Bridges Winter 2016

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Connecting people to conservation in Wisconsin

30 years of care transform one State Natural Area

NRF’s first employee reflects on change

A force for conservation hope amidst uncertainty

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FROM THE DIRECTOR Ruth Oppedahl

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Diane Humphrey Lueck, Board Chair Martin Henert, Vice Chair Linda Bochert, Secretary Mark LaBarbera, Treasurer Dave Adam James P. Bennett Bruce Braun Scott Craven Tom Dott Tim Eisele Rebecca Haefner Rita Hayen Jim Hubing Kristine Krause William Lunney Peg Mallery Jim Matras Tom Olson Ron Semmann Bill Smith Michael Williamson FOUNDATION STAFF Ruth Oppedahl, Executive Director Barb Barzen, Program and Grants Coordinator Rebecca Biggs, Communications Assistant John Kraniak, Membership Director Erin Manlick, Office Assistant Michelle Milford, Outreach Coordinator Diane Packet, Birdathon Coordinator Nora Simmons, Communications Director Christine Tanzer, Field Trip Coordinator Caitlin Williamson, Program and Development Coordinator Camille Zanoni, Development Director OUR MISSION Connecting generations to the wonders of Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife through conservation, education, engagement, and giving.

WisConservation.org

This edition of Bridges is about land, It’s a great paradox that even though especially our public lands which we all the land seems permanent, everything share and enjoy. I find that land provides connected to the land is impermanent—trees a sense of permanence and solidity in my lose their leaves, spider webs break and must life. I literally feel more grounded when I be woven anew, soil is constantly changing, am in nature. and our human lives seem no more than a flash Amidst all these feelings of in the universe. I find myself oddly comforted groundedness, security, and permanence, that in this realm of impermanence we can I embarked on a canoe trip this past become our true selves as humans; as September in the Boundary Waters. the Tao Te Ching puts it, “To find your To find your During that trip I was influenced own nature, return to nature.” It’s also own nature, by the books of Bill Holm and the in this realm of impermanence that we return to Tao Te Ching. As I witnessed the can best care for land—a prescribed nature. seasons changing from summer to fire that reinvigorates an oak opening, • Tao Te Ching fall I thought about several people I removing shrubs and trees to re-open know who are approaching the end a goat prairie, scattering milkweed of their lives. And suddenly thoughts about seeds to benefit monarch butterflies. the impermanence of life dominated that In this edition of Bridges you’ll read trip and have continued to take root in the stories about how your support has helped weeks since then. the Foundation care for our public lands, especially State Natural Areas. Rush Creek has undergone a transformation thanks to your support and thousands of hours of on-the-ground work by SNA crews and volunteers. You’ll hear from Barb Barzen, a dedicated employee, as she looks back at her 28 years with the Foundation.

And you will learn about one couple whose endowment fund has ensured the protection and care for their own heartland for generations to come.

Ruth and Drew Feldkirchner (DNR) thank Barb Barzen for 28 years of dedicated service to conservation in Wisconsin.

Ruth Oppedahl, Executive Director

Do you have someone on your holiday shopping list that already seems to have everything?

Helping You Help Wisconsin Every purchase you make with your NRF Visa Signature® Card supports state parks, rivers and conservation projects in Wisconsin. Join the cardholders who have already raised more than $140,000 for Wisconsin.

Learn more and apply at usbank.com/NRF_ WisConservation.

The creditor and issuer of the Card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

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Give them something new this year—give them the gift of membership!

Natural Resources Foundation members receive a subscription to Bridges, exclusive Field Trip access, the opportunity to travel with the Foundation around the world, special event invitations, and other perks and communications that will keep them in the know on all things wild and precious in Wisconsin.

To make sure the membership recipient is notified

by December 24th, please submit your donation no later than December 16th at 4:00 pm.

To make sure the membership recipient is notified by December 31st, please submit your donation no later than December 22nd at 4:00 pm.

