keep the Kinni 'cold and clear'. I feel passionate about conserving the watershed and protecting the plants and animals that reside in it. I strive to share stories, ideas, and visions of the Kinni through social platforms in an effort to connect the community!
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My favorite activity to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed is birding. I love taking long walks and observing and documenting the different bird species I come across. My favorite time and place to do this is at Kelly Creek Preserve in the summer; the prairie provides a picturesque haven for a variety of beautiful birds!
Board Members
David Gregg
PRESIDENT
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
We are incredibly fortunate to have this jewel of a river run through our town. I became a Board Member because it was an opportunity to help preserve and protect this beautiful river now and for future generations.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My favorite activities in the watershed are fly fishing, kayaking, prairie walks, winter hikes along the Kinni.
Peggy Kubicz Hall
VICE PRESIDENT
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
I believe the Kinnickinnic River is an important regional asset, and it (and therefore its watershed) needs to be appropriately managed and preserved. I am honored to be a small part of that effort.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
Walking in order to have those special moments immersed in nature. I especially enjoy the wildflowers, the sounds of flowing water and birdsong.
Mark Ritzinger
TREASURER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
I became a board member because all change is local and nothing is more local then the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed. I want to make a difference for my kids and grandkids so that they can enjoy this river in at least a way close to resembling my experience. I have had a lifetime of taking from nature and it is now time to balance the ledger by giving back to this earth through my work at KRLT.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My favorite activities in the watershed are fly fishing, kayaking, prairie walks, winter hikes along the Kinni.
Caitlin Olsen
SECRETARY
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
I became a board member because I wanted my voice to be heard. I felt I had a unique perspective to offer within the Kinnickinnic Land Trust.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My favorite Kinnikinnic activity is exploring the watershed with my two young kids. Seeing the river through their eyes brings so much joy and wonder.
David Foster Babcock
BOARD MEMBER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
The Kinni is a gem that flows through our town of River Falls. The river is the reason that the town was established where it is. My wife, Judie Foster Babcock was a fifth-generation Foster. She was a direct descendant of Joel Foster, one of the first European settlers to this area. When I married into the Foster family, I became a “foster child.” The Fosters have a long tradition of caring for the river. I hope to carry on this tradition in service to KRLT.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
Judie and I fly our drone along the Kinni to help monitor the river before and after the dams are removed. This is a lot of fun during warm weather, not so much fun in cold weather.
Jim Harsdorf
BOARD MEMBER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
I've been involved as a farmer in public policy to protect our farmland and our beautiful rivers in Wisconsin. I see the KRLT sharing that goal.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My wife and I love to kayak the Kinni.
Kevyn Juneau
BOARD MEMBER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
My background is in conservation and ecology, so, to me, it made sense to join the board so I can help the Land Trust and the greater community protect the unique natural areas that we have here in the watershed. It’s also an opportunity to get the students I teach at UW-River Falls more involved with conservation in the watershed.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My favorite activity in the watershed is to hike and explore the forests. There are a lot of hidden gems in the watershed, and I really appreciate the diversity of habitats that we have here. It is nice to find new parks or public forests to explore.
John Lisowski
BOARD MEMBER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
​
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
​
Kathleen Pilney
BOARD MEMBER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
After college, I served with Montana Conservation Corps, which instilled in me the importance of conserving land for both wildlife and people. Recreating outside gives me a sense of calm in an otherwise hectic world. I think it’s important to keep natural places as pristine as possible for the benefit of the community—and to sustain a healthy ecosystem.
​
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My favorite activity is to kayak the Kinnickinnic. I’ve paddled down the river several times with the River Falls Social Club and it never gets old. There’s always something new to discover.
​
Alex Prieto
BOARD MEMBER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
I am very fortunate to have enjoyed the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed for over 25 years. I became a board member to contribute to preserving and protecting this amazing resource
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My favorite activities in the watershed are fly fishing and hiking. I enjoy encountering all the animals along the river, even the beavers, scaring me in the dark as I hike downstream at dawn.
Charles Rader
BOARD MEMBER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
I have been fortunate to be involved with the KRLT since its inception and wanted to be on the Board of Directors to be an advocate for the protection of the natural environment and water resources.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
My wife Nancy and I have lived in the Kinnickinnic River watershed for 31 years and value having nature at hand daily for walking, photography, and canoeing.
Katelyn Volk
BOARD MEMBER
Why did you become a board member of KRLT?
I joined the KRLT board because I’m committed to protecting the natural places that make our community special. The Kinnickinnic River is both a beautiful resource and a vital part of our local ecosystem. Serving on the board allows me to support meaningful conservation efforts that ensure future generations can enjoy the same clean waters and scenic landscapes we value today.
​
What is your favorite thing to do in the Kinnickinnic River watershed?
I love exploring the Kinnickinnic River watershed through hiking, taking time to notice the variety of plants and wildlife along the way. Each outing offers something new to discover and deepens my appreciation for the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.