A Spectacular Environment

Prairie

The 3.5 acre drainfield has been restored to a natural Wisconsin prairie containing nearly two dozen species of native grasses and wildflowers.  The National Wildlife Federation has certified us as a Wildlife Habitat because the property provides the four basis habitat elements need for wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover and places to raise young. In addition, we have recently received recognition as a Monarch WayStation.

Bluff in the Fall

Bluff in the Spring

Niagara Escarpment
Along the southern edge of Cottage Glen, there is a five (5) acre bluff (part of the Niagara Escarpment that has been protected with a perpetual conservation easement. From this preserved setting one can see the waters of Ellison Bay and Green Bay.

Water
A high volume community well serves all the homes at Cottage Glen. The system includes a well house containing a 3,600 gallon pressure tank and an underground 11,000 gallon tank reserve. The quality of water is monitored on an ongoing basis to comply with the State of Wisconsin municipal standards. 

Septic System
Cottage Glen's waste disposal system is a state-of-the-art at-grade aerobic biological system. Waste water is processed through a series of underground tanks utilizing a microbial-aeration technology that reduces the wastewater to essentially potable water before it is released to the drainfield. Every year one third of the field is allowed to rest.

Surface Coverage
The developers have chosen to construct less than 2 units per acre on the site and have determined to have an impervious surface ratio of less than 20%. The impervious surface ratio includes all buildings, roads, parking, and other improvements that restrict the absorption of water.
 

Drainage
A comprehensive drainage plan, approved by Door County, has been implemented to ensure proper surface water management. 

Recycling
A recycling center is located on the property.

Solar Electricity

In 2010 the residents voted to add a solar array to the roof of the rec center to help defray operating costs of the center. The system supplies approximately 17% of the electricity needed for operating the center. 

Habitat

We are a certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Butterfly WayStation.

Environmental Kudos

Wild Ones

Wild Ones of Door County presented its 2006 Award to Ellison Bay Development LLC,
developer of Cottage Glen at Ellison Bay. 

In keeping with the goal to live in harmony with the environment at Cottage Glen, several awards have been given to our community.

Wild Ones of Door County, Native Plants, Natural Landscapes group, recognized Cottage Glen in 2006 with their annual Green Award for a business that demonstrates environmental responsibility and concern. Among the features leading to this recognition are clustering of housing units allowing much of the property to remain in its natural state; minimal proportion of impervious surface; restoring the septic field acreage to native prairie; and deeding the 5.5 acres atop the Niagara escarpment to Door County for perpetual conservation. Developer Peter Reddin commented, “Developers don’t usually receive awards from environmental groups.” He was pleased to be recognized for his efforts to create a community with nominal impact on the land and surroundings. 

The award plaque is on display in the Rec Center at Cottage Glen.

Certified Wildlife Habitat

The National Wildlife Federation designated our development as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat”. Criteria include providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.

 

Monarch WayStation

Most recently our prairie was named a Monarch Waystation based on the variety of host plants for Monarch butterflies and an abundance of flowers that provide nectar specific to this species. With declining Monarch populations in North America, Cottage Glen will serve as a magnet for this popular butterfly.

 

Preserving the character of the land and fitting in with the Ellison Bay community were essential to the developer of Cottage Glen. Today as homes are being built, owners and visitors are impressed that so much of the original topography and vegetation remain. The homes of Cottage Glen fit into their habitat with respect for the environment.