Thank you for your continued support of Wisconsin’s land, water, and wildlife.

Happy Holidays!

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

WISCONSERVATION SPOTLIGHT: Your Support at Work

The Foundation invests in programs and projects that have a strong ripple effect—where a modest amount of support can generate deep and lasting improvements. Over the years, protecting, maintaining, and sharing our beautiful lands has remained a top Foundation priority and with your help we continue to do more every year.

Protecting Wisconsin’s Precious Lands

As part of our mission to conserve Wisconsin’s ecologically important yet imperiled native landscapes, we have restored thousands of acres of public lands and waterways, helping to protect habitat for Wisconsin’s native plants and wildlife, and safeguarding our state’s biodiversity for future generations to inherit and enjoy. One way we help protect these incredible lands and waters is by working with donors to create endowment funds that provide a lasting legacy of permanent support for a particular habitat, landscape, region, or other conservation need in Wisconsin. We are proud to support these featured places and many other public lands and waters across the state, to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to explore and cherish Wisconsin’s outdoors.

Joshua Mayer

Brule River State Forest

The Brule River State Forest contains significant remnants of boreal forest surrounding the Bois Brule River, and harbors a greater diversity of birds and mammals than any other northern Wisconsin area of similar size, providing critical habitat for migratory songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, bald eagles, osprey, geese, ruffed grouse, deer, and rare plants. Containing a 16-mile stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail and eight miles of Lake Superior shoreline, the Brule River State Forest provides incredible recreational opportunities, from world-class trout fishing and paddling to skiing and hiking. Thanks to the Brule River and Forest Conservation Fund, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is helping to provide permanent support for the conservation of this incredible landscape.

Joshua Mayer

Wyalusing State Park

Wyalusing State Park in Grant County offers stunning views overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, and features more than 14 miles of beautiful trails for hiking, skiing, biking and canoeing. It also houses the Passenger Pigeon Monument (re-dedicated in 2014 marking 100 years since the iconic bird’s extinction), Native American effigy mounds, an observatory, and a nature center. The Friends of Wyalusing was the very first state park friends group to create an endowment fund through the Foundation’s Wisconsin Conservation Endowment. The Friends of Wyalusing State Park Endowment Fund is a permanent endowment created to provide sustainable support for the natural resources and educational, interpretive and recreational needs of Wyalusing State Park. Thanks to this and other endowment funds, the Foundation has invested over $65,000 in Wisconsin State Parks to help build trails and nature centers, manage natural resources, and provide education to hundreds of thousands of park visitors each year.

Wisconsin DNR

Chippewa Flowage

The 15,000-acre Chippewa Flowage in Sawyer County contains over 230 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline and 200 islands. It is one of Wisconsin’s most spectacular waterways, featuring premier muskellunge and walleye fishing. The Hughes Jeffords Chippewa Flowage Conservation Fund held by the Natural Resources Foundation provides support for habitat protection and restoration, wildlife monitoring and management, fisheries management, invasive species monitoring and control, and enforcement activities within the Chippewa Flowage. Some of the projects funded by this endowment have included creating fish habitat, restoring campsites, and working with Lac Courte Oreille tribal youth on restoration projects within the Flowage.

Joshua Mayer

Cedarburg Bog State Natural Area

Cedarburg Bog State Natural Area in Ozaukee County has impressive credentials. The 1,800 acre public property is also an Important Bird Area, a National Natural Landmark, and a Wetland Gem, and as the largest intact bog in southern Wisconsin, contains an incredible diversity of vegetative communities. Cedarburg Bog provides critical habitat for a wide range of plants and wildlife including sundew, bladderwort, orchids, Blanding’s turtles, salamanders, golden-winged warblers, and cerulean warblers. The Friends of the Cedarburg Bog, formed in 2006 with the help of the Foundation, helps manage and provide outreach. In 2012, the friends group created the Cedarburg Bog Stewardship Fund, held by the Natural Resources Foundation, to provide permanent support to preserve the Cedarburg Bog for future generations. Through this endowment and other contributors the Foundation has provided more than $50,000 to help protect the Bog and educate visitors on the incredible diversity contained within the Cedarburg Bog.

