The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin

Searching for a nature break in Wisconsin this holiday weekend or any time this summer? Look no further! We’ve compiled the top TNC preserves in the Midwest and plotted out a perfect road trip around the Great Lakes. Rolling prairie, deep blue waters, towering sand dunes, and never-ending forests are all part of the trip!

Plot your course today: https://nature.ly/45QGvjU

Roam the Midwest: Take a Nature Road Trip Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a hiking enthusiast, or simply seeking the tranquility of nature, TNC’s nature preserves in the Midwest make an excellent excuse for a road trip any time of the year. Let's go!

Another update from our newest project area in Wisconsin's Central Sands region! We're working to restore native ecosystems that will provide much-needed habitat for the endangered Kirtland's warbler, among many other plant and animal species.

Step one was the removal of dense stands of planted red pine. It may look like a mess now, but in the next few years, this area will be transformed--by careful application of prescribed fire, and planting native jack pine trees--into a biodiverse wonderland.

In order to do that, we're using new technology to guide the way: Central Sands Project Manager Hannah Butkiewicz was recently joined by North Central Conservancy Trust's Chris Radford for an aerial survey of our Kirtland's Warbler Restoration project site in Adams County. Chris programmed his drone to fly a specific flight path and to take photos every couple seconds. The imagery then gets uploaded into a program that patches together those images to create a single shot.

The updated aerial imagery is necessary to help better plan out the rest of our management practices for the site. Capturing aerial imagery over the course of the project will also help us document short-term and long-term successes of the project.

Many thanks to Chris and the NCCT for their help! Partnerships are a super important part of how we get our work done. NCCT does a lot of great work in Central Wisconsin for land protection, with over 5,000 acres protected so far!

Learn more about TNC's work in the Central Sands: https://nature.ly/45QueMv

Photo 1: Hannah and Chris with the drone at the site of Kirtland's Warbler habitat restoration work.

Photo 2: The aerial drone view of the site.

Photo 3: A male Kirtland's warbler sings from the top of a pine tree (photo by Jennie Lanzendorf)

Last week’s decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the Chevron doctrine will present challenges to preserving the many decades of progress we have made in protecting people and the planet. It will have major implications for implementing and enforcing laws related to such issues as air pollution, public lands management and endangered species protection.

The decision impacts the ability of federal agencies to take the actions needed to successfully implement laws enacted by Congress. That is concerning, given the deep scientific expertise and practical experience they have in implementing and enforcing these laws, many which relate to complex and ambiguous issues.

Read our full statement from Kameran Onley, TNC’s managing director of North American Policy and Government Relations:

Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Doctrine Impacting People & the Planet The decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the Chevron doctrine could present challenges to preserving the many decades of progress we have made in protecting people and the planet.

Seed collection! Habitat restoration! Wetland surveys! Prescribed fire prep! Outhouse removal!

This is just a short list of some of the great projects happening this summer in TNC's Central Sands Project Area. Our intrepid staff, plus several partners and volunteers, have been hard at work to ensure the health and sustainability of this beautiful and vital part of our state:

1) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hosted a wild lupine seed collecting event at TNC's Page Creek Preserve in Montello. Some fifty percent of those seeds will come back to be distributed over other TNC sites, with the rest going to help out at a variety of other natural areas. Wild lupine is an essential food source for the endangered Karner blue butterfly, among other roles it plays in the ecosystem. TNC's Milwaukee Program Manager Lamont Smith joined the work, alongside Alana Fisher (TNC intern), Oden (volunteer), and Bo Hendrickson, Habitat Restoration Biologist for the USFWS.

2) The first major timber harvest of planted red pine was completed at TNC's new preserve in the Central Sands. The next phases of this project that will ultimately create much-needed habitat for the endangered Kirtland's warbler will include a prescribed fire and the planting of native jack pine trees, which the birds rely on for nesting.

3) Steve Eggers (retired from 42 years with the US Army Corps of Engineers) and Pat Trotchel (retired from 37 years with the state DNR) were contracted by TNC to conduct important inventory surveys of the over 40 small wetlands on a newer TNC-owned preserve. This provides crucial knowledge of the plants and plant communities that exist there and helps inform our management techniques and plans for the future.

