Become a Guardian of the Yellow River

Your Land, Our Water, One Connected Future. 

Join a network of Wisconsin landowners in the Yellow River Watershed taking simple, high-impact actions to protect the Yellow River and secure our watershed for generations to come. 

Every Acre Plays a Part in the River’s Health

The Yellow River doesn't just flow through our community—it runs through our backyards, farms, and shared landscapes. Every gallon of rain that falls on your property carries a choice.

Healthy watersheds don't happen by chance; they happen by choice. Unfiltered runoff carries sediment and excess nutrients into our waterways, choking aquatic life and degrading water clarity. By adopting Wisconsin DNR-approved Best Management Practices on your property, you turn your land into a natural filter that cleanses water before it ever reaches the riverbank.

The Collective Impact

Small Actions in Your Yard. Massive Impact for the Watershed.

When you join the Guardians of the River, you aren't working alone. You become part of a dedicated community of property owners creating a network of clean-water buffers along the Yellow River.

Together, our individual land stewardship efforts add up to miles of protected shorelines, thousands of gallons of filtered runoff, and a healthier river ecosystem for everyone.

Guardians Stats as of 08/22/2026: (Members: 28, Total Acres Protected: 6,929)

The map below has markers above the land parcels for each member of "Guardians of the River". Join now to get a marker proudly displayed on your land.

(Maps Updated 08/22/2026)

Protect Your Investment, Preserve Your Legacy

Becoming a Guardian of the River isn't just about environmental conservation—it’s about safeguarding the places you call home.

• Stabilize & Protect Your Shoreline: Native plantings and proper management prevent costly land loss from erosion and flooding.

• Enhance Property Value & Natural Beauty: Beautiful, vibrant landscapes featuring native flowers and natural buffers attract local wildlife, pollinators, and songbirds.

• Ensure Safe, Clean Water: Protecting the watershed secures clean drinking water, healthier fish populations, and safer recreational waters for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

How To Become a Guardian of the River

Taking action is simpler than you think. You don't need to overhaul your entire property to make a real difference—progress starts with a single commitment.

• Pledge a Best Practice: Choose at least one Wisconsin DNR-approved Best Management Practice within one of the categories below that fits your land.

• Register Your Commitment: Fill out our brief Guardian Agreement Form to log your practice and help us track our collective watershed impact.

• Display Your Pride: As soon as your application form is received, a Guardian Marker will be placed over your land on the Guardians “Big Map” of the Watershed giving you recognition for your commitment.

How to Protect the Effort You've Invested in Your Land

For individuals that want to protect their land in the future and maybe beyond their lifetime you may wish to consider placing protective covenants on your land also known as a deed restriction or a conservation easement. This is a significant step up from a pledge as it involves legal documents and a long-term commitment on your part and in the case of a conservation easement a long-term commitment to enforce your conservation requirements beyond your lifetime.