The late Sig Rudorf is no less than a legend for his tireless contributions to the Washington County community. And his farm -- now preserved forever -- stands tribute to the hard work and devotion to conservation of Sig and his bride, Sparky.

The couple bought the 96.5 acre farm in 1962 out of concern that the property would be turned into a gravel pit, forever scarring the long esker that formed a natural protective frame for the watershed of Big Cedar Lake. Over the years, Sig and Sparky and their children worked hard to turn the property into a masterpiece of a nature preserve, creating trails through acres of majestic woods.

Perpetual preservation of the land was always Sig's intent and in February, 2000, the couple sold 80 acres of farmland to the Cedar Lake Conservation Foundation. There had been two earlier gifts as well.

Today, the pristine beauty of the property offers visitors a wide range of scenic delights as they applaud the results of  Sig and Sparky's labor of love.

By Mary Jo Joyce