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 to 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 with us by checking out the Foundation’s new interactive StoryMap and 40 Years of Impact Video.
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
40th Anniversary Kickoff Event
Join us to celebrate 40 years of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
Thanks to your care and commitment, Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife will continue to thrive today and for generations to come. Let’s gather to kickoff NRF’s 40th anniversary of protecting the places and species we all love. Enjoy light refreshments, sweets, and the company of fellow nature enthusiasts.
When: Tuesday, February 26th from 5 to 7pm
Where: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center – Auditorium 1111 E Brown Deer Road, Bayside, WI – 53217
Cost: Free
RSVP: Please register by February 17th, 2026
Photo courtesy of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
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 project first-hand and revisit their Herculean effort and learn more about the largest native waterfowl species in North America.
When: Tuesday, April 21st over the lunch hour 12-1pm
Where: Zoom Webinar
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 director, writers, and 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 24th (time TBD)
Where: Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N Hopkins Street, Milwaukee, WI – 53209
Cost: Free
RSVP: coming soon!
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! Stay tuned for more information about when, where, and how you can watch the final film.
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Banner photo by Dave Hoefler