The Field Note | Winter 2025

THE

FIELD NOTE

WISCONSIN’S SOURCE FOR LOCALLY LED CONSERVATION Volume 33 | Issue 3

THE FIELD NOTE

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WINTER 2025

W IS C O N SIN , WE A R E S TI L L S PEC I A L

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isconsin’s unique combination of local, state, and national support for our conservation delivery system—which I’ve written of in this publication before—was recognized this summer as the 2025 National Association of Conservation Districts convened their annual meeting in Milwaukee. The feedback I heard from around the country after that week was astounding: “best meeting ever,” “fantastic tours,” “enlightening,” “outstanding hospitality and services,” “Wisconsin has more going on in their state than many entire regions;” the compliments go on and on.

That recognition is only possible because you, our land and water resource management professionals and policy makers work hand in hand supporting each other every day. When I say we have the absolute best conservation system in the country it is because I have seen first-hand how blessed we are in our state to have a structure that works toward common goals, when many states struggle from lack of support and commitment. It is the strength of our composition which has allowed your Association to grow beyond anything we ever dreamed.

When I became your Board Chair I shared a single goal – that we would be recognized as the authoritative voice of all things land and water resource related in our state, in our country and territories. I feel we are arriving at that point. Our budget and association staff size is significantly greater than it was five years ago; we have presence on 56 environmental related committees in the state; we brought approximately $1 million of economic impact to Wisconsin with the NACD Summer Meeting; and we were instrumental in achieving the (for the first time) funding for the first three positions of our statutory funding goal, via the 2025-27 state biennial budget.

These are major accomplishments signaling solid growth and performance for Wisconsin Land+Water.

Part of that growth is the addition of a full-time bookkeeper/office manager position. We are looking forward to Jonathan Taylor joining the team. This is a new position for Wisconsin Land+Water which will be critical in helping manage our next growth phase. Our Youth Education camps are growing as we change the middle school student location to a new and improved venue. Our upcoming Annual Conference in March is set to be, once again, bigger and better than ever (we say that every year), and our standing committees are active, engaged, and effective.

Some of the most satisfying work within our Association occurs at the committee level. There is always room for more input and new members for all the committees, so please consider giving your talent to the Great Lakes, Health & Conservation, Legislative/Administrative, Mississippi River Basin, Public Outreach, Professional Improvement, Technical, or Youth Education committees.

Our Board of Directors is fully immersed in the growth of our organization and is truly one of the top boards I have ever sat on. They are forward-thinking and approach every decision with a very intelligent and pragmatic process. I am so proud to work with them and President Bob Micheel. There are not enough positive descriptions in the English language to describe the immeasurable impact Executive Director Matt Krueger, Associate Director Christina Anderson and all the staff; Michael Hook, Kelli Myers, Peyton Mueller, Jenny Pethan, Chris Schlutt, Kristin Teston, Kim Warkentin, and Carl Wepking have made on the success of Wisconsin Land+Water. Without their dedication and professionalism, we would be in chaos, but with them we are an absolute force of nature.

All of you contribute reliably to the overall success and completion of our mission. In this season of thankfulness, I am grateful for each of you, for giving your best each day for conservation, for protecting our natural resources, and for supporting the producers who feed our families. Most of you know that my own family experienced an unspeakable tragedy this fall, and I want you all to know how truly grateful we are for the support given to us during that time and continuing. Without this conservation family I would not have been able to bear it. I thank you for your trust and commitment and wish you all a truly blessed and joyful Christmas.

Yours in conservation,

Monte G. Osterman, Board Chair

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CONTENTS 06.

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SEASONS SCREENINGS

CELEBRATING CONSERVATION

SUMMER CAMPS

Watch the trailers for our staff’s favorite holiday films.

Watch our Conservation Farm video and nominate a future award winner.

Explore the new location of our Middle School Camp.

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73RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CLIMATE ROAD SHOW

CONSERVATION CAREERS

Registration is now open for our event in March.

See if a an in-person meeting is coming to a location near you.

See how we’re connecting students with internships and jobs.

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WI ENVIROTHON

OUR COMMITTEES

SEEING CRANBERRIES

Save the date for the state’s ultimate environmental science competition.

Consider joining one of our eight committees in the new year.

Learn more about the state’s favorite fruit and find a secret family recipe.