Teamwork makes the dream work! Learn more about what TNC is doing in the Central Sands here: https://nature.ly/4cHCd0s

Summertime is the high season for our hard-working mobile crew! This month, they've been taking in the beauty of TNC's Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area while helping tackle invasive crownvetch.

"I wish we could say we beat the heat, but there’s not much shade out in the wide open prairie. Luckily, the prairie is a beautiful place to work in for the views, plants, and wildlife!" notes Brooke Frederickson, who also snapped these photos for us.

She notes that the photos also show how easily crownvetch can take over a prairie. If the patches are left unchecked, they can overtake an entire prairie and smother out all other plants. Crownvetch was intentionally introduced as a means of erosion control in the 20th century, but it actually has fairly shallow roots and doesn't do that well. It is unfortunately very good and spreading, though!

The crew is working tirelessly to treat crownvetch using backpack sprayers with a carefully applied herbicide. They also got to enjoy the beautiful, blooming prairie filled with flowering native plants, grasses, butterflies, and more!

Did you know that, right now, Congress is considering a bill called the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act which would boost conservation around the world and be a win-win for nature, wildlife and communities? Here’s how you can help:

📢 Habitat and species loss impacts us all and we need everyone to work together to solve these problems. Sharing this legislation with your friends and family can help people understand how safeguarding our lands and waters, supporting Indigenous Peoples, and promoting global stability are all interconnected.

🏛️ Contact your elected leaders in Congress. Whether you call, email or meet with them in-person, you can urge your Senators and Representatives to pass the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act.

We need all hands on deck because there’s never been a more important time for lawmakers to take action to support global conservation efforts:

How the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act Would Support Conservation This legislation would leverage funding from governments, private industries and philanthropic sectors to protect wildlife, lands and waters around the world.

We are over the moon excited and grateful to share the news that The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin has been chosen as a recipient of an impact grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation!

The Impact Grant Program, which first began in 2013, is aimed at directing significant funds toward organizations that serve their communities each day. TNC is one of ten nonprofits to be awarded funding this year, specifically to go towards our work on the East River Collaborative, which is working to build flood resilience within the East River Watershed in Brown County.

Congrats to all of the recipients and thank you so much to the Packers Foundation for their support of vital, community-oriented projects and organizations! Thanks, too, for having us out to Lambeau Field for a celebration last week.

Photo 1: (left to right) Former Packer and Foundation board member Dexter McNabb, TNC Coastal Resilience Specialist Kari Hagenow, TNC Wisconsin State Director Elizabeth Koehler, Foundation president Michael Barber, and CEO Mark Murphy.

Photo 2: Dexter McNabb, Elizabeth Koehler, TNC Wisconsin Trustee and former Packer George Koonce, and Kari Hagenow.

Photo 3: Kari Hagenow with the big check outside of Lambeau Field!

Pelicans in Wisconsin? Absolutely! American white pelicans, once a rare sight this side of the Mississippi River, are being spotted more often in our state around many of our rivers and lakes.

Once relatively common in Wisconsin, American white pelicans all but disappeared largely due to habitat loss and hunting. However, in the last 20 years, individual birds and small flocks have been spotted throughout the state around lakes, wetlands and larger rivers—largely thanks to clean water protections and wetland restoration work like that being done by TNC and partners throughout the state.

As one of the largest birds in North America, American white pelicans are a sight to behold. Weighing up to 19 pounds with a wingspan that can reach 9.5 feet, they are hard to miss in the sky. To spot them in flight, look for their distinctive black wing tips against their snow-white wings as they soar. These sociable birds often travel in flocks of up to 60, although smaller groups of six to 10 are more common in Wisconsin

Their flocks hunt cooperatively, coordinating swimming to drive fish into shallow water where each bird can effortlessly scoop up their meal from the waters. Have you spotted these magnificent white birds around you?