To learn more about our Wisconsin Conservation Endowment or how to create your own endowment fund to provide permanent support for a place that you cherish, visit us online at WisConservation.org/WCE. You can make a donation to one of these featured funds or any of our endowments. Simply designate your gift to that specific fund when you make your donation online or via check.

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

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A YEAR OF CELEBRATION What a delightful year we’ve had celebrating our 30 years of conservation funding in Wisconsin. From Lake Superior, to the Mississippi River, to Lake Michigan we enjoyed getting together with fellow Foundation members. We had fish fries, boat tours, receptions, and walks exploring Wisconsin’s natural beauty together—just our style, to be outdoors with people who love Wisconsin and enjoy a good party!

Foundation board members L-R: Jim Matras, Marty Henert, Mark LaBarbera, Jim Bennett, Linda Bochert, Tom Dott, Michael Williamson, Bruce Braun, Kris Krause, Ron Semmann, Tim Eisele.

Candy and Scott Craven with the 30th anniversary cake at our fish fry on Tomahawk Lake. Scott caught and fileted all the fish, and prepared the dinner at Kemp Station under the tall pines.

Delicious!

Barbara and Carl Schwarz make a toast to past successes and future visions for bird protection and conservation in Wisconsin with a special reception in their home in Fox Point.

John Uselman, Tom and Kira Dott, Ruth Oppedahl and Tracy Hames share a laugh at the party in the prairie on August 30 at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.

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Foundation members toured Forest Lodge, the family estate of Mary Griggs Burk on Lake Namakagon near Cable. The US Forest Service is restoring the site which is a Center for Freshwater Innovation by Northland College.

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

Honorary & memorial gifts The Foundation recognizes gifts made in honor or memory of the following people: In Memory of Walter Adams Dee Dee Currier Russell W Currier, D.V.M.

In Memory of Coby Larson Naomi Tillison

In Memory of Erol Altay David Mendelson

In Honor of Tom Laskin Sunny DeYoung

In Memory of Otto Cordero John Keefe

In Memory of Roy Lukes Barbara Besadny

In Memory of Steve Miller Stephanie Adler Julie A. Amakobe Gene and Thelma Amberson In Honor of Dennis and Lyle Drier Timothy Andryk Richard and Beverly Dunk Gerald Bartelt Jeanne S. Batha In Honor of Pam Ellefson and Annie Beier Ann Brummitt Tom Bernthal Mary Mowbray Robert Blohm Linda Bochert In Memory of Evelyn Festge Terry Boyd Jeanne and Larry Prochnow Bruce and Nancy Braun Mike Carlson In Memory of Jeanice W. Harrington Alan and Karen Crossley

Association of Retired Alan Czeshinski Conservationists Linda L. Dean Gerald and Margaret Dorscheid In Honor of Bill and Lisa Keen Patrick and Lloyd Eagan

Susan and Timothy Bergs Theresa and Martin Evanson Marguerite, Jessica and Dan Fields Mason Bulgrin Ronald Gatti Capitol Water Trails Ltd Clifford E Germain Jack and Janet Christian Anthonette R. Gilpatrick Steven and Mary Falter Cheryl Goodman Steven J. Haak Mark Hambrecht Karin and Douglas Hawkins Mary E. Hamel Sharon Hawkins Thomas and Linda Hansen Jan Kucher Thomas M. Hauge Karen B. Leonard-Berg Thomas A. Heberlein Steven Marr Beth Heffron Sharon E. McCormick Terry Hilgenberg Ricky L Meiller Signe Holtz Anne and Jim Mitchell Ronald Halvorson Wade A. Moder James and Esther Huntoon Susan and Mark Nyhus Harald Jordahl Rick and Heidi Osgood Upper Sugar River Watershed Craig Karr David W. Linderud Association Debbie and Richard Loerke Cynthia and Rodd Wangen Theresa M. Loerke Steve and Marie Wilson Charles Luthin Clare E Zaiman-Keen Dr. James and Mildred March Linda and Andrew Zauner In Honor of Dad Andie Aylward

Foundation board members Jim Bennett and Rebecca Haefner enjoying the August 30 celebration at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.