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WINTER 2025

WH O ’S N E W ( S ) ?

20 26 W I L L B R I N G A NEW F U LL-T I M E ROLE A ND A NE W FACE T O OU R T E AM

JONATHAN TAYLOR

BOOKKEEPER/OFFICE MANAGER Jonathan has a BBA and MBA from UW-Whitewater.

He has worked for the last 7 years in various non-profit accounting roles from payroll to receivables and everything in between. He comes to us from the Diocese of Madison where he was working with their centralized accounting team for Madison-area parishes. He has a genuine passion for excel and would be delighted to discuss spreadsheets at length, though he won’t be upset if you justifiably don’t find the topic interesting. When Jonathan isn’t buried in accounting he likes jogging, playing hide-and-go-seek with his four year-old daughter, and babbling nonsensically back and forth with his one year-old daughter. He’s very excited to bring his passion and non-profit accounting experience to the team. Jonathan will start his new full position with us in January.

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S E AS O N’S S C RE E N I N GS T H E H O L I D AYS A R E H E RE—S ET T LE I N W I T H T H E M OVI ES T H AT MA K E T H I S T I M E OF YE AR S O M AGI CAL!

‘Tis the season for hot cocoa, cozy blankets, and the annual debate over what makes a “real” Christmas movie. This year, we asked our team to share the films that make their holidays feel complete—and as you’ll see, we’ve got quite the range. From heartwarming classics that have been tradition for generations to nostalgic favorites that still spark joy (and maybe a few nightmares), everyone’s picks tell a story about what the season means to them.

Whether you’re in the mood for stop-motion reindeer, mischievous mogwai, or Bill Murray and Paul Giamatti at their most delightfully cynical, there’s something here to add to your watchlist. Each movie comes with a link to the trailer, so you can preview before you browse Netflix or dust off those DVDs. We hope you find a new favorite—or rediscover an old one—to make your holidays a little brighter!

MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

RUDOLF THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

Carl’s favorite holiday film needs no introduction! Unless you’re his eight year old who asked, during intermission of a live production of the plain-old Christmas Carol, “Why is there only one Marley?”

ELF This movie came out when Peyton was just a toddler, so it’s been a holiday-season staple for as long as she can remember. I’ve always loved anything set in New York City, and adding a little Christmas magic makes it pure joy!

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Kim has always loved this movie and has ornaments of the main characters! The message of overcoming challenges, embracing your unique traits and self-acceptance still resonates. In the end, Rudolph’s uniqueness saved Christmas!

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THE HOLDOVERS

SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN

A new addition to Kristin’s list with all the ingredients of a holiday classic, this film follows a brainy student, a curmudgeonly professor, and the school’s resilient head chef at a New England boarding school as they’re unexpectedly thrown together over a snowy winter break.

GREMLINS Christina was probably far too young when she first watched Gremlins with her older cousins, and had nightmares for weeks. But still she begged for a Gizmo of her own, promising she wouldn’t feed him after midnight!

Kelli thinks the Rankin/Bass stop motion films are the best.

The special was created using “Animagic,” in which all the characters are made of wood and plastic and animated via stop-motion photography.

SCROOGED

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER Chris is a huge fan of films from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. This 1940 classic has James Stewart in a romcom/drama about two employees who can barely stand each other as unwitting pen pals who find love in pre-World War II Budapest.

A mean-spirited (yet hilarious) Bill Murray as Scrooge? Yes please!

Matt’s family looks forward to watching this one every holiday season. The rendition of “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” is a dose of heartwarming joy that everyone can use around the holidays.

LOVE ACTUALLY Jenny loves a good rom-com and this feel-good ensemble that weaves together multiple love stories across London during the holidays, proving that love shows up in all its messy, magical, and unexpected forms.

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CONVENE

MARCH 4-6, 2026

73 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RD

JOIN US IN THE WISCONSIN DELLS FOR BREAKOUT SESSIONS, YOUTH EDUCATION CONTESTS, AND YOUR FAVORITE CONFERENCE EVENTS.

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ark your calendars—registration is now open for our 73rd WI Land+Water Annual Conference, happening March 4-6, 2026, at the at the Chula Vista Resort in the WI Dells, WI. Our premier gathering will bring together nearly 500 conservation professionals from across Wisconsin for an unmatched opportunity to learn, network, and advance the work we all care about.

A Conference Built for Conservation Professionals Whether you’re designing streambank protection projects, navigating nutrient management updates, or working to advance perennial conservation systems, this year’s conference delivers practical insights that you can put to work immediately. With 40 breakout sessions spanning technical training, policy updates, and professional development, attendees will find content tailored to both emerging and experienced professionals. The breakout schedule covers the full spectrum of conservation work happening across Wisconsin.

Wednesday afternoon kicks off sessions on the latest updates to nutrient management planning, including changes to the P Index and SnapPlus Version 3. You’ll also find opportunities to explore local innovations like Watertown’s water quality trading program and learn about collaborative opportunities with tribal governments through the Ho-Chunk Nation and DNR. Thursday’s lineup dives deep into on-the-ground practices. Sessions will cover streambank protection design, grazing systems, and the launch of the new Grazing Academy, a hands-on conservation messaging workshop, and tackling real-world problems when conservation projects don’t go according to plan. Conservation advocates will want to catch the morning session featuring former state legislators on effective advocacy strategies that work across partisan divides.

Friday morning brings technical sessions on solar watering system design, soil investigations for engineering practices, and an exploration of tree-ring data revealing 1,200 years of Wisconsin’s climate history.

There’s also dedicated space for professional growth,

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including public speaking skills and strategies for working with journalists to tell your stories.

Multiple sessions throughout the conference will offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for engineering and other licensed professionals.

LCC Member Scholarships Available We are excited to once again offer Land Conservation Committee (LCC) member scholarships to cover the full cost registration cost and encourage greater participation at our event. Available to one LCC member in each of the eight Area Associations, the scholarships are designed for members who have never attended the conference. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the conference, and we’ve planned many of our sessions with our LCC members in mind.

For questions and to apply, interested LCC members should contact Chris. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 30, 2026.

Supporting Youth Conservation Leaders Our conference proudly supports the next generation through our Youth Education Committee’s Conservation Awareness Poster & Speaking Contests. This year’s posters will explore the theme “Soil. Where It All Begins,” giving young people a platform to showcase their creativity, ideas, and passion for environmental stewardship.

Attendees will also be able to participate in our Silent Auction—a conference highlight where all proceeds support youth education programs like the Wisconsin Envirothon and Conservation Summer Camps. The auction features locally sourced items from across Wisconsin, giving bidders the chance to support future conservation leaders while bringing home something special.

If you’re interested in donating an item to the Silent Auction, we welcome contributions like local

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honey or maple syrup, home décor and handmade products, items for gardening or outdoor recreation, and general gift cards. Contact our auction chair, Haillie Passow if you have questions about donation options or submit your auction item using our online form.

Connect and Network Beyond the breakout sessions, our conference offers numerous opportunities to build relationships and connect with colleagues. New this year, join the Young Conservation Professionals Network on Wednesday evening for Conservation Trivia—gather your team and brush up on your conservation knowledge for a fun night of friendly competition. On Thursday morning, Land Conservation Committee members are invited to a special LCC Breakfast to connect with fellow committee members from across the state. Throughout the conference, you can also unwind and network with colleagues, sponsors, and

exhibitors during social hours.

Sponsorship Opportunities This year’s conference offers exciting opportunities for organizations and businesses to showcase their support for local conservation through sponsorship.

Our attendees and sponsors have many opportunities during the two-day Sponsor Exhibition to build valuable relationships that often lead to future collaborations and partnerships.

Plan to Attend With three full days of programming designed specifically for Wisconsin’s conservation community, our conference offers a chance to sharpen your skills, collaborate on common challenges, and return to your county with fresh ideas and renewed inspiration.

Registration and full conference details are available at wisconsinlandwater.org/conference. We look forward to seeing you in the Wisconsin Dells!

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2026 CONFERENCE SPEAKERS DOUG DUREN WEDNESDAY

Doug Duren is a passionate hunter, farmer, land manager, and conservationist. He is the owner of Lone Oak Interests, LLC, specializing in site and land management consulting and contracting services throughout Wisconsin and the Driftless Area. He also manages the Duren Family Farm near Cazenovia, Wisconsin where he has been working and hunting for over 45 years. Current management includes acres enrolled in CRP and other conservation programs, raising grass fed beef, timber management for forest health, as well as a variety of hunting, aesthetic, and recreation objectives. Doug has worked on a variety of projects with several public and private conservation organizations including American Forest Foundation, Aldo Leopold Foundation, Pheasants Forever, Wisconsin DNR, My Wisconsin Woods/Driftless Forestry Network, NRCS, and FSA. He is a frequent contributor to the Meateater television show and podcast.

SERGE KOENIG THURSDAY

Serge Koenig has been a Sauk County natural resource professional for over thirty years. He has a Watershed Management degree and a Soils Minor from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. He is a tireless advocate of managed rotational grazing as a tool for regenerating our soils, water and human resources. In his free time he loves spending time with his family gardening, traveling, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and coaching. Serge will be taking you on a voyage to Madagascar, sharing photos from his youth and the many adaptations he had to make along the way - food, language, weather, culture, school as a metaphor for the flexibility the job requires and how those experiences led him to conservation. Serge will be describing his approach to the conservation profession, including continually reinventing himself, going the extra mile, and developing the inter- and intrapersonal skills essential to be effective on the job.

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WINTER 2025

WISCONSIN

ENVIROTHON APRIL 10, 2026

ROSHOLT, WI WISCONSIN LIONS CAMP wisconsinlandwater.org/envirothon Founded in 1988, Wisconsin Envirothon is a collaboration between educators and natural resource professionals to host the state’s ultimate hands-on environmental science team competition.

This day-long event is an excellent opportunity for middle and high school students to develop the leadership and communication skills that champion a more sustainable and environmentallyaware community. Conservation professionals challenge students to work as a team while exploring the many facets of current environmental topics. Together, they provide coaching at the following Outdoor Testing Stations:

Aquatic Ecology

Soils & Land Use

Analyze aquatic ecosystems, identify aquatic organisms, and discuss watershed management.

Learn about soil structure, interpret maps, evaluate land forms, and discover soil characteristics.

Forestry

Wildlife

Explore the methods used to maintain healthy forests, identify species, and measure trees.

Gain knowledge about wildlife tracking, animal populations, and habitat conservation.

The Current Issue Team Presentation provides an opportunity to join fundamental knowledge and reasoning ability to understand and articulate today’s most critical environmental concerns. Engaging with the Current Issue scenario offers an opportunity to develop the skills needed to communicate the conservation ethic in whatever scholastic, career, or civic choices lie ahead.

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THE FIELD NOTE

ENGAGE

CELEBRATING OUR CONSERVATION CHAMPIONS N O MIN ATIO N S FOR OUR 202 6 C ONS E RVATION AWARDS ARE N OW OP E N

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he lights dimmed at the Conserve Sauk Film Festival, and on screen, Roger Bindl’s 289-acre farm came to life. Rolling hills, grazing cattle, the gentle flow of Honey Creek—it was a picture of conservation in action. The short film showcases RB Farms in Sauk County, our recipient of the 2025 Conservation Farm Family of the Year Award.

The film provides a close look at the philosophy driving Roger’s conservation efforts. On his erosion-prone landscape in Sauk County, Roger has been putting conservation practices to work since 2010. His 289-acre operation rotates 48 beef cows while growing corn, soybeans, alfalfa, winter wheat, and forages—all managed with no-till farming, cover crops, rotational grazing, and winter bale grazing.

These practices are especially

critical on Roger’s farm, which sits directly upstream of the Village of Plain. Everything that happens on his land is seen in the waters of Honey Creek, which runs through his property. By keeping living roots in the ground year-round and minimizing soil disturbance, Roger ensures his soil stays stable and biologically active, protecting water quality, and his neighbors, downstream.

Roger’s guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: “You have to take care of the land, so the land will take care of you.” That belief drives everything he does, from his farming decisions to his leadership role as President and lead farmer of the Sauk Soil and Water Improvement Group (SSWIG), a producer-led watershed organization founded in 2019.

Roger doesn’t keep his conservation knowledge to himself.

Sauk County Land Resources and Environment staff describes him as an “idea factory” and “an innovator” who regularly hosts pasture walks, field days, and workshops.

Through these peer-to-peer education efforts, he shares his experiences with no-till, rotational grazing, and cover crop trials, helping his neighbors see what’s possible when farmers prioritize soil health.

