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
Our strategy for conserving lands and waters
Partnerships

Big Picture

Public Trust

Sustainability

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Impact in Action
Diversity in the Outdoors
NRF is committed to improving diversity in the outdoors in Wisconsin because everyone deserves an opportunity to get outside.
Read More30 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.
Read MoreSlimy 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.
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