News
In the links below, we’re excited to share articles, interviews, and press releases about our work.
If you are a member of the media, please reach out to Shelly Torkelson, Communications Director (contact information below).
Press Releases
Grants From Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund Will Help Support Habitat Projects In Calumet, Dane, Florence, Sauk And Vilas Counties
[October 29th, 2024] The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) encourage hunters purchasing their licenses to consider donating to the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund, which helps fund conservation projects around the state.
FREE FILM SCREENINGS ON 9/29 and 9/30
[September 25th, 2024] The Madison area community is invited to screenings of the new film An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands by Ben Albert.
NRF’S 11TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST
[September 17th, 2024] The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin has announced the opening of this year’s photo contest with new categories and prizes. To enter, submit your photos by November 1st.
WISCONSIN FAT BIRD WEEK IS HERE
[April 22nd, 2024] Bird lovers are now voting daily for their favorite “chonky” native birds. The winning bird will be announced at a webinar on April 30, where attendees will also learn the top four ways to help keep our state’s birds fat and healthy (presented by NRF and SOS Save Our Songbirds).
SPREADING THE LOVE OF BIRDING
[April 16th, 2024] The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin will distribute birding backpacks to neighborhood centers and schools in Madison and Milwaukee with support from NRF.
THE GREAT WISCONSIN BIRDATHON STARTS MONDAY 4/15
[April 10th, 2024] Birders across the state are gearing up for the Great Wisconsin Birdathon, the largest bird conservation fundraiser in the state, which runs from 4/15 through 6/15.
WISCONSIN FAT BIRD WEEK VOTING STARTS APRIL 19TH
[April 4th, 2024] Bird lovers can vote for their favorite bulbous bird every day from Friday, April 19, to Friday, April 26 in the first-ever Fat Bird Week online contest. The winning bird will be announced at a webinar on April 30, where attendees will also learn the top four ways to help keep our state’s birds fat and healthy (presented by NRF and SOS Save Our Songbirds).
FIELD TRIP REGISTRATION OPENS THIS WEEK
[April 1st, 2024] Registration opens at noon on April 4th for NRF’s popular Field Trips program. NRF encourages people to renew their NRF membership and be ready with their wish list of trips right away when registration opens.
275 FIELD TRIPS EXPLORING WISCONSIN’S HIDDEN GEMS
[March 12th, 2024] The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s popular Field Trips will be back this year with a record 275 trips across the state. Registration opens at noon on April 4th.
10TH ANNUAL NATURE PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
[February 20th, 2024] A stunning sunset, backyard blue jay in flight, and sandhill crane family moment garner top honors in the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s 10th Annual Photo Contest.
219 CONSERVATION PROJECTS TO WATCH IN WISCONSIN
[January 30th, 2024] The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin announces all the conservation and environmental education projects funded by $948,000 in grants this year.
GRANTS FROM CHERISH WISCONSIN OUTDOORS FUND WILL HELP SUPPORT HABITAT PROJECTS IN JEFFERSON, PORTAGE AND SAUK COUNTIES
[November 16th, 2023] The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and Wisconsin DNR are pleased to announce that recent funding from the Cherish Fund will support three high-priority habitat projects.
NRF’S 10TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST
[September 11th, 2023] The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of their annual Photo Contest by awarding bigger prizes for the best nature photos taken in Wisconsin.
BIRDERS HELPING BIRDS
[August 15th, 2023] Over $122,000 raised by birders during the 2023 Great Wisconsin Birdathon will fund the state’s 11 most important bird conservation projects.
ADDRESSING THE LACK OF DIVERSITY IN CONSERVATION
[July 26th, 2023] The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and other conservation organizations are bringing new faces to the conservation field.
WISCONSIN STATE PARKS ARE BUZZING
[June 19th, 2023] The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and Wisconsin DNR team up to increase pollinator habitat in State Parks, announcing seven new park properties getting a pollinator upgrade.
THE GREAT WISCONSIN BIRDATHON LAUNCHES
[April 15th, 2023] Birders are gathering their flocks for the largest bird conservation fundraiser in the state, running from April 15th through June 15th.
AN ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE
[March 20th, 2023] The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin announces 263 Field Trips exploring Wisconsin’s special outdoor places – our 30th Field Trip season – with more beginner-friendly trips and accessibility options.
