A fundraising effort spearheaded by the Landmark Conservancy aims to raise money to replace the lower staircase at Devil's Punchbowl in Menomonie. (Photo via Caleb Carter Photography)

The Landmark Conservancy, owners of the Devil’s Punchbowl in Menomonie, recently launched a campaign to raise money for a replacement stairway in the park. According to Sara Norman, the Landmark Conservancy’s community outreach coordinator, the stairs were constructed in 2000, and the Conservancy set a goal of $75,000 to rebuild them. The remaining funds will be used to build an endowment with the Community Foundation of Dunn County for long-term management of the property. Along with donations from the community at large, the Conservancy has been guaranteed matching funds of up to $35,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Knowles-Nelson Stewardship and from the Community Foundation of Dunn County. In order to gain access to the matching funds, however, Landmark Conservancy must first raise $35,000. As of March 8, 29% of the funds have been raised, totaling over $21,000. “We are hoping the lower stairway will get built this summer or fall, depending on if we meet our goal. As a nonprofit, we rely on community support!” Norman said.

To learn more, visit www.landmarkwi.org.