Image 1: An American white pelican comes in for a landing over a body of water - photo by Mitch Walters/TNC Photo Contest 2019.
Image 2: Three American white pelicans stand on a concrete island in the middle of the water. Two face each other while the third flaps its wings. Photo by Ann Villanueva/TNC Photo Contest 2019.

Happy summer solstice! Today is the longest day of the year - how are you enjoying the extra light?

(Image description: The sun sets behind a line of trees along the banks of a river, and the silhouettes of a flock of cranes are visible flying in the orange sky overhead - Photo by Steve S. Meyer)

Nature is in full bloom right now! These five activities will help you plan some amazing outdoor adventures for the children in your life (or for yourself/your friends!), right from your backyard, front porch or neighborhood park.

Sprinkles on Top: On a hot summer day, we all need to cool off—plants, too! Fill a watering can and head to your yard or porch to give your plants a drink.

Social Butterflies: Invite some friends to join you on a summer butterfly hunt! Set up a spot near a garden or natural area in the morning or early afternoon, when butterflies are most active, and wait to see who visits.

Ray of Sunshine: Capture the beauty of nature through a drawing, photograph or poem, and share it with someone who isn't able to get outside today!

Breakfast Picnic: Start the day off right with a breakfast picnic! Look and listen for signs of nature while you enjoy your feast.

Starry Night: Enjoy a warm summer night by watching for constellations, bats, owls and more!

More: https://nature.ly/4c9pLqo

(Photo of monarch butterfly on goldenrod by Trisha Seelman/TNC; Photo of the night sky by Joe Klementovich)

Did you know that Wisconsin and the country of Colombia share some 33 species of migratory birds? It's true! Everything from cerulean warblers to solitary sandpipers rely on healthy ecosystems in both locations - which is why we've been partnering with our friends in Colombia to help care for these habitats and the species they support.

Learn more about the partnership and the birds benefitting from it at the article linked below, and then sign up for our webinar on July 30 to dig even further into the connections between Wisconsin and Colombia: https://nature.ly/4c1RARr

Rumbo al sur: el viaje de las aves migratorias entre Wisconsin y la Orinoquía La ciencia y la tecnología han permitido a los expertos adentrarse en el mundo de estas aves. Cada vez se sabe más sobre sus patrones migratorios, y sus meses de apareamiento en el norte.

"Q***r and trans folks bring unique perspectives and experiences that help drive our vital work forward. I’m proud to play even a small role in that effort, and I have been heartened to see more and more LGBTQ+ folks making space for themselves in the environmental and conservation worlds. As someone with a background in writing, music, and communications, I didn’t always see a place for myself in this work. But if I have one piece of advice, it’s that whatever your skills, there’s a place for you in the fight to protect our Earth. And that when people are allowed to bring their full, authentic selves to the table every day, everyone benefits."

Meet Emily Mills, Media & PR Manager for the Wisconsin chapter of The Nature Conservancy, along with a few of our other incredible LGBTQ+ colleagues in the Midwest: https://nature.ly/3VEqdr0



(Photo 1: Emily stands in the middle of an old growth forest, smiling up at the trees. They are dressed in jeans and a flannel jacket with a TNC baseball cap, with a large camera slung around their shoulders. Photo 2: Emily is dressed in a yellow shirt and green pants, with yellow helmet, heavy gloves and boots, and carrying a red drip torch, as part of a prescribed fire. Smoke from the fire is visible in the background, drifting through a wooded area.)

At The Nature Conservancy, people are at the heart of everything we do. In partnership with passionate, dedicated groups and individuals across the globe, we’re making progress toward our ambitious 2030 goals. Learn more about some of our recent work and the people who made it happen: https://nature.ly/3RnBMQM

Summer and fall are when turtles are on the move, looking for a mate or a place to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, these journeys often involve crossing a road, which is incredibly dangerous for these slow-moving creatures. So what do you do if you see a turtle on or near a road?

First, some context: Wisconsin has 11 species of turtles, most of which are found in or near ponds, streams, wetlands, and rivers. These turtles do not get very big and aren't usually aggressive--except for snapping turtles, which you definitely need to be extra careful around!*

If you see a non-snapping turtle near or on a road, first make sure you can stop safely. Never put yourself in danger.

