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what is the
Niagara Escarpment
The Niagara Escarpment is a 430-million-year-old, over 1,000-mile-long geologic feature of global significance grounded on its unique ecological diversity and cultural heritage. Its Western boundary emerges in the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, extending northeast along a "Great Arc" through the Door Peninsula, continuing via Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and then arcs into Ontario, Canada, traveling eastward as the iconic Niagara Falls and beyond in New York State.
The Niagara Escarpment's cliffs represent the outer edge of an ancient shallow sea. The cliff faces exposed along the basin connect Wisconsin regionally, nationally, and internationally to a fascinating history, culture, and ecology. With over 430 million years in the making, it's a landscape like no other. (Find out more)
DISCOVER YOUR
Wisconsin Ledge
The Wisconsin Ledge and our WI-LEDGE brand represent the pride of place that is evident amongst those familiar with the Niagara Escarpment and its many wonders. The discovery and exploration of these wonders by those not familiar will undoubtedly lead them to develop a similar sense of place, as The Ledge is an essential part of Wisconsin's geologic, natural, and cultural history – so much so that in 2006, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources listed the Niagara Escarpment as one of the top three "Land Legacy" areas in need of near-term preservation and continued protection.
To better align with the State's priorities, NERN has focused its efforts and activities on five WI-LEDGE Programs: Geotourism, Conservation, Learning, Events, and Tours. Each program helps build awareness while inspiring continued and increased stewardship activities along its corridor. Our companion "It's Ledge-ndary" slogan exemplifies the uniqueness and importance of the resource and its worthiness as a special place for endless exploration for residents and visitors alike. We invite and encourage you to use this website as a resource, guide, and event hub to explore and discover your Wisconsin Ledge.
Learn more about our five programs by clicking the buttons below.
organization behind the scenes
Niagara Escarpment Resource Network
The Niagara Escarpment Resource Network (NERN) was established in 1998 as a grassroots organization responding to the needs of over 100 people in attendance at an inaugural conference solely focused on the Niagara Escarpment. NERN's vision is for a protected Niagara Escarpment corridor that provides environmental, social, and economic well-being for present and future generations. Our mission is to protect Wisconsin's Niagara Escarpment through advocacy, conservation, education, interpretation, geotourism, and community engagement. We strongly believe that our balanced and objective approach will ultimately lead to the increased conservation of the Niagara Escarpment's most sensitive resources.
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NIAGARA ESCARPMENT RESOURCE NETWORK
C/O Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership
P. O. Box 224
Port Washington, WI 53074
Proud partner of the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership.