Building Conservation Partnerships

A HANDS-ON TRAINING EVENT EQUIPS WISCONSIN’S EMERGING CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS WITH TOOLS AND CONNECTIONS.

At the Wisconsin Rural Water Association Technology Center in Plover, 23 conservation professionals gathered for the annual Conservation Partnership Training—an event designed to equip new employees with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in their roles. Participants included staff from local land and water conservation departments across 12 counties, as well as representatives from partner agencies and nonprofits. With over three-quarters of attendees in their first year on the job, the training offered a crucial introduction to Wisconsin’s conservation landscape.

The day began with a presentation on Wisconsin’s conservation history, delivered by Matt Krueger. “Wisconsin has a rich conservation legacy,” he explained. “Understanding that history helps us see how our work fits into a much bigger picture. Conservation today isn’t done alone—it’s built on partnerships.” This theme of collaboration carried through every aspect of the training.

The event blended tried-and-true features with innovative new elements. One of the most interactive sessions, the “Jigsaw,” divided participants into groups focused on learning about key state and federal agencies. Each group worked with a content expert—Alex Elias from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP); Josh Odekirk from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); and Ben Uvaas on the Department from Natural Resources (DNR). Group members then reconvened to share what they had learned, ensuring everyone gained a broad understanding of the resources and programs available.

Later, participants moved into the World Café of Programs, a hallmark of past trainings. Here, they rotated through intimate, 10-minute discussions with conservation partners, diving into topics such as nutrient management, farmland preservation, climate initiatives, and waterway regulations. These conversations provided a hands on opportunity to learn directly from professionals at DATCP, NRCS, Pheasants Forever, and UW-Extension.

After lunch, the training shifted to practical problem solving with small group case studies. Participants tackled real-world scenarios drawn from conservation projects in Sauk and Oneida counties. One scenario involved a farmland preservation site visit, while another addressed a shoreline restoration project for a condo association. Guided by Brian Sadler and Michele Sadauskas—experts who worked on the original projects— participants analyzed challenges, brainstormed solutions, and reflected on how partnerships could drive success.

The training aimed to help attendees assess their roles within Wisconsin’s broader conservation network, identify critical contacts and resources, and propose solutions to complex environmental issues. By the end of the day, many participants left feeling inspired and better equipped to navigate their new positions.

The feedback from participants underscored the value of the Conservation Partnership Training, with many expressing their enthusiasm for the interactive and engaging format. The top goals identified by attendees—leveraging partnerships to solve conservation issues—were clearly met. Case studies, in particular, were a standout feature, with participants calling them fun and suggesting more of these hands on, interactive scenarios for future sessions.

This feedback is already helping shape plans for the upcoming Spring Conservation Partnership Training. Building on the success of this event, the spring training will offer even more opportunities for attendees to connect with conservation partners from around the state, engage in dynamic discussions, and tackle additional case studies designed to mirror real-world challenges.