Linda Bochert addresses friends and neighbors at a 30th anniversary reception hosted by Linda and her husband Dave Hanson in Madison with an I Heart Wisconsin presentation.

Mark Martin Kamicia Miller Carrie Morgan Bruce Moss Mike Mossman Jeff Nania Angela Nelson Thomas A. Nigus Ruth Oppedahl Laurie Osterndorf Charles and Linda Pils James Raber Robert and Constance Roden Dan and Jane Schuller Judith A. Schultz Marcela Schultz Angela J. Schuttenhelm Ann Scott Ronald Semmann Sarah Shapiro Hurley Larry Sperling Theresa Stabo Mary R. Teves Tom Theisen Ollie Torgerson Joyce and David Weizenicker Janis L Zimmerman In Memory of Russel T. Perttunen Association of Retired Conservationists Clifford E. Germain In Memory of Dave Redell Shana Lavin In Honor of Ray and Helen Riczkus Marilynn Dixon In Honor of Penny and Gary Shackelford Rolf and Sandra Olsen In Honor of Joan Wiegand Todd and Kris Wiegand In Honor of Camille Zanoni Kurt and Susan Sroka

Building Your Conservation Legacy “The Foundation has earned our respect and deserves our support, so we have found it a place in our estate plans. Certainly all who read this newsletter are living lives deeply rooted in conservation principles and strongly believe our children’s children should live in a Wisconsin rich in nature’s bounty. One way to confirm these values is by including the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin in your estate plans.”

- Mike and Karen Austad, Natural Heritage Circle Members For more information, visit WisConservation.org/planned-giving or contact Camille Zanoni at 608-268-8922 or Camille.Zanoni@Wisconsin.gov.

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

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Rush Creek State Natural Area

How NRF has forever changed this critical landscape

By Caitlin Williamson

Restored bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.

also part of the important migratory corridor along the Mississippi River used by migrating interior forest birds. This State Natural Area will be able to provide a refuge for Wisconsin’s plant and animal species as the climate continues to change, including increased flooding and hotter temperatures.

Designated as a State Natural Area in 1981, this site in the Driftless area was one of the Natural Resources Foundation’s very first conservation projects. Although this site contains remnant prairie, meaning it was never tilled, when the DNR first acquired the property, invasive species and aggressive native woodland species were threatening to turn the prairie into forest. The Foundation was able to provide critical financial support for Rush Creek, funding a DNR crew to conduct prescribed burns, remove invasive species, and begin monitoring the incredible diversity of wildlife and plant species that call this place home—cerulean warblers, purple milkweed, timber rattlesnakes, and gorgonne checkerspot butterflies, just to name just a few.

“Rush Creek is one of the few sites where we have been able to consistently manage the land over a 30 year period, and this wouldn’t have happened without the Natural Resources Foundation,” said Matt Zine, conservation biologist with the DNR’s State Natural Areas. “There’s hope here joshua mayer

THOMAS MEYER

It’s easy to spot the steep, rocky bluffs of Rush Creek State Natural area as it rises above the Mississippi River. The restored prairies and bluffs stand in stark contrast to the neighboring wooded hillsides. Rush Creek is a flagship among public lands in Wisconsin, and is truly remarkable for both its size, and its richness and diversity of plant and animal species.

