Join us in welcoming Marcy West, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s new Landscape Initiatives Advisor. We sat down with Marcy so you could learn more about her background in conservation and how an adult “gap year” led to her publishing her first book, purchasing her beloved kayak named Ruby, and eventually finding her way to NRF. Welcome to the Foundation, Marcy!
Marcy standing in a field. Photo courtesy of Marcy West
Never stop learning
I knew at a young age I wanted to work on protecting our natural resources. Readers may remember the ear worm “Give a Hoot Don’t Pollute” which was a very effective public service announcement aired during Saturday morning cartoons in the 1970’s. To this day, litter is a pet peeve of mine. In high school we learned about efforts to clean up the Fox River which flows through downtown Green Bay. I truly never thought I’d see the day people would be fishing and recreating in that section of the river. Today, it’s an incredible success story that offers hope for large scale projects.
When it came time to pick a college, the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point was my first choice. A Natural Resource Management degree with a public relations emphasis was nearly a perfect fit. “Nearly” because the technical nature of the soils class and pressure to “find the corners” just using a compass at the required Treehaven summer course had me lost figuratively and literally. Fortunately, I worked for Dean Dan Trainer during my junior and senior year and he assured me there were jobs in the natural resources field that did not require technical skills.
Dave and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Photo by Marcy West
My other favorite hiking companions – daughter Andie and son Keegan. Photo by Marcy West
Stepping stones
After a brief stint for the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, I served as Executive Director for the Wisconsin Land Conservation Association (now Land & Water) for a few years. Then, I detoured into policy work for the Federation of Cooperatives. In 1996, I landed a dream job as Director for the ever-evolving Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) project. From 2020-25, I served on the Natural Resources Board which opened my eyes to the variety of programs and projects the Department of Natural Resources deals with statewide. Each position taught me more about the multipronged approach needed to protect resources.
I’m not a very successful turkey hunter but I sure love the view from the blind. Photo by Marcy West
Every adult needs a gap year or two, too…
Coming out of the pandemic, I worked for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation on a program to address issues facing rural communities. Concurrently, I had been writing a narrative, non-fiction manuscript entitled, “Protecting Paradise in the Driftless: How the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Came to Be”. Getting the book finalized was harder than I ever could have imagined. Re-drafts and edits were frustrating to say the least. But I’m glad that important part of Wisconsin’s history is in writing and accessible for all who are interested.
Since writing and editing wasn’t a full-time activity, and the most common question in every social circle is, “what do you do?” I started telling people I was on a “gap year.” Yes, just like high school or college students do. I bought a new kayak (Northstar named Ruby), checked a few more national parks visits off my and my husband’s list, saw some great concerts and got some good workouts in while managing invasives on our 100 acres in the Kickapoo Valley.
Ruby’s maiden voyage on the Kickapoo River. Photo by Sandra Dee Naas
Big picture
Now I feel like I’m truly prepared to work on landscape initiatives for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Throughout my career, I’ve established relationships with numerous resource professionals and now have a better understanding of the complexity of issues that need to be addressed. I also recognize the real threat that we could lose some of our treasured ecosystems. The Driftless Region and Kettle Moraine are the two regions of focus first. I’ll utilize everything I learned over the years to work with partners, landowners and educators to help manage and protect these ecological gems.
Being a Packers fan teaches life lessons too…. mainly patience! Photo by Marcy West
Please join us in welcoming Marcy!
Written by Marcy West, Landscape Initiatives Advisor