Future generations will thank this community partnership for the foresight in setting aside a local landmark for all to enjoy.”

Landmark’s Executive Director Rick Remington

In the mid-1800s, many travelers reached the bustling city of Prescott by primitive road, rail or steam. Prescott’s location at the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers made it a popular jumping off point before setting out northward and westward. Visitors to the city could expect to find a meal, a bed, bustling nightlife and maybe even a side trip to Pine Coulee. The popular attraction on the outskirts of town drew people to picnic, photograph and paint the scenic rocky gorge entering the Mississippi. In fact, a 1907 painting of Pine Coulee still adorns the dome of the Pierce County Courthouse in Ellsworth.
For the last 90 years, Pine Coulee Farm, which includes the unique coulee gorge, has been in the care of the Christiansen family. The property was purchased in 1935 so that Milly Christiansen could begin a small farming operation and have a place to raise horses. She loved riding her horses in the coulee area.
Milly and Stan Christiansen’s four children grew up on the land, exploring Pine Coulee and embarking on adventures that only nature can provide. Their son, Kim Christiansen, recalled his family always believed that the property was an important natural area to be protected and shared.
In 2007, the family hired an ecological services company to do a natural resources inventory of the property to help guide its future conservation. The inventory helped document several distinct ecological communities to accompany its already-rich history. Over a decade passed before a plan for permanent protection would begin to take shape.

Protecting a local treasure for everyone, forever.
When Prescott local Israel Haas was serving as the Executive Director of Friends of Freedom Park, he learned of this local ‘gem’ and became enthusiastic about exploring its permanent protection and sharing it with the community.
“When I saw Pine Coulee, I knew it had to be protected,” Israel said. “It is uniquely positioned as a place for exploration and recreation right within a growing community. A public preserve provides an amazing space for people to connect with nature and each other. It has potential to quickly become one of the highlights of the area, drawing families and tourists, and boosting the overall quality of life.”
In 2020, Israel approached Landmark Conservancy, and the idea of Pine Coulee becoming a protected natural area open to the public gained momentum. Landmark secured a competitive grant through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, a state-funded program that has provided invaluable funds for land protection, clean water and access to outdoor recreation since 1989. Prominently located along Wisconsin’s Great River Road, the accessibility of Pine Coulee to Prescott residents and nearby Freedom Park visitors offers significant benefit.
With wind in the sails, Jeff Ruehle, then-board chair of Friends of Freedom Park, began working in partnership with Kristin Thompson, Landmark’s Advancement Director, to begin fundraising efforts in the Prescott community.
“Landmark Conservancy brought a level of excellence and history of success in acquiring land for conservation that was exactly what was needed,” Jeff said. “Landmark’s engagement gave the project an enduring credibility when approaching sources of public and private capital. Their expertise proved successful beyond what our local enthusiastic stakeholders could have accomplished alone. Their partnership secures a coulee preserve that will now be accessible to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Another competitive grant was received from the U.S. Forest Service – Community Forest Program for the establishment of Pine Coulee Nature Preserve [Community Forest], bringing the project within reach of the overall funding goal. The nationwide Community Forest Program funds projects in pursuit of community benefits including active forest and habitat management, clean water, educational opportunities and public access for low-impact recreation.
The fundraising goal was achieved in summer 2024, and working through requirements for closing on the purchase took nearly another year.
“Permanent land protection takes a long time to go from an idea to fruition, but the lasting benefits are worth their weight in gold,” said Landmark’s Executive Director Rick Remington. “Future generations will thank this community partnership for the foresight in setting aside a local landmark for all to enjoy.”

Pine Coulee Nature Preserve – Protected Forever
One could say the geological processes that created Pine Coulee took thousands of years, and people’s appreciation likely began as soon as they encountered it. With the launch of Pine Coulee Nature Preserve that appreciation and connection to nature will continue for countless years to come.
We are grateful to the partners and supporters who helped make protection of Pine Coulee a reality, including Friends of Freedom Park, Coulee River Trails, City of Prescott, Town of Oak Grove, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, Red Wing Shoes Foundation, Prescott Foundation, Prescott Sportsman’s Club and many individual donors. To learn more about Landmark Conservancy and its mission to conserve the natural legacy of Wisconsin for everyone, forever, visit www.landmarkwi.org.
Over time, Landmark Conservancy anticipates modest improvements to the Preserve to accommodate visitors, protect its natural features and share the uniqueness of this special place in the Confluence region. Visitors are asked to park at the gravel cul-de-sac near the Veteran's Memorial, located at the end of Cedar Lane and Monroe Street. An access map is posted at this area.