Photo by Frank Ravizza from Pixabay

From ancient seas to windblown deserts . . .

The southwest lures millions of people every year to experience nature’s artistry of western landscapes of canyons, mountains, buttes and wide-open spaces.

These awe-inspiring places tell a spectacular story of the changing Earth, from ancient seas to windblown deserts, ancient ecosystems populated with dinosaurs and reptiles, and even mass extinction events.

In March 2020, we will be travelling to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Monument Valley Navajo Park with professional naturalist Paul Regnier and professional geologist Dr. Roger Kuhns, and we wanted to share a few tour highlights below.

Read on for some little known facts about these national treasures! 

Photo by Will Dougherty

Utah’s First National Park

Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park! The park was first protected in 1909 by President William Howard Taft and designated Mukuntuweap National Monument. Ten years later it was established as Zion National Park by President Woodrow Wilson.

Photo by MAlder from Pixabay

HooDoo You Do?

These striking formations known as hoodoos are irregularly eroded spires of rocks. Bryce Canyon is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth!

National Park Service Photo.

The “Great Unconformity”

The Grand Canyon offers one of the most visible examples of a worldwide geological phenomenon known as the “Great Unconformity,” in which there is a gap in the rock record between Cambrian and pre-Cambrian times. What happened during the hundreds of millions of years between remains a mystery.

Photo by Brigette Werner from Pixabay.

Do you recognize this iconic monument?

Even if you haven’t visited Monument Valley, you may be familiar with its features. Since John Ford filmed Stagecoach in 1938, it has appeared in movies, TV shows, commercials and computer screen savers. It has become an iconic representation of the American West.

Photo by Skeeze from Pixabay.

Are you ready for an adventure?

By traveling with us, you’ll have intimate, unique experiences abroad that are always focused on nature, wildlife, and the conservation efforts of other organizations.

From exploring wild Alaska, to witnessing the monarch migration in Mexico, to experiencing an African safari, we have some incredible destinations for you to choose from for your next adventure!

Written by Kim Kreitinger, Outreach Coordinator

Diversity in the Outdoors

NRF is committed to improving diversity in the outdoors in Wisconsin because everyone deserves an opportunity to get outside.

30 Years of Field Trips

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Field Trip Program! Let’s take a look back at the success of this program throughout the years.

Welcome to the Foundation, Soumi!

We’re thrilled to welcome our new Donor & Relations Coordinator, Soumika Gaddameedi.

2022 Photo Contest Winners

Every year you send us your best photos that capture incredible moments in nature. Take a look at our 2022 Photo Contest winners!

Slimy but Sweet – Searching for Mudpuppies in Wisconsin

New funding is supporting a state-wide effort to learn more about mudpuppies in Wisconsin, our state’s only fully aquatic salamander.

Making A Difference in Wisconsin: NRF’s 2022 Grants for Conservation and Environmental Education

In 2022, NRF invested more than $1 million in grants for conservation and environmental education projects across the state.

Climate Adaptation in Wisconsin: Getting Ahead of the Change

Your support is leading the way for climate adaptation across Wisconsin landscapes.

Planned Giving For The Future

November is a time for reflection and gratitude. We can express who we are and what we value by planning gifts that will live on into the future.

Welcome to the Foundation, Emma!

We’re thrilled to welcome our new Digital Communications Coordinator, Emma Schatz.

Neotropical Flyways

The Neotropical Flyways Project is studying bird migration to help us understand the needs of migratory birds in their winter habitat.