Ehrlich family donates land to Caledonia Conservancy

By Brendan O’Brien
Journal Times

Friday, August 31, 2007 8:59 PM CDT

CALEDONIA — Caledonia Conservancy has been given nearly 33 acres of land that will be used for various outdoor activities, the group announced Friday.

The 32.53-acre parcel of land at 4 Mile Road and Highway 31 was donated by Toni Ehrlich, a former long-time resident and widow of late local real estate developer King Ehrlich.

"Once land is developed, it’s gone forever. They’re not making any more of it. I am happy to make this gift," Ehrlich said in a statement. "My husband, children, friends and I rode horseback on it for years. I want tomorrow’s youngsters to be able to enjoy this beautiful area as well."

The land will be open to the public for equestrian, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The conservancy group will expand existing trails on the property.

"This is a marvelous gift for Caledonia and its residents," said Fran Martin, a conservancy board member.

There are environmental benefits that stem from the preservation of land, Martin added.

"When you have developed land, you have impervious structures ... (like) houses and driveways which add to runoff that somehow or another the village has to deal with," she said. "When we preserve open space, especially open space with natural vegetation on it, it absorbs rain in a much more efficient manner."

The parcel is valued at $480,000 and will be known as King’s Corner.

The group now owns 124 acres with a total estimated value of nearly $1.1 million. Ehrlich previously donated a 16-acre parcel to the conservancy.

Persons or groups interested in helping plan and construct additional trails on King’s Corner, or seeking information regarding other conservancy land open to the public for walking and equestrian use, can call (262) 835-4635. The group’s Web site is

http: www.caledoniaconservancy.org

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