FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Van der Brohe Arboretum
lyssa@vdbarboretum.org
920-460-6553
Van der Brohe Arboretum Grows to 110 Acre Space
A 45-acre land donation extends the arboretum north, named the “Steingraber Preserve” in honor of donor Karen Steingraber.
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (Feb. 4, 2026) — Van der Brohe Arboretum, previously a 65-acre natural space, grows to 110 acres after a generous land donation from Karen Steingraber, a local philanthropist, former board member, and wife of VDBA Founder John Durbrow.
The donated land as well as the existing 65 acres of the arboretum are held under conservation easement managed by Glacial Lakes Conservancy (GLC).
“We are forever grateful for the incredible gift of this environmental space and the benefits it offers wildlife and the community of Two Rivers,” said Executive Director Lyssa Schmidt. “We continue to focus our efforts on providing a quality natural area for habitat and wildlife to enjoy and are excited to nearly double the space for visitors.”
The existing conservation easements ensure the property will forever remain a place for nature, wildlife, and the community to coexist. This permanent protection helps preserve forests, wetlands, grasslands, and hardwood bogs within the East Twin River watershed and along the important Lake Michigan migratory flyway, providing vital habitat for more than 130 bird species and many native plants and animals. The expansion of the arboretum will allow further development of this “living tree museum” and create lasting environmental, educational, and community benefits that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
“Protecting both the existing Van der Brohe Arboretum and the Steingraber Preserve through conservation easements ensures this landscape will remain intact forever,” said Peter Pittner, GLC Board President. “This expansion preserves important habitat within the East Twin River watershed and along the Lake Michigan migratory corridor, while creating lasting benefits for wildlife and the Two Rivers community.”
The additional acreage extends the property into the town of Two Rivers. The donation was finalized on Dec. 30, 2025.
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Located in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the Van der Brohe Arboretum serves as both a refuge for over 130 species of resident and migratory birds and a destination for individuals seeking connection with nature. With accessible trails, interactive installations, and restored meadows, wetlands, and woodlands, the arboretum offers a vital green space along the Lake Michigan flyway.