If it's safe, pull over and approach the turtle from behind. Place your fingers on the turtle's belly and your thumbs on top of its shell, creating an 'upside-down hamburger' hold between its front and back legs. Lift the turtle gently and move it across the road in the direction it was heading. Set it a few feet off the road, then return to your car.

However, if you see an adult common snapping turtle on or near the road, it's best to leave it. Snapping turtles can be large and aggressive with a powerful bite, and to be safe, you should stay back. If it's a road without much traffic and you can safely pull over, you can watch to ensure the turtle crosses safely.

Some tips:
1) Always move a turtle in the direction it is heading.
2) Never pick up a turtle by its tail, legs or top shell. You will seriously injure the turtle.
3) Never take a turtle out of the wild.

A turtle may release its bladder when you pick it up. It's gross, but it's their defense, and turtles don't know you're trying to help them!

Learn more from the Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program: https://nature.ly/3x6eDeW

[Photo 1: A baby Blanding's turtle makes its way across the grass and leaves, by
Lawrence Michael. Photo 2: Three painted turtles lying in a group on a clump of grass in water, by Stephen G. Maka.]

Have you heard the buzz about periodic cicadas? While other parts of the Midwest are experiencing a rare double emergence of these fascinating insects, southern Wisconsin just has one brood making its appearance this year - Brood XIII, which have 17-year life cycles!

Some of our staff members recently found a population of these critters--notable for their bright red eyes--along the top of the bluff at TNC's Spring Green preserve. The cicadas emerge from underground burrows to transform, reproduce, and ultimately die over the space of just a few days. The newly hatched cicadas then fall to the ground and burrow, starting the cycle all over again.

Check out some photos of the cicadas at Spring Green, and then head over to TNC's Cool Green Science blog to learn all about periodic cicadas in the U.S.: https://nature.ly/3RioPrq

(Image descriptions: Photo 1 shows a single cicada clinging to a green leaf, with the distinctive red eyes of a Brood XIII insect; Photo 2 shows two cicadas on a branch; Photo 3 shows the cast-off shell of a cicada, and a live insect just behind it on a leaf - All photos by Brooke Frederickson/TNC)

Beginning this month, a particular native plant starts blooming, bringing all the pollinators in! Wild bergamot (aka bee balm) is a native wildflower that begins its blooming season in June and will continue to flower into August. Its fireworks-shaped flower heads are pale lavender and are a favorite of just about every pollinator on the block. They can't resist finding the nectar in each of the tube-shaped flowers drooping from the bloom. In the fall, birds like American goldfinches flock to these plants to eat the seeds in the spent flower heads.

Wild bergamot, a member of the mint family, has a square stem and simple, opposite leaves. But what truly sets it apart is its distinct herbal scent, reminiscent of the bergamot orange, the fruit used in Earl Grey tea. This unique aroma is the inspiration behind its common name!

Wild bergamot has a rich history beyond its appeal to pollinators. Indigenous Peoples have long recognized its value, using its leaves, flowers, and stem for medicinal purposes, teas, and as a seasoning for food. Its natural thymol content, known for its antiseptic properties, has made it a staple in products like mouthwash.

If you’re looking for wild bergamot in the wild, look for open areas like meadows, prairies and open woodland areas in Ohio. Or, better yet, grow this beautiful summer bloom in your own space. Wild bergamot is easy to grow from seed and does well after transplanting. It readily spreads via rhizomes (modified underground stems), so one or two plants will form more the following year. It’s deer and rabbit-resistant, as they avoid the aromatic leaves. This plant also does well in pots if you don’t have yard space. And, once it’s in bloom, you’ll find that your space is the popular hangout for all kinds of pollinators!