The Science Under The Soil But the most memorable moment of the evening didn’t happen on screen. It happened when Roger stepped on stage, reached into a bag, and pulled out the tattered remains of a pair cotton underwear that he’d buried back on his farm in April. By filming time in June, nothing remained but an elastic waistband and some dangling threads.

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“” You have to

take care of the land, so the land will take care of you.

-Roger Bindl 16

The “Soil Your Undies Challenge” is more than just a quirky experiment—it’s a great way to visualize microbial activity taking place in healthy soil. The experiment is easy: bury a pair of new, 100% cotton underwear about three inches deep, mark the spot, and wait at least 60 days.

When you dig them back up, the more deteriorated the fabric, the healthier the soil.

But how does this work exactly? Healthy soil contains billions of microbes that consume organic matter like cotton. In fact, one teaspoon of healthy soil contains more microbes than there are people on the planet! These microscopic workers don’t just break down cotton—they help soil resist erosion, cycle nutrients, and store water. When Roger’s underwear disappeared in just two months, it proved that his conservation practices are creating the kind of thriving, healthy soils that makes farming sustainable for the long haul.

This challenge is just one of the creative ways Roger shows his commitment to conservation.

By making soil health visible and tangible—whether through buried underwear or hosting farm tours for elected officials—he emphasizes why conservation support matters for Wisconsin’s $116.3 billion agriculture industry.

The premiere of “Caring for the Land” at the Conserve Sauk Film Festival was a celebration not just of one farmer’s achievements, but of the broader movement toward soil health, water quality, and sustainable agriculture that farmers across Wisconsin are leading. Roger’s story demonstrates that conservation and productivity aren’t opposing goals—they’re

complementary ones. His no-till fields, his thriving cover crops, his carefully managed grazing system—all of it adds up to a farm that’s more resilient, more profitable, and more protective of our finite natural resources.

Giving Back to the Land+Water Roger’s decision to present the decomposed underwear to us wasn’t just a lighthearted moment—it was quintessentially Roger. He’s never been content to simply farm well; he wants to share what he’s learned, to inspire others, to build a community of conservation-minded producers.

Whether he’s hosting farm tours for elected officials or conducting cover crop trials, Roger approaches conservation as a collaborative effort, not a competitive one.

True to Roger’s spirit of giving back to his community, he presented them to WI Land+Water during the film’s debut. “We’re thrilled to have some new artwork for our office, and this was such a neat way to commemorate making our first ever award video,” reflected Kristin Teston, Communications Director. “I can’t wait to see what other traditions emerge as we continue to honor our winners with their own conservation film.”

The Next Chapter of Champions Roger’s journey to conservation champion didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen alone. He worked with conservation professionals, learned from other farmers, and committed himself to continuous improvement. Every year, farmers and conservation professionals across Wisconsin are doing the same

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work—innovating, teaching, protecting our land and water resources for future generations.

That’s why our Conservation Awards exist.

We’re now accepting nominations for the 2026 Conservation Awards across all our categories.

Do you know someone whose dedication deserves recognition?

Someone who’s quietly transforming their watershed, mentoring the next generation, or championing conservation in their community? These awards shine a spotlight on the people doing the

essential, often invisible work of protecting Wisconsin’s most precious resources.

After all, healthy soil—like the kind that consumed Roger’s underwear in just two months— doesn’t create itself. It takes knowledge, commitment, and a willingness to do things differently. It takes champions, and Wisconsin has plenty of them!

The question is: who will you nominate?

Visit us online to learn more and submit a nomination: wisconsinlandwater.org/ conservation/awards.

2026 Conservation Award Categories Outstanding Conservation Employee (Three Categories): » County Conservationist/ Administrator/Supervisor » Technician/Planner/Project Manager/GIS Specialist/ Agronomist » Administrative Assistant (We had ZERO nominations in this category last year! There are amazing administrative assistants throughout Wisconsin’s conservation community – let’s see lots of nominations this year!)

