FLEDGLING CONSERVATIONISTS
By Helen Holtz, Land Management Director, Waukesha County Land Conservancy
The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is more than a birding event. It’s an invaluable tool for inspiring a new generation of environmental leaders. As part of Waukesha County Land Conservancy’s mission to protect and care for land and water in Waukesha County, we are introducing the next generation to the wonders of nature through the Birdathon with support from NRF’s Go Outside Fund. Our program begins in the classroom where I bring my own domesticated ring-necked dove to introduce students to the world of birds. The majority of them are meeting a live bird up close for the first time. Students then learn about the native species that thrive in our region and the importance of their habitats for survival.
MEET NAOMI HADLEY, OUR
Next, they embark on their birdwatching adventure equipped with binoculars, bird identification guides, and phones to document their findings. The Birdathon plays a central role in this experience, as students contribute to a statewide effort to track bird populations.
As a society, we’ve seen that teens are increasingly distanced from nature. Yet these are also the years when teens begin to shape their future passions. By introducing birdwatching into their curriculum, we are not just teaching them about local wildlife, we are showing them how they can help preserve it. The next generation of environmental leaders is here, and they are ready to take on the challenge of protecting our planet.
NEW DONOR RELATIONS
COORDINATOR
“I am honored to be able to join my passion for conservation to my eagerness to connect with others, all while representing a mission I am proud to support. Some of my main priorities with NRF will be overseeing the Great Wisconsin Birdathon and the Wayfarers group. I am excited to meet NRF’s supporting communities and fellow nature enthusiasts!”
April 15 through June 15
Form a team, go birding and help Wisconsin’s birds at WisConservation.org/ Birdathon
“ A year without these Field Trips would be like toast without butter and jam.
– Field Trip Participant
CHRISTEL
RUDDY
WISCONSIN’S FEARLESS, HUNGRY, FLYING JEWEL
By Mickey O’Connor, Avian Zookeeper, Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species of hummingbird that nests in Wisconsin. These tiny marvels eat more — and fly farther — than you might ever imagine. Migration is a perilous time for all birds. So how does this hummingbird, weighing around 3g or less, travel 500+ miles to its wintering grounds in Central America? One strategy is hyperphagia — eating massive quantities of insects and nectar — to literally double their weight. This gives them plenty of reserves to make the journey.
All hummingbirds drink a significant amount of nectar, but many people are surprised to learn they also consume enormous numbers of insects. That’s right… they cannot survive on nectar alone! This is why it’s imperative
to plant a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials as well as annual flowers for them. Together, they provide shelter, nesting areas, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.
I truly believe hummingbirds are afraid of nothing, which I’m sure comes in handy when defending territories and during migration. Once, I observed an adult male harass a young common yellowthroat twice its size for quite some time. The yellowthroat
finally had enough and departed, heading over the roof of the house. The male hummer pursued, attacking it, which made a very audible sound. After landing stunned, the yellowthroat reoriented itself and left the area.
The next time you see a hummingbird, appreciate how far this mighty little gem has traveled. With a little luck, perhaps one of them will nest nearby.
THE FAT BIRDS ARE BACK
Join us for Wisconsin Fat Bird Week, May 2nd through 9th! Vote daily for your favorite “chonker” and spread awareness about how to help Wisconsin’s native birds. After all, a fat bird is a healthy bird!
WisConservation.org/Fat-Bird-Week
11TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
GRAND PRIZE
“Cave” by Brad Bellisle whitefsh dunes State Park, door county
“Nature has always been the inspiration for my photography. I’ve traveled all over the state exploring the different parks, shorelines, and natural areas to try and capture nature in unique ways. For this photo, I ventured down to a rock shelf along the Lake michigan shoreline, and by using my fsheye lens I was able to incorporate the surrounding rock as a natural frame for the early morning light rising over the lake.”
MAMMALS
“American Mink” by Steven Thompson horicon marsh, dodge county
INSECTS, AMPHIBIANS, & REPTILES
“Common Buckeye butterfly feeding on Goldenrod” by Bruce Bartel brice Prairie, La crosse county
FLORA & FUNGI
“Rue Anemone with raindrops” by William Petersen upper hixon Forest, La crosse county
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
“River Otter” by Philip Knapp Pike chain of Lakes, bayfeld county
BIRDS
“Screech Owls” by Curt Lundeen milwaukee county
CONGRATS
we deeply appreciate everyone who submitted photos to the contest! You’re helping inspire others to take action for conservation. Our annual Photo contest will return in fall! Sign up for our emails to be notifed when the 2025 contest opens: WisConservation.org/Signup
THE STATE OF CONSERVATION
YOUR POSITIVE IMPACT ACROSS WISCONSIN
You’re making a difference for Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife. By connecting people to Wisconsin’s natural wonders and supporting conservation projects on the ground, you’re making our state a better place.