(Photo of great spangled fritillary butterfly on wild bergamot bloom by Juancarlos Giese/TNC : Photo of field of flowering wild bergamot plants under a blue sky by Chris Helzer)

Forests are wonders of nature, which support a diverse array of living organisms. Within a forest, you’ll notice that not all species live in the same area! Some are found on the forest floor while others live high up in the canopy of trees! This , engage your students with interesting facts about forests in Nature Lab’s Kahoot game.

https://nature.ly/3Vt9eaU

(Photo by Mac Stone)

Whitefish are the most important commercial fishery in the Great Lakes. Many of us that call the lakes home also have a connection to these fish from recreational fishing to eating them for dinner. Indigenous tribes have also used whitefish as a staple in their diet for millennia.

Unfortunately, lake whitefish populations have been on the decline this century due to an influx of certain invasive species and warmer temperatures in the lower lakes. As their spawning areas are threatened, The Nature Conservancy, Michigan DNR, The Bay Mills Indian Community, the The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians have partnered together to return the fish to historical river spawning areas.

Learn how this partnership is working together to give great lakes whitefish a chance to return to their ancient spawning areas and increase their population, in this episode of Great Lakes Now: https://nature.ly/3yFOcwQ

(Photo of lake whitefish © Paul Vecsei)

In the vast tapestry of our world, every thread matters. From the delicate petals of a wildflower to the ancient roots of a towering oak, biodiversity weaves resilience into the fabric of our planet. But there’s another vital thread—one that often goes unnoticed or dismissed but is equally essential: the beautiful tapestry of human diversity. As we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride month this year and every year, The Nature Conservancy recognizes that fostering a more inclusive and equitable conservation movement is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic necessity.

Here in the Midwest, we're proud to feature and shout-out just a few of our LGBTQ+ staff members who we're grateful to call colleagues. By bringing their full selves to their work, they enrich and expand TNC's mission every day. Read on for their stories!

Midwest Pride in Conservation Meet some of our incredible LGBTQ+ colleagues making a difference for people and nature.

Wisconsin may not have any salty shorelines, but oceans impact ALL of us! Check out some of the ways TNC is working to protect our oceans and how you can help. 🏖🐋🐟

Did you know? Saturday is National Trails Day! It's a great time to get out and explore a trail in your backyard or somewhere you've been meaning to visit.

TNC manages several preserves across Wisconsin that have great walking/hiking trails. Find one near you and plan your trip: https://nature.ly/3KkdmDI

We especially recommend:

Explore the “Wisconsin desert” at Spring Green Prairie. Located just outside its namesake town, this dry bluff prairie is home to prickly pear cactus and other beautiful blooming prairie plants. Many grassland birds also hang out here, and the sandy trail from the parking lot to the top of the bluff is a great place to hike and take in all there is to see.

At Lulu Lake, enjoy several miles of relatively flat hiking trails through forest and oak openings and overlooking restored wetlands along the creek and lakeshore, or put in your kayak or canoe at nearby Eagle Springs Lake and make the paddling trip down the connecting stream to enjoy the crystalline waters and wild rice beds of Lulu Lake up close.

(Image descriptions: The first photo shows a sandy dune in the foreground, with tall grasses growing in clumps, and a grassy bluff rising in the background - by John A. Harrington. The second photo shows Crooked Creek at Lulu Lake from overhead, with mist hovering over the water and trees - by Kevin Sink)

Happy 2024! Organized by The Black AF in STEM Collective, this annual event "celebrates Black birders, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts, highlighting their contributions to the natural world and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the birding community."

This year's theme is "Wings of Justice: Soaring for Change," and is meant to "underscore our commitment to bird conservation, environmental justice, and community care. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Black birders and advocating for more inclusive outdoor spaces."

If you're in the Madison area this Saturday, June 1, you can join one of the in-person events at a pop-up birding day from 9-10 a.m. at Turville Conservation Park, hosted by Dexter Paterson of The BIPOC Birding Club and Black Birders Week organizer Nicole Jackson. All are welcome!

Get the full schedule of virtual and in-person events at https://nature.ly/3yLii1T

[Photos: 1) A dickcissel singing from a branch - by Mike McDowell; 2) The Black Birders Week logo; 3) The line-up of Black Birders Week dates and themes; 4) A ruby-throated hummingbird perched on a branch - by Emily Mills/TNC]

Cool science alert! Last week, our friends at the American Bird Conservancy went out to TNC's new Kirtland's warbler restoration site in Adams County to install three automated recording units. Why?

