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

Help us make a meaningful impact on Wisconsin’s lands and waters.
Impact in Action
Protecting Rush Creek from Climate Change
Climate Change Adaptation in Wisconsin: The first grassland climate change adaptation project in our state is now underway at Rush Creek State Natural Area.
Read MoreConservation Planning in the Driftless Area
A group of conservation partners in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area are coming together to make a plan. Together, they’re determining the top priorities for protecting the region’s unique features and biodiversity.
Read MoreWelcoming the 2022 Diversity in Conservation Internship Cohort
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin welcomes the 2022 cohort of the Diversity in Conservation Internship program.
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