Today, the two-mile length of this State Natural Area in Crawford County is one of the largest remnant dry prairies in the state, containing a nearly complete host of native prairie plants, and preserving several effigy mounds (sacred mounds of earth constructed by prehistoric Native Americans and often shaped like animals). Rush Creek truly exemplifies what State Natural Areas are all about—preserving Wisconsin’s native landscapes of natural communities and archaeological treasures, while also providing a refuge for rare plants and animals.

But even among 680 other State Natural Areas in Wisconsin, Rush Creek stands out, for its large size, diversity of flora and fauna, and quality of native landscapes. It contains a continuum of ecosystems, from the globally rare dry prairie and oak savanna habitats, to lowland forest and oak woodlands. It is

Restored oak savanna at Rush Creek State Natural Area.

To better understand Wisconsin’s State Natural Areas and their management needs, the Foundation works closely with the DNR to develop a priority list of State Natural Areas that are most in need of our support, and that truly represent the most ecologically-significant landscapes in Wisconsin and the world.

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Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

Rush Creek is one of the few sites where we have been able to consistently manage the land over a 30-year period, and this wouldn’t have happened without the Natural Resources Foundation.

-Matt Zine, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

JESSICA RENLEY, DNR

JESSICA RENLEY, DNR

at Rush Creek to protect Wisconsin’s native plant communities and biodiversity.”

Although Rush Creek is an outstanding example of Wisconsin’s native landscapes, there is always work that needs to be done in order to preserve the native flora and fauna. Every year, the DNR’s State Natural Area crew needs to burn the property to keep the canopy open, protect the native prairie and oak savanna landscapes, remove the ever-encroaching invasive species that threaten to overrun native plants, and monitor rare wildlife and plant species on the property. The primary goals for Rush Creek are to increase the density and diversity of prairie plant species and to eradicate invasive species—an ongoing battle.

The primary and most threatening invasive species State Natural Area field crew at Rush Creek conducts controlled burn. are crown vetch, buckthorn, garlic mustard, and purple loosestrife.

Rush Creek was one of the Foundation’s first conservation projects, and truly exemplifies what a difference land management can make towards protecting Wisconsin’s native landscapes. Today, NRF supports all types of public lands, from wildlife areas to flowages, and works to protect Wisconsin’s wildlife species, promote environmental education, and support community conservation projects.

C aitlin Williamson is program and development coordinator for the Foundation and manages conservation grant programs and endowments in addition to partnership development and capacity building.

To find out more about State Natural Areas and other public land conservation efforts, visit WisConservation.org/conserving-land.

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

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The Making of a Foundation Looking back on a legacy of growth and community

By Barb Barzen Barb with Asian elephant in Yok Don On April 10, 1988, I National Park, Viet Nam, January 2016 had the great honor of becoming the Natural a personable lead-from-behind style that made everyone Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s first paid staff member. feel important (he even took his turn making coffee for the I was newly imported from Minnesota, had spent eight administration staff), and he was a renowned storyteller. years developing a career in environmental education, and Ron was laid back, full of enthusiasm for our mission and our knew nothing about fundraising and little about Wisconsin. potential, and encouraged creativity. Marty Henert had great Nonetheless Ron Semmann and I decided we’d take a chance organizational instincts. Dan Flaherty and Paul Hassett made on each other, little knowing this would turn into a 28 year-long connections with key people and focused on making a real and relationship. significant impact.