These are similar to trail cameras but, rather than capturing photos, the devices capture audio of the surrounding area. ABC and TNC want to find out which birds are using our site throughout the restoration process.

In order to figure out what birds are on site the sound recordings are uploaded into software which can generate a visual spectogram, which is then auto-identified as a specific species based on the bird call duration, frequency, and pattern. It's very similar to the Merlin app, which you might use on your phone!

Check out this Audubon article for more about how spectograms (i.e. visualizations of bird calls) are used: https://nature.ly/3wB5Wcl.

More about the Kirtland's warbler: https://nature.ly/4bpVYcI

Learn more about TNC's work in the Central Sands: https://nature.ly/4buTs4Z

(First image shows a Kirtland's warbler perched on a branch - by Dave Currie; Second photo shows one of the recording units on TNC land in the Central Sands region - photo by Pat Weber/ABC.)

May 20th was World Bee Day! 🐝

Did you know? Nearly 90% of the world’s flowering plants and 75% of our agricultural crops rely entirely or in part on animal pollination. And bees are
pollinating powerhouses! Unfortunately, bees and other pollinators face
many threats, including habitat loss, invasive species and overuse and
misuse of pesticides. But there are ways you can help.

Here are eight great ways to help pollinators and other insects thrive from
your own backyard: https://nature.ly/3UOEhg4

(Image descriptions: First photo shows three wild lupines with rows of purple flowers and a lone bee buzzing between them - by Gerald Emmerich Jr. Second photo is a close-up of a bumble bee perched on a green leaf - by Tim Kohman/TNC Photo Contest 2021)

We're over the moon excited to read this news from our friends at Medicine Fish and the Menominee buffalo camp. Congratulations on the new arrival! This is the first buffalo calf born on the Menominee Nation's reservation since the return of buffalo in late 2022, something we had the privilege to work with Medicine Fish and the InterTribal Buffalo Council to help see happen.

What an adorable bundle of joy! Here's to many more.

Spring and summer are the seasons for babies, and one of the cutest ones out there is cottontail rabbit kits.

Eastern cottontail rabbits start breeding season in March, but you might find nests or baby rabbits through September. And we’ve got you covered on what to do if you spot a rabbit nest, kit, or litter.

The first step in any wildlife intervention is to see if the baby rabbit is visibly injured or sick. Is it covered in ticks? Call a local, licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately if the answer to any of these questions is yes.

Let’s say the baby seems uninjured. Are its eyes open? Does it have fur? Are its ears upright on their own? Newborn baby rabbits are born without fur and with their eyes closed, and it takes about three weeks for their fur to grow fully, their eyes to open, and their ears to move to the normal upright position.

If you find a baby rabbit that matches this description, try to locate the nest and put the baby back in it. Mom will still care for the baby. If the nest is destroyed, make a new one, place the babies inside, and cover it. Mom will come back and may move her babies to a new place.

But, if you find a baby rabbit about the size of a lemon with open eyes and upright ears, it’s likely newly independent. Just leave them be. They're ready to be alone, and mom is no longer caring for them. They know how to find food, hide from predators, and survive.

Mom rabbits leave their nests in the morning and stay away until dusk to prevent predators from finding them. If you think a nest is abandoned, place grass in a tic-tac-toe pattern across the entrance overnight. Call a wildlife rehabilitator immediately if the grass is undisturbed the next morning and the kits are still inside. It's likely mom has either abandoned the nest or been killed.

What does a rabbit nest look like? They’re typically shallow holes, or areas scraped from the soil and lined with fur and grass. If you find a nest in your yard and want to keep it safe, place a clothes basket over the entrance or block it off some other way. Place the block around the nest in the morning and remove it at night; that way, mom can leave and return to the nest like usual.

(Image description: A gray-brown rabbit munches a piece of grass, its large ears perked upright and alert - Photo by James Capaldi)