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s three primary impact areas are lands and waters conservation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. In 2024, NRF granted $1,000,676 to support 228 projects across the state.
Thank you to all our supporters, and to our amazing grantees for making it all possible!
From Classroom to Cave
Thanks to support from NRF’s Go Outside Fund, 120 students from Merrimac Community School went on a field trip to Blue Mounds State Park and Cave of the Mounds. Students learned about Wisconsin geology both on and under the surface, hiked the Flint Rock Nature Trail, and toured the cave.
“In the cave, students saw and felt the water drops and made connections far stronger than in the classroom alone.”
– Jenna McCann, Teacher
Monarch Outreach
You’re inspiring people to take action to help save the monarch butterfly. The Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative is a network of over 50 organizations and agencies working together to increase monarch butterfly habitat throughout the state. You helped NRF support their outreach at events this year.
JENNamccaNN
cINd
TINY FLEA, BIG THREAT
By Beckie Gaskill, NRF Board Member
YOU’RE HELPING STOP THE SPREAD OF SPINY WATER FLEA IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN’S LAKES
Spiny water flea is an aquatic invasive species found in 24 of our lakes, whose spread could cause widespread harm to ecosystems. They are a small, translucent water flea, measuring ¼-½ inch long. That’s about the length of a grain of rice! Their size makes them difficult to spot. However, anglers will notice them clumped onto fishing line, anchor lines and any other piece of equipment that is in water where spiny water flea hang out.
These water fleas are small, but they can wreak havoc on a lake ecosystem by disrupting the food web. They dine on small zooplankton such as daphnia, putting them in direct competition with larval fish. As their name suggests, they also have a spine which
makes them difficult for larval fish to eat.
As an avid angler myself, spiny water flea is a big concern to me. With fish already facing so many stressors, including habitat loss and climate change, adding this invasive species to the mix is especially concerning. If I fish in a lake where these are known to be present, I ensure that my gear, equipment and boat are cleaned and dried. Keeping invasives out of the 15,000+ lakes in Wisconsin is an important measure to keep lakes healthy for future generations.
NRF has funded the “Stop Spiny” campaign, led by the Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Department, to prevent the spread of this damaging species.
RENEWING YOUR FISHING LICENSE?
Consider making a donation to the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund when renewing through the DNR’s GoWild online license system. Improve habitat at state-owned fisheries, forests, prairies, streams, and lakes across Wisconsin that we all cherish. Learn more at WisConservation.org/Cherish
LINdEN
WISCONSIN’S ONLY ENDANGERED MAMMAL
YOU’RE HELPING
AMERICAN MARTEN POPULATIONS RECOVER
By Siwoo Park, age 13, Simpson Street Free Press Student Journalist
American martens, also known as pine martens, are recovering in Wisconsin after nearing extinction because of over-trapping and habitat loss. These furry, agile weasels are seeing a population upturn as environmental officials take steps to secure the pine forests they call home.
American martens are nocturnal weasels that are excellent climbers. Agile, fast, and small, females weigh about two pounds, and males can weigh up to three pounds. They have yellow to reddish-brown soft, thick, and dense fur,
perfect for the cold Wisconsin winters.
SIwOO PaR OF SSFP
Martens cover a lot of land and hunt in their area. Males cover more land than females and hate when other males are around their territory. They are omnivores that feast on small rodents, birds, bird eggs, insects, fruits, and nuts. They have a high metabolism and need much food to sustain their energy. Conservation groups have been trying to save this species from extinction by protecting forests like
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and the marten population there has grown thanks to those efforts.
In 2010, surprising news came. The Apostle Islands, known for their rugged shores, sea caves, and oldgrowth forests, had also become home to these tiny creatures. After rediscovering martens in the Apostles, it became an important area for researchers to study. Though their population is small, with enough awareness and effort, they will come back!
NRF has supported conservation of the American marten, including distribution surveys, analysis of potential habitat, and the reintroduction and monitoring of martens in northern Wisconsin.
JILLIAN COOPER
A note from the Board Chair
I am honored to serve as the board chair for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. I love taking walks in the woods, exploring prairies for new and familiar species and the quiet beauty of kayaking our lakes at sunrise. I’m proud to call Wisconsin home and I know you feel the same way.
At the same time, I’m aware of how much needs to be done. Nature needs our help. That’s why we ask for your continued support. Encourage others to become members and invite them to one of our 278 Field Trips. YOU make a difference to our wild places and species.
In the years ahead, we are committed to protecting larger ecosystems than ever before, hand-in-hand with local communities and conservation partners across the state.
Dave Adam
As our work keeps gaining momentum, I also want to thank our outgoing board chair, Tom Dott. During these times when conservation has faced many challenges, his leadership and commitment have been inspiring.
In summary, I’m humbled by your generosity and trust. And I’m amazed by the impact that we’re able to achieve together. Thank you for protecting Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife and connecting all people to nature.
