Each year as the Field Trip season ends, we ask you to send us your best pictures from any Foundation Field Trip to our Field Trip Photo Contest. Together we’ve trodden among blooming flowers and shooting stars, listened to the twilight frog chorus, and paddled through hidden spring ponds. These unique experiences connect our members to the critical conservation work being done to protect Wisconsin’s precious natural resources and these photos offer an inside peak!

Thank you for being a part of our mission and for letting us see our work through your lens.

First Place

Kayaking Adventure – by Patty Henry, Sauk County, WI

Exploring the quiet side of the Wisconsin Dells on the “Paddle the Dells” NRF Field Trip at the Wisconsin River State Natural Area. 

We provide important funding for the management and restoration of Wisconsin’s public lands, including many Wisconsin State Natural Areas.

Second Place

Kirtland’s Warbler – by Dennis Randall, Adams County, WI

Male Kirtland’s Warbler singing on the “Kirtland’s Warbler Up Close” NRF Field Trip near Rome, WI.

We provide funding for Kirtland’s warbler recovery through the Bird Protection Fund.

Third Place

American Kestrel Chick – by James Tenorio, Bancroft, WI

Kestrel nestling ready to be banded on the “Kestrel Banding on the Buena Vista Grasslands” NRF Field Trip in Portage County, WI.

Proceeds from this trip supported American kestrel research and conservation.

Fourth Place

Caspian Tern – by Bruce Bartel, Brown County, WI

Caspian tern foraging for fish on the “Shorebirds & Waterbirds of Cat Island” NRF Field Trip in Lower Green Bay.

We’ve provided funding for endangered tern recovery through the Bird Protection Fund.

Honorary Mention

Prairie Smoke – by Tim Eisele, Green County, WI

Prairie Smoke flower photographed on the “Birds & Blooms of Muralt Prairie SNA” NRF Field Trip near Monticello, WI. 

We provide important funding for the management and restoration of Wisconsin’s public lands.

Honorary Mention

Release of Banded American Kestrel – by Barbara Swan, Bancroft, WI

An adult American Kestrel released on the “Kestrel Banding on the Buena Vista Grasslands” NRF Field Trip in Portage County, WI.

Proceeds from this trip supported American kestrel research and conservation.

Honorary Mention

Northern Saw-whet Owl – by Schleitwiler, Stevens Point, WI

Northern saw-whet owl banded on the “Saw-whet & Long-eared Owl Banding” NRF Field Trip at the Linwood Springs Research Station.

We’ve provided funding for numerous bird banding research projects through the Bird Protection Fund.

Be sure to bring your camera on Field Trips each year, your photograph may be the winner of our next contest.

Our Call for Entries for our 2019 photo contest is coming up soon – stay tuned!

Written by Katie Herrick, Communications Assistant

Watershed Health and Outdoor Fun on the Namekagon River

Thanks to a 2023 Go Outside Fund grant, 46 students canoe the Namekagon River for hands-on learning about watersheds.

Welcome to the Foundation, Brenna!

We’re thrilled to welcome our new Grant Writer, Brenna Holzhauer!

Snapshot Wisconsin Trail Cams Capture Rare Wildlife Interactions

Snapshot Wisconsin trail cameras sometimes capture rare wildlife interactions. These photos support research on how different species coexist.

Welcome to the Foundation, Michaela!

We’re thrilled to welcome our new Executive Assistant, Michaela Daly.

An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands

An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands is a new film in production that tells the story of a hidden wetland left undeveloped by humans, a scientist dedicated to preserving it, and his grandson: a 20-year-old documentary filmmaker.

Is Spread Eagle Barrens…barren? Not at all.

Since 2007, NRF has funded restoration work on 8,000 acres of globally rare pine barrens at Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area.

Lights, Camera, Conservation

In her work at the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, Caitlin Williamson makes sure that the Wisconsin conservation show goes on.

2023 Birdathon Report

The 2023 Great Wisconsin Birdathon Report is here! More teams, more birds, and more funds raised for bird conservation. 72 teams raised over $122,000 during our 11th season of birding for a cause.

Protecting the Third Coast

NRF and the WDNR are teaming up to protect water quality and wildlife habitat at seven priority sites along the coast of Lake Michigan.

What’s the deal with alvars?

Exploring the Unique Landscape of Red Banks Alvar: A Conversation with Julie Hawkins-Tyriver about the best alvar in Wisconsin.