I was given a desk in the Department of Natural Resources’ The brush strokes of Bureau of Management and those who created the Budget, next to the three Foundation’s original computers and very loud, large vision and character dot-matrix printer that serviced are still visible today. the entire bureau. (We had two They were bonded by fonts to choose from: Courier a common devotion to and Letter Gothic. Times have this amazing state and changed.) dedication to responsibly Sometime that day, Ron came managing and protecting to me and said he wanted to Wisconsin’s natural introduce me to the Secretary of resources. the DNR. We walked into a large, The first project we packed conference room with a th Taken at the 2006 20 anniversary event. From left: Toby Sherry, Dick rallied around was the party atmosphere. There, with a Lorang, Marty Henert, Tom Olson, Todd Tiefenthaler, Jerilyn Dahmen chocolate chip cookie hanging (former staff), Ron Semmann, Barb Barzen (staff), Dan Flaherty (kneeling), Trumpeter Swan Recovery Program—an effort to from his neck, was Buzz Besadny. Scott Hassett, David Clutter (former staff), Tom Lochner, Camille Zanoni bring these amazing birds He gave me a warm welcome (staff), Charlie Luthin (kneeling, former staff), Bruce Braun, Linda Bochert, Tom Lyon, Rita Hayen. back to Wisconsin after a and explained they were 100-year absence. DNR celebrating the DNR’s acquisition biologist Sumner Matteson orchestrated this multi-partner of a large property in the Chippewa Flowage, known as The Big program and when the first swan pairs began to breed in Chip—thus the cookie necklace. northwestern Wisconsin, the Foundation started the Adopt-aAs I prepare to leave this job 28 years later, I find myself Swan Program to inspire community members to get involved. reflecting on how fortunate I was to get in on the ground Field biologists fed me information on the birds’ migratory floor of this organization and to get to know its founders. They movements, breeding success, behavior (one was nick-named personified the great organization we have today.

Rib Breaker), and locations so I could create certificates and Buzz was steeped in Wisconsin’s natural resources, had

The brush strokes of those who created the Foundation’s original vision and character are still visible today.

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Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

They were bonded by a common devotion to this amazing state and dedication to responsibly managing and protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources.

WILLIAM SMITH, DNR

family reports for our adopters. It was fun and interesting for philanthropy, education, all, and some of our swan adopters remain loyal donors to and conservation all mix this day. Most importantly, Wisconsin now proudly boasts a and make good things population of more than 250 breeding pairs of trumpeters. happen on a statewide With that early success, we went on to create new programs scale. A space where staff like the Small Matching Grants Program, re-named the C.D. members are empowered Besadny Conservation Grants Program before Buzz passed to develop creative away. This program awards grants of up to $1,000 to grassroots ideas, partnerships, projects around the state and leverages additional funding and programs like an for those projects. To date the Besadny Conservation Grants AmeriCorps program Program has put $475,900 on the ground for 593 local projects for state natural areas, a across Wisconsin. community foundation After several years of working alongside talented natural for conservation, an Rush Creek 1981 resource experts at the DNR, and knowing how much online Birdathon, or Wisconsinite’s love the outdoors, it occurred to me that we environmentally-focused could be doing more to bring the two groups together. I asked excursions all around the globe. All to create a growing Marty Henert, our executive director at the time, if we could community that is building Wisconsin’s natural resource legacy. coordinate field trips for Foundation members and the public Of course a look back across nearly three decades would that would be led by DNR experts. He gave a green light and not be possible without the friendship and support of the we tested the idea with three trips in 1993: Rush Creek State incredible, dedicated people with whom I have worked Natural Area with Mark Martin, Trumpeter Swan Recovery side by side—colleagues from the Foundation and the Program at Mead Wildlife Area with Becky Abel, and Wolf DNR, Foundation members, board members, and partner Howling with Adrian Wydeven. Those trips went so well that organizations. I am amazed and gratified by all we have the following year we offered 41 trips. Today, 2,100 field accomplished together, and look forward to being part of this trips later, the demand for these opportunities seems to know dynamic community for years to come. no limit!

Five years later, I Very few people registered, so I called up John to ask him for the minimum number of brought Christine Tanzer on as field people he needed to run the trip. Without hesitation, he emphatically said, “One.” trip coordinator and while we both take some credit for the enormous success of this program, the kudos should really go to the resource experts who share their time and expertise with the public and to the great people in Trumpeter swan. this state who love learning about and exploring Wisconsin’s beautiful natural places.