Outstanding LCC Member Recognizing land conservation committee members providing strong leadership Friend of Conservation Honoring individuals outside our organization making outstanding contributions Conservation Legacy Award Celebrating lasting contributions to Wisconsin’s conservation community Brad Matson Youth Education Award Outstanding Youth Educator, carrying on Brad’s legacy of educating our youth about natural resource protection Conservation Farm Family of the Year Promoting farm conservation accomplishments and community involvement

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A D V O C AT E | C O N V E N E

CLIMATE SERVICES ROADSHOW JOIN THE WISCONSIN STATE CLIMATOLOGY OFFICE PROJECTS TO ASK QUESTIONS AND SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVES ABOUT EXTREME WEATHER

The Wisconsin State Climatology Office (SCO) now offers county climate profiles on their website, as a part of the full suite of climate data products that the office provides.

These profiles are county-level reports that include recent climate averages, all-time records, frequency of extreme weather events, and outlooks for the future. The data that was used to create the county climate profiles were collected at meteorological monitoring stations in the county, with some stations that have records going back more than 100 years. The idea for the county climate profiles came from conversations between the SCO and county-level partners who expressed an interest in having county-level climate data to use in outreach and planning efforts. Currently, there are six profiles available on the SCO’s website, with more in the works. If you wish to have a profile created for your county, please reach out to the SCO to request one.

To increase the reach of climate services in rural Wisconsin communities, the SCO is hosting several in-person community meetings this winter as part of the inaugural “Extreme Weather and Climate Services Roadshow.” The meetings are being held in collaboration with Wisconet and the Rural Weather Extremes project. These sessions aim to identify the most pressing weather and climate-related questions facing local stakeholders, with a particular focus on extreme weather impacts such as flooding, drought, extreme heat, and cold. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives and experiences with extreme weather, as well as hear presentations about the weather and climate services provided by the SCO and its UW-Madison partners. Insights gained at these events will help inform future tools, data, and resources. To find roadshow stops near where you live and to register, please visit climatology.nelson.wisc.edu/roadshow

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CONVENE

JOIN ONE OF OUR COMMITTEES IN THE NEW YEAR THE PROGRAMS WILL HONOR A LASTING LEGACY AND CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS

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ehind many of our successful initiatives, program expansions, and strategic wins this year stood a dedicated committee working alongside our staff to make it happen. Our committees are the backbone of our organization, providing direction, support, and invaluable expertise that guides our work forward. This year proved once again that when staff and members collaborate through committees, remarkable things happen.

The Outreach Committee demonstrated that communications and outreach aren’t just tasks to check off—they’re buildable skills that strengthen our entire community. They hosted two hands-on Canva trainings, in partnership with the Southern and North Central Area Associations, drawing nearly 50 professionals from multiple counties and agencies. The success of these trainings has sparked an exciting partnership with UWExtension to offer even more communications training opportunities in the future.

Perhaps no committee faced a steeper climb than the Youth Education Committee, which spent the last five years rebuilding programs that were disrupted when the pandemic forced cancellations and virtual formats.

Their persistence paid off. This year, participation among counties, schools, and students finally returned to prepandemic numbers across all programs—the Conservation

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Poster and Speaking Contest, Wisconsin Envirothon, and Middle School and High School Conservation Camps.

Even more encouraging, many counties and nonprofit partners are now providing camp scholarships, ensuring these transformative experiences are accessible to any student interested in conservation.

The recently formed Health & Conservation Committee brought people together in new ways when Marathon County hosted the Health & Conservation Summit in October. The event fostered crucial collaboration across county departments and agency partners working to mitigate environmental health and human impacts—exactly the kind of cross-sector connection that creates lasting change.

The Great Lakes Committee’s work continued to ripple outward through a 2024 grant awarded to Shawano County. The grant funded reusable water bottles that were distributed to over 400 fifth graders at the spring and fall 2025 Youth Conservation Field Days, turning environmental education into action by providing a tangible way students can reduce their use of plastics.

The Technical Committee kept professionals connected to the land and to each other by hosting the Fall Technical Tour in Juneau County, while the Professional Improvement Committee (PIC) orchestrated a highly

successful 2025 conference. Already looking ahead, the PIC and Tech Committees have been hard at work selecting compelling session topics for the 2026 Annual Conference.

When it comes to advocating for conservation, the Legislative and Administrative Committee delivered a significant victory by guiding our lobby team to successfully secure an increase in the state budget for conservation staffing. This win means more boots on the ground doing the work for our communities.