PUTTING $1 MILLION TO WORK FOR CONSERVATION IN WISCONSIN
[January 18th, 2023] In 2022, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin granted $1,030,650 to support 241 conservation and environmental education projects across the state.
GRANTS FROM CHERISH WISCONSIN OUTDOORS FUND WILL HELP IMPROVE PUBLIC LANDS
[January 6th, 2023] This year, funds will support habitat restoration projects at the Cranberry Creek Mound Group State Natural Area and Pierce County Islands Wildlife Area. The Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund is built through donations made when purchasing a hunting or fishing license. (Joint Press Release with WDNR)
Headlines
November 18, 2024: Land restoration at the Oneida Nation (WORT)
October 30, 2024: Wisconsin conservation efforts boosted with $80,000 in grants (Hoodline Milwaukee)
October 29, 2024: Parks in Dane, Sauk County selected as recipients of Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund (WMTV15)
October 28, 2024: Restoring Lulu Lake State Natural Area (A Wealth of Nature)
October 7, 2024: Students pursue environmental experiences with diversity summer internships (UWM)
September 25, 2024: Conservation film invites all to free screening (WKOW)
September 1, 2024: NRF Field Trip: Banding efforts (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
July 1, 2024: Bringing New Faces to the Field (Madison Locally Sourced)
June 6, 2024: Conservation Innovation: Rush Creek project takes on climate change (WNR Magazine)
May 23, 2024: The Great Wisconsin Birdathon raises funds for bird conservation (WSAW)
May 14, 2024: Wild Rice is starting to grow on Spur Lake (WXPR)
May 6, 2024: 2024 Birdathon with the Flockadelics (Cambridge Deerfield News Independent)
May 6, 2024: Meet Wisconsin’s fat birds! (Newsomatic)
May 2, 2024: Statewide birdwatching marathon raises funds for conservation (Amery Free Press)
May 1, 2024: Wisconsin ‘Fat Bird Week’ crowns a chonky winner (Fox 47)
May 1, 2024: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin announces winner of Fat Bird Week (WSAW)
May 1, 2024: Horned Lark named Wisconsin’s “chonkiest, floofiest bird” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
April 29, 2024: See What You Can Find: NRF Foraging Trips (Madison Locally Sourced)
April 25, 2024: Forget Fat Bear Week, it’s Fat Bird Week in Wisconsin (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
April 23, 2024: Fat Bird Week (WXOW)
April 23, 2024: BIPOC Birding Club donates birding backpacks to community centers (WUWM)
April 22, 2024: Chunky chicks, conservation shine in first-ever Wisconsin Fat Bird Week (Channel 3000)
April 19, 2024: Great Wisconsin Birdathon (Outdoors Radio)
April 19, 2024: The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is On (WXPR)
April 18, 2024: Come on along with the Great Wisconsin Birdathon (WORT)
April 18, 2024: Celebrating the Great Wisconsin Birdathon (Madison Minute)
April 10, 2024: Cherish WI Outdoors Fund supports habitat management and restoration (Spectrum 1 News)
April 5, 2024: The first Wisconsin Fat Bird Week (WXOW)
April 4, 2024: First ever “Fat Bird Week” takes flight April 19th (Channel 3000)
April 4, 2024: Wisconsin Fat Bird Week voting to begin April 19th (WSAW)
April 3, 2024: Use guidebook to start planning your Wisconsin field trips (WiscNews)
April 1, 2024: Explore Wisconsin’s natural wonders on NRF Field Trips (WI DNR)
March 28, 2024: Field Trips double as conservation fundraisers (Door County Pulse)
March 15, 2024: Birding for a Cause (Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine)
March 14, 2024: NRF field trips provide unique opportunities (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
March 8, 2024: NRF Internships increase diversity in conservation field (Badger Herald)
March 1, 2024: Registration for Field Trips starts April 4th (Outdoors Radio at 30:20)
February 23, 2024: Donate to Cherish WI Outdoors Fund when you renew your fishing license (Outdoors Radio at 16:00)
February 21, 2024: Natural Resources Foundation’s 2024 Field Trips (WPR Larry Meiller show)
February 19, 2024: Young Prairie: Restoration and Recreation (A Wealth of Nature)
February 13, 2024: Join the Wayfarers in exploring the outdoors in Madison and beyond (608 Today)
February 5, 2024: Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund supports habitat restoration in the state (WORT)
December 18, 2023: A bird’s-eye view of conservation – profile of Soumika Gaddameedi (UW Nelson Institute)
