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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Help us make a meaningful impact on Wisconsin's lands and waters.
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
![](https://wisconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Blue-River-Bluffs-Burn_Sharon-Fandel-e1518813952332.jpg)
Big Picture
![](https://wisconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lower-WI-River_Joshua-Mayer-e1519166335895.jpg)
Public Trust
![](https://wisconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/WillowRiver-State-Park-Sign_DNR-e1522165527477.jpg)
Sustainability
![](https://wisconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Lone-Rock-View_DZ-Johnson-e1525889312236.jpg)
Impact in Action
Field Trips in Wisconsin’s Urban Nature Gem
Let’s go on a bumble bee walk with Elizabeth Braatz, the Bumble Bee Brigade Coordinator and Terrestrial Insect Ecologist with the WDNR
Read MoreThe Queer Native Species of Wisconsin
Nature is full of wonderful diversity in sex, gender, families, and relationships – learn about the queer native species of Wisconsin!
Read More2024-2027 Strategic Plan
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s staff and board of directors are proud to announce our new strategic plan. Thank you for being a part of this important work!
Read More