Finally, we’re excited to share that our staff are working behind the scenes to revive the Mississippi River Basin Committee. Listening sessions and focus groups will be held next year to gather ideas, identify opportunities, and shape what will make this committee meaningful and active moving forward.

These accomplishments represent just one year of committee work, but they demonstrate the power of members and staff working side by side. Committees allow our staff to connect directly with our membership while giving members a voice in shaping the direction of our organization. Interested in joining this work? We invite you to consider joining a committee in the coming year.

Learn more about committee opportunities and how to get involved in our online Members Hub.

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EDUCATE

A NEW CHAPTER FOR CONSERVATION SUMMER CAMPS OUR HIGH SCHOOL CAMP RETURNS TO THE NORTH WOODS, WHILE OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP EXPLORES A NEW LOCATION

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hen summer arrives in 2026, our conservation camps will welcome students to two distinct areas of the state. High schoolers will return to the familiar trails and programs at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Vilas County, while middle school students will embark on something new—a partnership with Camp Lakotah in Waushara County that promises to reshape the experience for our younger campers.

For years, middle school students spent their summer camp days learning about natural

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resources at Upham Woods. But next year, from June 28-July 1, they’ll be making their way to a different stretch of Wisconsin pines, where the shores of Little Hills Lake meets the towering forests near Wautoma.

“We are grateful to Upham Woods for having been a wonderful host for our camp, but this strategic move will help sustain our camp with less reliance on volunteers which allows us to focus more on conservation programming for camp and expanding the number of students who can attend our

middle school camp, “ said Kim Warkentin, our Youth Education Director.

Our focus continues to be on growing camp and ensuring that Wisconsin youth have access to positive educational outdoor experiences. At Camp Lakotah, professionally trained camp counselors will handle much of the day-to-day supervision that previously fell to our volunteers.

“This means our county staff— the backbone of the program’s educational content—can dedicate their energy to what they do best: developing

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hands-on learning experiences that connect young people with careers in natural resources and conservation,” explained Warkentin.

Camp Lakotah itself brings more than four decades of professional camp management to the partnership. The ACAaccredited facility sits nestled among majestic pines, offering campers a chance to participate in a range of activities from archery and kayaking to nature studies and outdoor skills. It’s the kind of place where every camper can really get to know each other, and where international counselors bring unique perspectives to traditional camp activities.

Our camps draw on the mission to foster an appreciation for nature, while introducing youth

“”

to a variety of careers in natural resources and conservation.

Campers make new friends, participate in hands-on activities, enjoy the outdoors, all while learning from professionals who present educational programs.

Meanwhile, the High School Camp will return from June 15-18 to the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters, where it has built a strong track record with our older students.

The center, situated along Statehouse Lake in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, offers a different kind of learning landscape— diverse, undeveloped terrain that includes lake, river, mixed forest, and bog environments. Here, high schoolers can dig deeper into conservation science, benefiting from the center’s citizen science

This means our county staff—the backbone of the program’s educational content—can dedicate their energy to what they do best: developing hands-on learning experiences that connect young people with careers in natural resources and conservation.

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initiatives and partnerships with environmental organizations.

New promotional materials will be available soon for both camps including information on available scholarships for campers.

If your county is able to provide scholarships to support future conservationists, please contact Kim@wisconsinlandwater.org.

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E D U C AT E

CONNECTING YOUTH TO CAREERS IN CONSERVATION FROM CLASSROOMS TO CAREER FAIRS, WE’RE WORKING TO CONNECT STUDENTS WITH COUNTY JOBS

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arlier this spring, Kim Warkentin, Youth Education Director, and Peyton Mueller, Outreach Assistant, found themselves surrounded by college students eager to talk about their futures. The occasion was the UW-Madison Environmental Student-Employer Connector, and the conversations that day would mark just the beginning of our year-long effort to bridge a critical gap: connecting young people with the conservation careers that counties across Wisconsin desperately need to fill.

It’s a challenge that conservation departments know well. Across the state, there’s an abundance of meaningful work to be done, from protecting watersheds to managing natural resources to engaging communities in environmental stewardship. But finding the next generation to do that work requires meeting young people where they are—in classrooms and career fairs—and showing them that conservation isn’t just a cause, it’s a career.

“This year, we started to build a deliberate strategy to engage students from middle school through

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college,” explained Kim. “The approach has been both broad and targeted, and we’re reaching students at different stages of their educational journeys.”

