Join the Wayfarers!

We are the young adults of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Join us as we paddle, hike, bike, learn about, and explore our state’s amazing natural wonders.

Wayfarers connects young adults to outdoorsy, educational, and adventurous outings in Wisconsin, with the goal of fostering the next generation of conservation stewards. The group also provides a peer network to connect with others who care about Wisconsin’s outdoors through happy hours and socials, and to give back to Wisconsin through volunteering and philanthropy.

Our outings and events are led by some of the most knowledgeable scientists, ecologists, and naturalists in Wisconsin who generously share their favorite places and knowledge of Wisconsin’s outdoors. Wayfarers events are geared towards 20- and 30-somethings, but everyone is welcome!

Become a member

You must be a member of NRF to attend Wayfarers events. We consider a gift of $10 or more as a membership, so you can donate as much as you are able. Become a member today!

2025 Wayfarers Events

Millennial Falcons Birdathon Outing

When: Sunday, May 18th from 7:30am to 4pm (Join for any or all parts of the day!)

Where: Surrounding Milwaukee, WI

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is back and our Wayfarers team, the Millennial Falcons, is returning for its ninth year! Join us on Sunday, May 18th for a fun-filled day of birding for a good cause! Our goal is to find some of our favorite birds, get outside to some amazing areas surrounding Milwaukee, and raise $1,234 to protect the birds of the galaxy!

Where are we heading? Here’s a rough plan of our day – meet up with us for any or all of it!

7:30am to 11am – Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve (511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024)
11am to 1pm – Lunch – Water Street Brewery (1251 Gateway Dr, Grafton, WI 53024)
1pm to 1:45pm – Drive to Vernon Marsh
2pm to 4pm – Vernon Marsh (S67W26523 Benson Ave, Waukesha, WI 53189 – Google Maps Location is Vernon Wildlife Refuge Additional Parking)

RSVP via this Google Form by May 14th if you’d like to bird with us, explore some beautiful Wisco destinations, and enjoy bird fun with friends! Join for as much as you like — the morning, the afternoon, or the whole day’s events. No birding experience needed! We’ll have some extra binoculars to share. Carpooling options will be coordinated for those interested (no guarantees that we can set you up with a carpool, but we will try). More specific details will be sent closer to the outing.

Donate: Support the Millennial Falcons Birdathon Team – our goal is to raise $1,234 to protect the birds of the galaxy! Donations of any amount are appreciated, and support the highest priority conservation needs for Wisconsin’s birds!

Photo by Hillary Thompson

Earth Day Volunteer Cleanup in Madison

When: Saturday, April 26th from 10am to 12pm

Where: South Entrance of Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison, WI 53704

Wayfarers in the Madison area, let’s meet up at Sustain Dane‘s annual Earth Month cleanup event! Sustain Dane will provide gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizer. Ian’s is generously offering a free pizza slice and Delta Beer Lab will provide free pint cards for your hard work!

RSVP on Eventbrite

Photo by Emma Schatz

Earth Day Volunteer Cleanup in Milwaukee

When: Saturday, April 26th from 9am to 12pm

Where: Menomonee Valley Community Park, 212 S 36th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215 (the “West End of the Valley” site)

Wayfarers in the Milwaukee area, let’s team up to help achieve swimmable, fishable rivers with the 30th annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup. Make sure you dress to get messy!

RSVP to our Wayfarers coordinator, Naomi Hadley, so we know you’re coming!

Photo by Emma Schatz

Nature Game Night

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When: Tuesday, February 4th, 5pm to 7pm

Where: Delta Beer Lab

Cost: Suggested $10 donation to play

Back by popular demand, the Wayfarers are hosting another Nature Game Night as our first fundraising event of the year.

Delta Beer Lab is welcoming us for a WILD night of nature-themed board games, valentines themed festivities, and a portion of all proceeds going to the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.

Nature themed board games will be provided, and this event is open to the public, so you are encouraged to invite your friends & family!

Photo by Caitlin Williamson

2024 Wayfarers Events

Winter Solstice Wreathmaking Workshop

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When: Saturday, December 21st, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Westres Tree Farm in Black Earth (4858 WI-78)

Cost: $15 to support conservation in Wisconsin (not including registration fees)

Celebrate the winter solstice with fellow Wayfarers at the stunning Westres Tree Farm in Black Earth! Activities will include a short conservation walk on the beautiful hilltop property, wreathmaking, and a bonfire. This is a kid-friendly event.