December 15, 2023: Diversity in Conservation Internship (WI Natural Resources Magazine)
October 10, 2023: $2,500 grant brings flowers to Grandad Bluff (La Crosse Tribune)
September 12, 2023: Diversity needed to further conservation field (Badger Herald)
September 11, 2023: Natural Resources Foundation hosts annual nature photo contest (WKOW)
August 26, 2023: Environmental groups recruit people of color (AP News)
August 24, 2023: Donate to Cherish WI Outdoors Fund when you renew your hunting license (Outdoors Radio at 27:50)
August 23, 2023: Caitlin Williamson makes sure the Wisconsin conservation show goes on (UW Nelson Institute)
August 22, 2023: Diversity in Conservation Internship aims to welcome new voices to the field (WI State Journal)
July 25, 2023: Wisconsin program fosters diversity in the next generation of conservationists (WUWM)
July 18, 2023: Wisconsin’s pollinators are in danger, and you can help save them (Up North News)
July 10, 2023: Field Trips with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (Madison Locally Sourced)
June 23, 2023: Wisconsin’s pollinators get a boost with Natural Resources grant (Fox 11)
June 23, 2023: Property owners can help with pollinator habitats (WJJQ Northwoods)
June 20, 2023: Pollinators are declining, but some Wisconsinites see ways to reverse that trend (WPR)
June 19, 2023: NRF and Wisconsin DNR Team Up to Increase Pollinator Habitat in State Parks (WDNR)
May 25, 2023: 2023 Field Trips (Outdoors Radio at 18:20)
May 22, 2023: DeForest students stay put to do their part in Birdathon (Madison.com)
May 18, 2023: Birding by Train Field Trip (KSTP)
April 27, 2023: Saving Wisconsin’s birds (WORT)
April 24, 2023: What to do in Madison this week: Great Wisconsin Birdathon (Isthmus)
April 10, 2023: Explore Wisconsin with natural resource field trips (WKOW)
April 5, 2023: Great Wisconsin Birdathon launching soon (Outdoors Radio with Dan Small)
April 4, 2023: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers field trips throughout state (Baraboo News Republic)
March 25, 2023: Wisconsin conservation groups issue an SOS for Wisconsin songbirds (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
March 20, 2023: Parks, other projects protect Wisconsin’s pollinators (Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine)
March 9, 2023: Best of Wisconsin’s natural world: NRF field trips are back for 30th year (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
March 2, 2023: Find your flock for the Great Wisconsin Birdathon (Bird City News)
February 16, 2023: Saving migration for Wisconsin’s long-distance migratory birds (WORT)
January 15, 2023: Filling in knowledge on Wisconsin’s elusive salamander, the mudpuppy (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
January 8, 2023: Juneau County receives DNR funding to improve public lands (NBC 15)
January 3, 2023: Grants support Connecticut warbler breeding habitat in Wisconsin (WORT)
December 15, 2022: Research on the needs of migratory birds: the Neotropical Flyways Project (WORT)
November 17, 2022: A first-of-its-kind project is helping land adapt to climate change (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
October 24, 2022: Birding is a traditionally white-dominated space. One WI group is trying to change that (WPR)
October 12, 2022: DNR and Partners Take Action on Disappearing Songbird (WDNR)
September 29, 2022: Building a Diverse Workforce for the future of conservation (WDNR)
September 13, 2022: WI’s first grassland climate adaptation site is a ‘best case scenario’ for mitigating climate change (WPR)
June 6, 2022: Birders Gather to Raise Funds for Birds and their Habitat (WORT)
May 14, 2022: Wisconsin coalition urges Congress to pass bill that would save habitat and keep species from becoming endangered (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
May 13, 2022: Wisconsin’s natural world is at risk. A bill pending in Congress would help protect it (Green Bay Gazette)
May 2, 2022: Field Trips from the Natural Resources Foundation Show Off Wisconsin from All Angles (Up North News)
April 24, 2022: Go Birding for a Cause with ’22 Great Wisconsin Birdathon (Badger Birder)
March 2022: Field Trips Foster Love of the Outdoors (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Magazine)
March 17, 2022: These field trips explore Wisconsin’s special natural places — including some closed to the public (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