Early in the Field Trip Program, John Gozdzialski (today in charge of DNR’s northern region) offered a trip on shoreline preservation at a Spooner-area lake. Very few people registered, so I called up John to ask him for the minimum number of people he needed to run the trip. Without hesitation, he emphatically said, “One.” His response spoke volumes about the dedication our resource managers have to their work and to conservation education. Likewise, comments we receive from field trip attendees speak volumes about Wisconsinites’ interest in and passion for the environment. It’s a chemistry that bodes well for the future of our conservation community and natural resources.

The Natural Resources Foundation lives and thrives in a unique space where the public and private sectors can bring out the best in each other. A space in which

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

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Cherish Wisconsin:

What this state has given me

Wisconsin has given me a renewed connection to nature and the incredible wildlife that call Wisconsin home.

Author Michelle Milford at Devil’s Lake in winter.

I spent the first 20 years of my life number of state forests, waters, wildlife living in the suburbs of Chicago before areas, and State Natural Areas I have moving to Wisconsin in 2010. While already visited, yet still have dozens left I still have a strong affiliation to the to enjoy. I have taken full advantage of city of Chicago (Go Cubs!), I have no nature’s restorative properties; there is no desire to move back. There are multiple shortage of outdoor therapy in Wisconsin. reasons my roots are finding better This state has kept me active— ground in Wisconsin, however, constantly drawing me outside. the primary factor in In addition to hiking, I my decision to stay is successfully learned to my ever increasing paddleboard, started kayaking love of Wisconsin’s and look forward to paddling natural wonders. some of Wisconsin’s 84,000 Wisconsin is river miles. I even invested located between two in a pair of snowshoes to Great Lakes and the enjoy Wisconsin’s beauty and Mississippi River and birding throughout the winter. at the confluence of Wisconsin has given me a three major biomes renewed connection to nature (western prairies, and the incredible wildlife Michelle, her husband deciduous forests, and that call Wisconsin home.

Jackson and their dog Clyde. northern coniferous I volunteered as a wildlife forests). This unique geography gives rehabilitator helping injured or orphaned the state its rich biodiversity. And that wildlife. However, I have also learned rich biodiversity has given back to me to love bow and rifle hunting and the multiple times in my short six years as a unique connection that it creates to the Wisconsinite. life cycle of the natural world. Wisconsin Wisconsin had given me an made me realize that I can be an animal abundance of trails to explore. I have lover, a conservationist, and a hunter, hiked nine of Wisconsin’s 38 state parks, because, in this state, we have so many leaving me with years more terrain to individuals who are all three. uncover. I can’t even begin to count the Lastly, Wisconsin has given me a The “Cherish Wisconsin” column features a different Wisconsin voice in each issue of Bridges, reflecting on what the author cherishes most about our state.

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meaningful career of which I am proud.

I go to work every day knowing I am connecting other citizens to our natural places and making a difference for Wisconsin’s most imperiled species and public lands.

My career, my experiences, and favorite hobbies are largely possible because so many Wisconsinites already have prioritized ensuring protection for and public access to unique wild places. The Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund exists to ensure and build upon that legacy so that future generations may continue to find the same enjoyment, fulfillment, and purpose that I have. The Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund will protect and provide for our publicly owned lands and waters—the lands we share and the lands we cherish.

M ichelle Milford is outreach coordinator for the Foundation and has been a primary Foundation force behind the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund.

To date we’ve raised more than $200,000 with only about 1 percent of Wisconsonites who purchased a fishing or hunting license contributing to the Cherish Fund. Imagine how much we could raise for our public lands if just 10 percent of purchasers made that $2 donation?

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

Featured Fund

Longtime Foundation Members Create Green County Conservation Fund When Bob and Nancy (Nan) Rudd were looking for a farm to call their own somewhere in the rolling hills of Wisconsin’s driftless area, they drew a circle on a map and started knocking on every realtor’s door within a 25-mile radius until they found the land that would become Two Silos.