RSVP: Advanced registration is required and space is limited. Register here by Thursday, December 19th.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Charron

Ice Age Trail Hike & Lunch

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When: Sunday, October 20th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Ice Age Trail — Table Bluff Segment. Trailhead location: 8837 Scheele Road.

Cost: Free

Join NRF Wayfarers as we hike 4.5 miles on the Ice Age Trail — Table Bluff segment! We will head over to Reyes Tacos in Cross Plains for lunch after the hike.

RSVP: RSVPs are appreciated, so we can plan accordingly. Register on Eventbrite to let us know you’re coming!

Photo by Dane County Land & Water Resources Dept

Rush Creek SNA Volunteer Seed Collection

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Let’s meet up at the DNR’s upcoming seed collection event at Rush Creek State Natural Area, one of NRF’s priority SNAs!

When: Saturday, October 5th from 9am to 12pm

Where: De Soto, Wisconsin. Meet at the first DNR parking lot on Rush Creek Road, 0.5 miles northeast on Rush Creek Road after turning off from Hwy 35. There is limited cell reception at Rush Creek, so please plan/map ahead of time!

What to know: Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended as the terrain to the breathtaking views can be rugged and steep. Also, dress for the weather; rain pants may be handy if the morning is dewy. Bringing snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray is also suggested. Buckets and hand-clippers will be provided. Sorry, there are no bathrooms on-site. 

RSVP: No registration required.

An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands film screening

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Join fellow Wayfarers and community members for a free film screening of An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands!

Located only 20 minutes from Madison, Wisconsin is a place of mystery, wonder, and immense life. An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands is a new feature-length documentary that invites you to explore the natural beauty and importance of Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area, one of NRF’s priority conservation sites.

Let’s join NRF and the Nelson Institute’s Tales from Planet Earth film series for a film screening and Q&A with filmmaker, Ben Albert and his grandfather Cal DeWitt, who has protected Waubesa Wetlands for decades.

When: Sunday, September 29th from 3:30-7pm

Where: Lussier Family Heritage Center (3101 Lake Farm Road)

RSVP: Advanced registration required. Register here.

Exploring the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail

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Wayfarers, let’s meet up for dinner and attend Milwaukee Riverkeeper & Milwaukee Kayak Company’s guided paddling event on the Kinnickinnic River!

Cheryl Nenn, from Milwaukee Riverkeeper, and Milwaukee Kayak Company staff will discuss the history and current state of the Kinnickinnic River, and share points of interest as we paddle. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp.

When: Tuesday, August 13th from 4:30-8pm

4:30pm (come when you can) – Grab dinner with fellow Wayfarers and trip leader, Cheryl Nenn, at Merriment Social (3 minute walk from Milwaukee Kayak Company’s dock)
6:15pm – Fitting, Introduction & Depart Milwaukee Kayak Company’s dock
6:30pm – Guided tour of the Kinnickinnic River
8:30pm – Back to Milwaukee Kayak Company

Where: Milwaukee Kayak Company (318 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204)

Cost: $40 (dinner not included)

RSVP: Advanced registration required. Register here. Email Lisa Charron, Wayfarers Committee member, if you’d like to join us for dinner beforehand at Merriment Social. RSVPs are due Monday, August 12th.

Full Moon Glow Float

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Paddle Lake Mendota under the full moon!

Join the Wayfarers in collaboration with Outdoor UW for a unique paddling experience. Explore Lake Mendota on a full moon evening in July using single and tandem kayaks. Outdoor UW paddling guides will lead us over to Picnic Point to enjoy the evening with new and old friends alike.

When: Sunday, July 21st 7-9:30pm

Where: Meet at the Outdoor UW Office at Memorial Union (Madison) to paddle out to Picnic Point and back together.

Cost: $30, kayaks (single or tandem) provided by Outdoor UW

RSVP: Register here. RSVPs are due by July 14th.

Overnight Camping Trip

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Explore the Driftless outdoors under the stars with other young conservationists!

Activities will include:

• Expert-led workshops in fly-fishing, birdwatching, and more
• Lawn games, like ultimate frisbee and badminton
• Hikes and talks around the campfire

No camping gear? No problem! We have some extra equipment and can also connect you with local rentals – reach out to us to discuss the best option for you. It’s the perfect group camping weekend for both people new to camping and seasoned pros.

When: Saturday, June 29th 12 pm to Sunday, June 30th 11 am

Where: West Fork Sports Club, Viroqua

Cost: $15 covers campsite reservation, snacks, grilling equipment, and firewood

RSVP: Register here. Limited to 20 spots and RSVPs are due by June 23rd.