October 11, 2021: Lake Wingra is classroom for Edgewood Campus School students (Wisconsin State Journal)
September 28, 2021: Great Wisconsin Birdathon funds to help birds throughout the Americas (Birdwatching Daily)
June 23, 2021: DNR and Partners Team up to Improve 2,000 Acres of Pollinator Habitat in Southwestern Wisconsin (Lake Superior News)
April 30, 2021: Enjoy “Migration Miracle” And Help Birds in Wisconsin (Antigo Times)
April 11, 2021: North Iowa Nitty Gritty: Goats on the Go isn’t kidding around when it comes to landscaping (Globe Gazette)
March 1, 2021: Outdoor classrooms shouldn’t end with the pandemic (Bloomberg Report)
February 25, 2021: David Clutter talks about the programs of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund (Dan Small Outdoors Radio 28:50)
September 18,2020: Wild Things: The Hunt is on for an Escape from COVID-19 Madness (Door County Pulse)
September 12,2020: Mark LaBarbera: A Big Win for Outdoor Recreation in Wisconsin (Wisconsin State Journal)
September 9, 2020: Focus on Nature:Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (Price County Review)
July 9,2020: Band Owls, Climb Trees and More on the Popular NRF Field Trips Which are Still on for 2020 (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
May 25, 2020: Birdwatching Blossoms In time of Coronavirus (New York Daily News)
May 9, 2020: Don’t Share the Binoculars: Even Birdwatching has Changed in the Era of COVID-19 (Wisconsin State Journal)
May 4, 2020: Birding is a Socially Distancing Friendly Sport you can do During the Great Wisconsin Birdathon (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
April 27, 2020: Birders Across the State Step up in Response to Bird Loss (The Country Today)
April 22, 2020: Megan Severson and Abe Lenoch: Wisconsin Birding for Beginners (The Cap Times – Madison)
April 20, 2020: Birders Across the State Step up in Response to Wisconsin’s Bird Loss (Lake Milles Leader)
April 22, 2019: Tours offer glimpse of Driftless history (The Country Today)
March 27, 2019: Natural Resources Foundation (Larry Meiller Show)
March 20, 2019: Maple trees signal spring arrival (Portage Daily Register)
March 14, 2019: See secret natural spots and rare species on a field trip with the Natural Resources Foundation (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
December 10, 2018: Winter is prime time to seed milkweed for monarchs (WXPR Radio)
November 13, 2018: Hunters can help improve habitat with donation (WXPR Radio)
October 31, 2018: License buyers can add to Wisconsin’s outdoor legacy (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
October 19, 2018: Connecting, exploring, and engaging at Crestwood Elementary (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction)
October 11, 2018: To tag a butterfly (Isthmus)
September 17, 2018: Two Rivers’ Woodland Dunes braces forested swales as emerald ash borer nears (Herald Times Reporter)
September 1, 2018: Conference in Pewaukee to address decline in swifts, nighthawks and other winged bug-eaters (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
May 30, 2018: Nature and Wildife Writers Roundtable (WPR, min. 0:18:00)
April 6, 2018: Great Wisconsin Birdathon takes flight during Year of the Bird (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
April 5, 2018: The call of the wild: The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program trains volunteers to study and celebrate our state resources (Isthmus)
March 29, 2018: 8 scenic and historical train rides in Wisconsin (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
February 17, 2018: Record number of snowy owls sighted in Wisconsin this winter (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
January 8, 2018: Badger and Arlington take the stage (Project SNOWstorm)
Our Impact
Current Projects
Through our grantmaking programs, we support hundreds of organizations across Wisconsin, funding projects from statewide wildlife monitoring programs to creating butterfly gardens at local schools.
A Visual Timeline
Shelly Torkelson
Director of Communications
(608) 409-3113
Shelly.Torkelson@WisConservation.org
Shelly Torkelson (she/her) oversees the Foundation's strategic communications, public relations, and marketing. She tells our stories of positive impact on the land, broadens awareness of our programs, and creates connections with key audiences.
Banner photo by Lindsey Taylor