Coon Creek Community Watershed Council

How a Volunteer-Led Movement is Uniting Communities, Conservation, and Economic Resilience in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, the Coon Creek Watershed is once again becoming a beacon of innovation and resilience. Nearly a century after it became the site of one of America’s first watershed restoration projects, a new chapter is being written—this time by the people who live, farm, and work along its banks. 

At the center of this story is the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council (CCCWC), a volunteer-led nonprofit formed with the support of the Valley Stewardship Network (VSN). Their mission is clear: to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and protect soil health through community-led conservation. 

But this is no top-down initiative. The CCCWC is built on relationships—between farmers and landowners, homeowners and businesses, students and scientists. Their approach is rooted in dialogue, education, and shared responsibility. And it’s working. 

A Model for the Region

With funding from the Fishers & Farmers Partnership and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the CCCWC is playing a central role in a larger regional effort titled “Stream Stewardship Through Watershed Council Leadership.” This initiative spans five watersheds and aims to build a Hill Country Watershed Alliance, develop youth-led councils, and create comprehensive watershed plans—with Coon Creek serving as the model. 

The CCCWC’s leadership in this project includes: 

• Collecting and analyzing water quality data at 21 stream sites. 

• Planting 70 acres of prairie STRIPS to filter runoff and restore habitat. 

• Hosting community events and educational programs to build watershed literacy. 
• Developing a conservation corridor that will serve as a demonstration site for sustainable land management. 

Conservation as Economic Development

At the CCCWC’s recent Coon Creek Confluence Day, the connection between conservation and economic health took center stage. With support from a JEM Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the event drew visitors from across the state. Local vendors filled up a bustling tent, and the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation spoke passionately about how flood mitigation and conservation practices directly support local economies. 

“Less flooding means fewer business closures, more jobs, and more opportunities for tourism,” she said. “Conservation is not just about the environment—it’s about economic resilience.” 

Expanding the Vision

Looking ahead, the CCCWC is excited to deepen its partnerships and broaden its impact. Collaborations with UW-Madison are bringing the Wisconsin Idea to life through forest conservation, organizational development, and student engagement. A new partnership with Habitat for Humanity will bring energy efficiency upgrades to homes in the watershed, expanding the definition of conservation to include green infrastructure and home weatherization. 

“We want everyone to see themselves in this work,” says a CCCWC leader. “Whether you’re a farmer, a homeowner, or a student, you have a role to play in building a healthy, resilient watershed.” 

A Watershed Cherished and Flourishing

The CCCWC’s ultimate vision is simple yet profound: a watershed nurtured, cherished, and flourishing. Through collaboration, education, and on-the-ground action, they are turning that vision into reality—one conversation, one partnership, and one prairie STRIP at a time.  

As the waters of Coon Creek flow through the Driftless hills, they carry with them a story of hope, resilience, and the power of community.