Millennial Falcons Birdathon Outing

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Go birding for a cause with the Wayfarers Great Wisconsin Birdathon Millennial Falcons team! 🦅

When: Saturday, May 18th, 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (join for any or all of it!)

Where: Dane County, WI

Cost: NRF pay-what-you-can membership donation

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is back and our Wayfarers team, the Millennial Falcons, is returning for its eighth year! Join us on Saturday, May 18th for a fun-filled day of birding for a good cause! Our goal is to find some of our favorite birds, get outside to some amazing Dane County birding areas, and raise $1,234 to protect the birds of the galaxy!

Where are we heading? Here’s a rough plan of our day – meet up with us for any or all of it!

5:30 am -7 am: Early birds at Picnic Point (Lakeshore Nature Preserve)
7:30 am – 9 am: UW Arboretum
9:30 am – 11 am: Nine Springs
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Picnic Lunch (bring your own) at Jenni and Kyle Preserve
1 pm – 3 pm: Pheasant Branch Conservancy
3:30 pm – 4 pm: Vienna Pothole Wildlife Area/ County V Ponds
4:30 pm: End the day at Lone Girl Brewing in Waunakee

RSVP: RSVP on Sign Up Genius by May 14th if you’d like to bird with us, explore some beautiful Wisco destinations, and enjoy bird fun with friends! Join for as much as you like—the morning, the afternoon, or the whole day’s events. No birding experience needed! We’ll have some extra binoculars to share. Carpooling options will be coordinated for those interested. More specific details will be sent closer to the outing.

Donate: Support the Millennial Falcons Birdathon Team – our goal is to raise $1,234 to protect the birds of the galaxy! Donations of any amount are appreciated, and support the highest priority conservation needs for Wisconsin’s birds!

Earth Day Volunteer Clean Up

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Wayfarers, let’s meet up at Sustain Dane‘s annual Earth Month clean up event! Sustain Dane will provide gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizer. Ian’s is generously offering a free pizza slice and Delta Beer Lab will provide free pint cards for your hard work!

When: Saturday, April 13th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Garver Feed Mill in Madison (3241 Garver Green)

Cost: NRF pay-what-you-can membership donation

RSVP: on Eventbrite

Conservation Policy Happy Hour

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Learn more about current Wisconsin conservation policies and what you can do to help from Meleesa Johnson, executive director of Wisconsin’s Green Fire, over a drink!

When: Wednesday, April 3rd 6 to 7 p.m.

Where: The Sugar Maple, Milwaukee (441 E Lincoln Ave)

Cost: NRF pay-what-you-can membership donation

RSVP: on Eventbrite

Winter Nature Bingo

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We challenge you to defrost and stay active this winter by playing bingo with us! Anyone who completes a bingo before March 1st will have a chance to win one of the following prizes:

• $20 gift card to Machinery Row Bicycles & water bottle with bike cage
• $25 gift card to Fontana Sports
• SOS Save Our Songbirds mug and bag of bird-friendly coffee from Birds & Beans

How to enter more chances to win:

• Complete additional bingos
• Share photos of your bingo adventures on our Wisconsin Wayfarers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram @wisconservation.

Once you complete a bingo, please fill out the Google Form linked below so you can be entered to win a prize!

Winter Wonders: Tree ID & Ski/Skate

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Join us for an afternoon of identifying winter trees, weather-dependent skiing and ice skating, and warming up with drinks at Vintage Brewing!

When: Saturday, February 17th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Elver Park (meet in parking lot) and Vintage Brewing Co. (674 S Whitney Way), Madison

Cost: Optional cross country ski and ice skates rental plus NRF pay-what-you-can membership donation

RSVP: RSVP by emailing Wayfarers coordinator Soumi at Soumi.Gaddameedi@wisconservation.org. Please include if you’re interested in carpooling and any accessibility needs.

P.S. You’ll be able to cross off some of the activities on your Wayfarers Winter Nature Bingo cards at this event!

Nature Board Game Night

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When: Tuesday, January 16th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Roll Play at Garver Feed Mill

Cost: You must be a member of NRF to attend Wayfarers events. We consider a gift of any amount as a membership, so you can donate as much as you are able. Become a member today!

Join us for an evening of nature-themed board games! Compete with other Wayfarers to visit the most national parks, attract diverse birds to your wildlife reserve, and more! Delicious Asian street food including bibimbap and boba tea from Roll Play and beer from Ian’s Pizza are available for purchase.

RSVP: No RSVP required.

In addition to our scheduled trips, we host happy hours and pop-up adventures. Sign up for our email list using the form below, and join our Facebook group to stay informed of the latest events.