It’s easy to imagine that all conservation-minded landowners come fully equipped with encyclopedic knowledge about how to protect and improve their land—and about everything that lives there, right down to the name of every warbler that crosses the property each spring. But Beth and Niels Jensen of Gays Mills are an example of something perhaps more typical: the steep learning curve that comes with understanding a piece of land and what it needs for preservation and renewal.
When they bought their 39-acre hillside farm in 2014, they knew they had a lot to learn. Fortunately, both came with agricultural backgrounds. Beth spent weekends on her grandparents’ farm in Illinois; Niels grew up and worked on his family’s farm in his native Denmark and on farms in the States. “We didn’t know much about land,” said Beth. “I had hunted mushrooms, collected gooseberries.”
The Jensen land is steep and diverse, unfolding in distinct layers from bottom to top. “We knew it wasn’t good farmland,” Niels said. Their house and barn sit low near Wisconsin Highway 171, while the slopes above hold hay fields now grazed by the family’s horses. Higher up, oak woodlands and savanna stretch across the hillside, with bur, white, red, and black oaks creating a varied canopy. At the very top lies a dry prairie, capping a 380-foot rise in elevation. A small stream winds through the corner of the property and drains into the Kickapoo River just 200 feet downstream.
From the beginning, Beth and Niels dove into the ongoing work of clearing invasive species like honeysuckle and Japanese barberry—an effort familiar to many conservation-minded landowners across the region. “We got involved with Mississippi Valley Conservancy right away,” said Beth. Conservancy staff offered guidance on land management and shared information about conservation easements that could permanently protect their property. They soon connected with other organizations offering knowledge, assistance, and encouragement. “We’ve met a lot of people who are like-minded,” said Niels.
Today, their circle of support includes the Conservancy, Valley Stewardship Network, Crawford Stewardship Project, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, The Prairie Enthusiasts, and the Wisconsin DNR. Through meetings, site visits, partnerships, and countless conversations, the Jensens have grown into their role as land stewards. They’re not just learning about the land—they’re learning from it.
Over the years, they lived in the old farmhouse while building a barn, installing fencing, and adding a watering system for their horses. In 2020, they bought a house in nearby Gays Mills, moved it to their property, and renovated and expanded it into their current home. Three years ago, they tore down the original farmhouse. And this summer, Beth and Niels took another important step in their conservation journey: they signed a conservation easement with Mississippi Valley Conservancy to ensure that their beloved hills, woods, and prairies will be protected in perpetuity.
“The Jensens have an exceptionally scenic property,” said Chris Kirkpatrick, conservation manager for the Conservancy. “The entire property is in perennial cover, which makes it more resilient to extreme weather conditions, including the droughts and heavy rain events that have become more common in recent decades.” Their conservation efforts extend beyond their own boundaries. Perennial cover helps slow runoff and reduce flash flooding—a frequent issue in the Kickapoo watershed. Their stewardship also aligns with the comprehensive plans of both the Village of Gays Mills and Crawford County, which aim to preserve the region’s rural character and quality of life.
On a recent summer morning, Beth and Niels sat at a table on their patio, looking uphill toward their grazing horses and the woodland and goat prairie beyond. “We hear the birds right away, every day,” Beth said. “I always love to see what the day brings,” added Niels with a smile. “We have a big project up in the woods—a lot of honeysuckle. It will take the rest of our lives.” He counts on support from both nature and the Conservancy. “If you do it the right way, you want it to continue.” The Conservancy support ensures that the conservation easement will prevent future subdivision or residential development on this private property, forever. Their easement designates specific areas for agricultural uses and a building zone for their residence, reflecting thoughtful discussions with the landowners to ensure the agreement aligned with their long-term vision for the property.
The Jensens’ story reminds us that conservation doesn’t require encyclopedic knowledge—it begins with curiosity, commitment, and community. By listening to the land and learning from those who know it best, Beth and Niels have not only transformed their hillside farm but have also contributed to a more resilient future for the Kickapoo River valley. Their journey is far from over, but thanks to their conservation easement, the natural beauty and ecological value of their land will endure for generations to come.