There, diligently and over time, they restored the prairies, savannas, and forests, helping the land reveal its native biological heritage. For many years, their farm served as a stopover site for the endangered whooping cranes’ ultralightled migration south. In 2015, they permanently protected their farm by placing it under conservation easement with the Natural Heritage Land Trust, and this past fall, dedicated a bequest in their estate plans to create the Robert and Nancy Rudd Conservation Fund with the Natural Resources Foundation.

The Fund will support the perpetual management and From left: Tony Abate, Jim Welsh, Heidi Habeger, Bob and Nan Rudd, restoration of their land, along with other priority conservation Ruth Oppedahl. projects in Green County. said Bob. “By establishing our endowment fund, we are “My first memories of connecting with nature come from providing funds for the care, management and restoration time spent at our family cabin on Big Roche-A-Cri Lake fishing of this property in perpetuity. We hope that this fund will with my dad, feeding and watching birds with my mom, taking encourage and facilitate preservation of open space, and long walks by myself along sandy trails in the woods,” said Nan. protection and restoration of native plant communities and “I’ve always loved being outdoors.” native wildlife throughout Green County.”

Bob and Nan have been avid field trip participants with the Foundation for nearly 20 years and have enjoyed getting For more information on how you can establish a to learn more about Wisconsin’s natural heritage and native permanent conservation fund for the part of Wisconsin landscapes. The couple had always dreamed of living and you care about most, visit WisConservation.org/WCE working in a rural area. “When we had the opportunity to buy or contact Camille Zanoni, development director, at our farm in 1994, we decided to make it happen,” remembered 608-264-8922 or Camille.Zanoni@Wisconsin.gov.

Bob. “My commitment [to conservation] has evolved over time, having observed the destruction of various natural habitats in places where I grew up, lived, and worked.”

Their 250-acre farm encompasses wetland, hardwood forest, native goat prairie, trout stream, oak savanna, sedge meadow, and upland prairie. Their years of restoration work have preserved the land’s biological diversity, native plant communities, and critical wildlife habitat.

“We understand that land stewardship requires Ruth Oppedahl and Nan Rudd follow Bob, Heidi Habeger and Tony Abate with the Natural Heritage Land constant financial support,” Trust on a tour of their property.

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

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Texas: North Coast Birding

April 9-16, 2017 The Texas coast is one of North America’s most popular birding destinations. Travel with three expert bird guides as you search out migrating songbirds, shorebirds and raptors.

Explore iconic bird sites like Bolivar Flats and High Island to possibly experience the phenomena of a “fall out” where hordes of exhausted migrating birds appear to be falling out of the sky to land in coastal natural areas. This tour provides a great opportunity for upper Midwest birders to refine observation skills, expand birding knowledge, and add some amazing birds to life lists.

Alaska: Cordova

August 5-13, 2017 This nine-day trip invites visitors to discover the natural wonders of the the last American frontier.

Cordova is home to the Eyak Indian Tribe and Prince William Sound and surrounded by Chugach National Forest—the second largest national forest in the United States. Immerse yourself in the country’s most picturesque classroom through engaging forest hikes, wildlife observation, ice trekking excursions, data collection and more.

Paul regnier

Paul regnier

Holbrook Travel

T rav el wit h t h e F oundation

Northern Rockies: Glacier & Waterton

September 1-7, 2017 Two of the most-heralded continental parks in the world, Glacier National Park in the US and Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, combined to form the International Peace Park— the first of its kind. On this tour, discover the geologically fascinating mountains and biologically diverse landscapes of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Stay in historic lodges, hike alpine meadows, traverse the Going to the Sun Road, learn about the history of the Blackfoot Indians from a tribe member, and board boats to explore the mountain lakes.

For more information: Contact Michelle Milford 608-261-4392 or Michelle.Milford@Wisconsin.gov