40 Years of Conservation
Celebrating our 40th Anniversary
Since 1986, we’ve been on a mission to protect Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife and connect all people with nature.
From trumpeter swans to accessible trails, from exploring Wisconsin on Field Trips to building school pollinator gardens – we couldn’t do any of it without our members, supporters, and partner organizations.
Start celebrating 40 years of impact with us by checking out our new interactive StoryMap.
Share your NRF story
This milestone is a good opportunity to reflect on where we’ve come from and where we’re going. We want to hear your special memories. Why do you support conservation, environmental education, and NRF? If you received a grant from NRF, what did it help you accomplish? What was your favorite moment on an NRF Field Trip?
Share your story and help inspire others to explore, love, and protect nature in Wisconsin.
40th Anniversary Events
Prescribed Fire Webinar – a land restoration tool we’re lucky to have 🍀
How does setting a natural landscape on fire (in a safe and controlled way) encourage more native wildflowers and grasses to grow? Why is prescribed fire different from the massive problematic wildfires out west? How does controlled burning help insects, birds, and other wildlife in Wisconsin, and how can YOU help?
Grab your lunch and get all the answers from experts at the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council. Webinar hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
When: Tuesday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day!) from 12 to 1pm
Where: Zoom Webinar
Cost: Free
RSVP: Register now
Prescribed burn at Trenton Bluff Prairie State Natural Area. Photo by Blake Olson
Trumpeter Swan Webinar – Celebrating NRF’s Flagship Project
Join us for your lunch hour on Tuesday, April 21st to learn about one of Wisconsin’s greatest comeback stories: the re-introduction and restoration of Wisconsin’s Trumpeter Swan populations.
We’ll hear from wildlife biologists that worked on this Herculean effort firsthand and learn more about the largest native waterfowl species in North America.
When: Tuesday, April 21 over the lunch hour 12 to 1pm
Where: Zoom Webinar
Cost: Free
RSVP: Register now
Trumpeter swan family by Beverly Engstrom
Dark Skies Webinar – Photography and Conservation
What happens in Wisconsin after dark? Aurora paint the night. The Milky Way arcs above our heads. Once-in-a-lifetime comets and meteors streak through the sky. Join Midwest born award-winning photographer Jeff Pfaller as he tells the story of his 5-year journey exploring America’s public lands at night. You’ll hear about rare dark sky phenomena, making space in your life to witness miracles, and tips for experiencing these bucket-list items for yourself.
When: Tuesday, September 22
Where: Zoom Webinar
Cost: Free
RSVP: Coming soon!
Star trails in the night sky by Jeff Pfaller
Coming soon! New Wisconsin Conservation Film
PBS Wisconsin is partnering with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin on an exciting and ambitious hour-long documentary. The project will focus on the people across our state who dedicate their lives to conservation. As part of this strategic partnership, NRF has provided funding, subject matter expertise, and guidance.
Filming is currently underway! Save the date for a sneak peek event this fall, and stay tuned for more information about how you can watch the final film.
40th Anniversary Event: PBS Wisconsin Panel Discussion & Film Sneak Peek – Madison
Join us at the Monona Terrace for a behind the scenes look at the upcoming release of a PBS Wisconsin’s exciting and ambitious documentary highlighting the people across our state who dedicate their lives to conservation. We’ll hear from the producers as they share their process and stories of partnership with NRF experts in the field. Enjoy light refreshments, sweets, and the company of fellow nature enthusiasts as we celebrate 40 years of conservation, exploration, and environmental education.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 5-7pm
Where: Monona Terrace, Ballroom AB, One John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI
Cost: Free
RSVP: Coming soon!
40th Anniversary Event: PBS Wisconsin Panel Discussion & Film Sneak Peek – Milwaukee
Join us at Havenwoods State Forest for a behind the scenes look at the upcoming release of a PBS Wisconsin’s exciting and ambitious documentary highlighting the people across our state who dedicate their lives to conservation. We’ll hear from the producers as they share their process and stories of partnership with NRF experts in the field. Enjoy light refreshments, sweets, and the company of fellow nature enthusiasts as we celebrate 40 years of conservation, exploration, and environmental education.
When: Saturday, October 24 (time TBD)
Where: Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N Hopkins Street, Milwaukee, WI – 53209
Cost: Free
RSVP: Coming soon!
Shop our 40th Anniversary Merch
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary in style with our new eco-friendly tees, a tote, or a mug. Proceeds support conservation in Wisconsin.
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Banner photo by Dave Hoefler