In September, Melissa Schlupp (Sauk County), Amy Piaget (Dane County), and Kim Warkentin and Kristin Teston participated in a UW-Madison career panel focused on pathways to state and local environment and natural resource careers. The panel highlighted not just the work itself, but practical tools like the WI Land+Water Job Board. At the County Conservation Meeting in October, Melissa was joined by Chase Cummings from Dunn County and Heather Palmquist from Iron County to share details about their internship programs with other departments.

That same month, Warkentin took the message directly to high school students, first at the Mt. Horeb Career Fair, where she engaged with students in grades eight through twelve, and then at the Verona Area High School Career Fair with juniors and seniors. “For many of these students, it was likely their first exposure to the idea that conservation

WINTER 2025

work could be a viable career path,” said Kim. “It’s exciting to see them learn about the opportunities we have right here in the state.”

College outreach continued into late November and early December with classroom visits to specialized programs. Tracy Arnold from Portage County joined Kim in speaking to Joshua Raabe’s UW-Stevens Point class on preparing for careers in fisheries and water resources. They walked students through the day-to-day conservation work happening in Portage County and explained how Wisconsin Land+Water supports county staff as they begin their careers through networking and training.

In early December, the conversation came full circle at Fox Valley Technical College, where Eric Oppermann from Manitowoc County and Jack Santini from Brown County—both graduates of the college’s program—joined Kim to speak with Travis Buckley’s Soil and Water Conservation class.

“It was a homecoming of sorts,” reflected Kim. “It was so valuable for returning alumni to tell current students about the work they now do and the path

that got them there.”

The year’s efforts represent more than just a series of presentations. They’re an investment in the future of county conservation work, a recognition that inspiring the next generation requires showing up, repeatedly and intentionally, wherever young people are making decisions about their futures.

Next year, we plan to continue our efforts to engage students. “I’m excited that we’ve got a staff team—Peyton, Kristin, and Michael—all working to develop these efforts,” said Kim. In addition to spending time at fairs and classrooms, we want to develop a dedicated section of our Job Board that focuses on internships and better highlights the people in the positions.

To discuss career fair opportunities in your area or share more about your own internship and volunteer programs, contact Kim Warkentin at Kim@wisconsinlandwater.org.

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THE FIELD NOTE

CONVENE

A JOURNEY THROUGH CRANBERRY COUNTRY OUR C O N S E R VAT I O N T O U R S T O O K ME M BERS T O T HR E E C R A N B E R RY O P E R AT I O NS A CROS S T H E S TATE

A

s the winter holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to learn more about Wisconsin’s state fruit– cranberries. This crimson treat is an integral part of our state’s rural economy, earning us the top spot as the nation’s number one cranberry producer.

Over the past year, we were fortunate to tour three fantastic cranberry operations, seeing firsthand how dedicated growers are combining high-quality production with cutting-edge conservation techniques right here in our counties.

We began our journey this summer in Adams County, visiting Leola Cranberry, a fourth-generation marsh operated by the Heuer family. The marsh, spanning about 320 acres, with 116 acres dedicated to six different cranberry varieties, demonstrates a deep commitment to resource management. A prime example of this stewardship is their closed loop water system, meaning any water used on the marsh is retained within one of their two reservoirs until the owner chooses to release it. This operation has also developed a Nutrient Management Plan and regularly works with the DNR to monitor the nitrate levels in their water.

Our travels then took us to Lincoln County to explore the Copper River Cranberry operation, run by owner Tim Burton. During our guided walk through the bog operations, we saw examples of essential conservation partnerships,

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WINTER 2025

specifically highlighting the irrigation systems that had received support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Finally, we headed west to Juneau County, home of Cranberry Creek Cranberries, an 850-acre farm operated

by Bill and Sandy Hatch in Necedah. Here, the discussion centered on how technology is reducing water usage. They explained that using technology to monitor the temperature and moisture directly in the soil can drastically cut back on the amount of watering needed. Knowing the exact moisture level saves on the fuel and energy required to pump water into the beds.

To celebrate the harvest and honor the dedication of these Wisconsin growers, we’re sharing a delightful treat enjoyed during our tour of Leola Cranberry. We hope you enjoy Peggy’s Craisin Bars as much as we did!

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