Lands and Waters
Protecting Wisconsin’s most ecologically important landscapes
Wisconsin’s public lands protect many ecologically significant and rare landscapes. State Forests provide habitat for large wildlife such as elk, wolves, and bears, while State Natural Areas protect the last remaining examples of globally-imperiled ecological communities, such as savannas, wetlands, and barrens.
Wisconsin’s public lands and waters are also part of our state’s natural heritage, and provide unparalleled opportunities for people to connect with nature. Whether you love hiking, paddling, fishing, hunting, birding, camping, biking, or simply find comfort in the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors, Wisconsin’s public lands and waters are here for all of us to enjoy.
Our public lands are under threat
Invasive species, climate change, and significant cuts to state funding for natural resource management threaten to permanently alter our landscapes and diminish habitat for rare and threatened wildlife species. The Natural Resources Foundation works to address Wisconsin’s most important conservation needs, by bridging support from thousands of people across Wisconsin to our conservation partners and projects across our state.
Acres restored
grants for lands and waters
in funding for lands and waters
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The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is a U.S. non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN: 39-1572034). Donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.
Our strategy for conserving lands and waters
Partnerships

Big Picture

Public Trust

Sustainability

Impact in Action
Tiny spiny water flea, big threat
The spiny water flea’s tiny size leads to large threats to Wisconsin lakes. Learn how to protect our waters from spiny water flea.
Read MoreWelcome to the Foundation, Marie!
Join us in welcoming Marie Jensen, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s new Conservation Program Specialist!
Read MoreWhat is Landscape-Scale Conservation?
Landscape-scale conservation protects nature by connecting large areas of land and involving more people in the process.
Read MoreStay Connected
Join thousands of people who receive e-newsletter updates about conservation of Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife.
Banner photo by Laura Anderson
Box photos by Sharon Fandel, Joshua Mayer, courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and DZ Johnson