2024 BY THE NUMBERS
318 FIELD TRIPS
5,773 FIELD TRIP ATTENDEES
72% OF WI C OUNTIES HAVE NRF-FUNDED PROJECTS
5,000 NRF SUPPORTERS
10 DIVERSIT Y IN CONSERVATION INTERNS
$1,000,676 GIVEN IN GRANTS
“I had no background in conservation coming into this internship, so I was excited to learn and experience something new. After this internship, I realized that I was interested in continuing my professional experience in the conservation field.”
– Tina Tran, Diversity in Conservation Intern
2024 FINaNcIaLS
Summary Statement of Financial Position
2024 Operating Activities*
view past IRS 990 Forms and annual reports online at WisConservation.org/Annual-Report
$2,711,202 * costs associated with establishing and administering funds in the wisconsin conservation Endowment.
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I’m just trying to do whatever bit I can. “ – Ed Neumueller, Creator of Wisconsin’s Climate Response Fund at NRF
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Carl & Barbara Schwartz
Judith & James Schwarzmeier
Ronald Semmann
Single Step Foundation
Daniel & Marcia Smith
Joseph & Phyllis Sprangers
Jim & Jan Spredemann
Thomas Stock
Emily Stoddard
James Surfus
Mary Jane Swedberg
Scott Valitchka & Jan Smith
Roger & Lynn Van Vreede
Stephanie & Michael Vrabec
LaVonne Wagner
Denise Wall-Statz & Dave Statz
Glenn & Jane Watts
Jan L. Westemeier
Delisa & Stephen White
Michael Williamson & Mary Ann Doll
Levi & Janet Wood
Michael & JoAnn Youngman
Ledell Zellers & Simon
Anderson
David & Wanda Zeug
Ann & David Zimrin
OUR PARTNERS
YOU MAKE THE HIGHEST PRIORITY CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN THE STATE HAPPEN
You’re bringing conservation experts together to accomplish big goals. These organizations from across the state received funding from the Natural Resources Foundation in 2024 for their conservation and environmental education work
American Bird Conservancy
Audubon Great Lakes
Baird Creek Preservation Foundation
BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin
Blue Lotus Farm & Retreat Center
Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin
Bong Naturalist Association
Botanical Club of Wisconsin
Brown County Parks Department
Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station
Clean Wisconsin
Clement Avenue School
Coleman School District
Craig Montessori School
Dane County Conservation League
Dane County Land and Water Resources Department
DNR - Fisheries
DNR - Hartman Creek State Park
DNR - Havenwoods State Forest
DNR - High Cliff State Park
DNR - Natural Heritage Conservation
DNR - Parks & Recreation
DNR - Wildlife Management
Eagle River Elementary
Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah Middle School
Environmental Park Trust of Sheboygan County
FIELD Edventures
Franklin Elementary School
Friends of Council Grounds State Park Inc.
Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park
Friends of Gandy Dancer State Trail
Friends of Governor Dodge State Park
Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail
Friends of Mirror Lake State Park
Friends of the Blufflands
Friends of the Cedarburg Bog
Friends of the North Pikes Creek Wetlands
Friends of Wehr Nature Center
Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
Glacial Lakes Conservancy
Groundswell Conservancy
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum
Historic Indian Agency House Association, Inc.
Ho-Chunk Nation Education Department
Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County Inc.
Humboldt Park School
International Crane Foundation
J.F. Kennedy Elementary School
Jack Young Middle School
Jackson Elementary School
Jefferson County Parks
John Muir Elementary
Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy
Lake Michigan Bird Observatory
Landmark Conservancy
Logan Middle School
Lombardi Middle School
Mequon Nature Preserve
Merrimac Community School
Midwest Environmental Advocates
Midwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy
Mississippi Valley Conservancy
N.E.W. School of Innovation
Nearby Nature Milwaukee
Neighborhood House Community Center
Neighborhood House of Milwaukee
New Auburn High School FFA Chapter
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
North Lakeland Discovery Center
North Woods International School
Northeastern Wisconsin Bird Alliance
Northland College
Northwoods Land Trust
Omro Middle School
Osa Conservation
Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department
Ozaukee Washington Land Trust
Pepin County Land Conservation & Planning Department
Red Creek Elementary School
Riley Elementary School Parent Teachers Association
River Alliance of Wisconsin
Riverside University High School
School District of Ashland
SELVA
Seno K/RLT Conservancy
Sheboygan Senior Community
SOAR Fox Cities
Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance
Story School
Sugar Maple Nature School
Tamarack Waldorf School
The Prairie Enthusiasts
Tomahawk Public Library
Unity School District
Upper Sugar River Watershed Association
Urban Ecology Center
UW-Madison Extension Wisconsin Master Naturalist
Vera Court Neighborhood Center, Inc.
Waukesha County Land Conservancy
WinMan Trails, Inc.
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters
Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education
Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership
Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council
Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
Wisconsin’s Green Fire
Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve
Yellow River Protection Conservancy