Supporting the Balance of Welcoming Visitors and Protecting Our Environment

Julie Gilbert. Submitted.

by JULIE GILBERT

President & CEO, Destination Door County

It’s hard to believe that April is already here! I’m eagerly anticipating the sight of trees budding and flowers blooming. There’s so much to look forward to this spring!

One of the events specific to Destination Door County this month is the public presentation of the Door County Destination Stewardship Plan, which will take place on Wednesday, April 24, at 9 am at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor. We will also live stream the presentation via Zoom.  Please see the link here: us02web.zoom.us/j/85699432036 for anyone who wants to tune in virtually. We have a lot of great information to share with everyone!

Don’t forget that Earth Day is April 22. Let’s celebrate the legacy of conservation and community which is so important to all of us who live in, and love, Door County. Preserving the natural beauty and heritage is crucial for all of us. Watching the documentary Ridge and Swale:  conservedoorcounty.com/) is a great way to learn about the origin and ongoing efforts in Door County and appreciate the importance of conservation. It is truly inspirational.  

With our focus on Earth Day, give the gift of a Door County State Park to future generations and become a guardian of the greens. Our community believes in the power of collaboration and Destination Door County is challenging residents and visitors to raise $50,000 in donations for each state park through a special parks challenge grant initiative. Visit doorcounty.com/support-door-county-state-parks for all the details. Destination Door County has already committed $500,000. Your additional donation will help boost the total to $750,000. All funds will be used to provide the Parks Friends groups with opportunities to make enhancements at each of our beloved state parks. 

During the week of May 19-25, we’ll be celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week! This is a week dedicated to celebrating the U.S. travel community, highlighting how travel stimulates economic growth, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses and elevates the quality of life for Americans every day. We’ll be hosting a celebration and networking event on Wednesday, May 22, starting at 6 pm at the Door County Gala in Sturgeon Bay. At 8 pm, we’ll transition to a special watch party for an exciting new episode of Bravo’s Top Chef TV show, which is highlighting Wisconsin’s culinary scene this year. It’s going to be an evening to remember! We would love to see you all there!

We are fortunate to call Door County home and it’s no wonder that visitors want to experience such a beautiful place. We will continue to support a balance between welcoming visitors and protecting our environment. We know that without the positive boost to our economy from tourism, we wouldn’t be able to look after the place that we love.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions to help us continue growing in a positive direction.