At the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, we hope to inspire people to protect our state’s lands, waters, and wildlife. One way we do this is through our Field Trip program, which allows people to explore the natural wonders of our state with other like-minded people. In this guest blog, hear from Madeline Cleveland, a youth environmental activist, about how she found community in conservation on an NRF Field Trip.
Learning about the natural world
What makes you feel empowered?
Think of a time when you were inspired to make a change. What stands out to you? Is it a shared interest or goal? A sense of community? Is it compassion? Or being heard?
I was raised on Golden field guides and David Attenborough documentaries. My mother is an outdoor educator and my father is a geologist. Growing up, I loved learning about the natural world. It has always been a passion of mine. Now, if you ask me how I spend my time, I’ll tell you I’m an aspiring environmental activist. But I haven’t always seen myself this way. I admit that until recently, I couldn’t envision a time where what I do could make a difference.
This changed when I found a group of people who showed me there was hope.
A close up of grass of Parnassus flower. Photo by Madeline Cleveland.
My first Field Trip with the Foundation
In the summer of 2023, I stepped out of the car in Blue River, Wisconsin on my first Natural Resources Foundation Field Trip. I was excited to explore sand barrens and backwater habitats on the Wisconsin River.
Little did I know this experience would influence the course of my life.
I was fortunate enough to have outstanding trip leaders who educated the group of roughly twelve participants on local ecology and history. The leaders explained how they had worked to designate this place as one of the world’s most notable wetlands. We visited microhabitats, observed rare plant species, and canoed through the tree-shaded river searching for prothonotary warblers and starhead topminnows.
Madeline standing in a grassy field. Photo courtesy of Madeline Cleveland.
Changing my perspective on environmentalism
As I got to know long-time participants, scientists, and leaders, as well as newcomers like me, I was struck by their willingness to welcome me into the space. Together, we discussed our ideas, aspirations, and actions. Their views of conservation changed how I thought about environmentalism as a whole — from a faraway ideal to something tangible and achievable through cooperation and communication. Most importantly, I realized environmentalism should be accessible to anyone. Looking back, I can see that we need more of the type of atmosphere that I encountered at NRF in the environmental movement.
Field Trip participants and leader exploring the Lincoln Creek Greenway in Milwaukee. Photo by Jaeden Carrasquillo.
The power of nature and community in conservation
Nature has always been a source of strength for me through hard times, and to be completely honest, that year was one of my hardest. I believe getting outdoors has helped me begin to find joy in life again. I have come quite a ways since 2023. With the help of the wonderful people I’ve met on this journey I am now able to share my perspective and begin to help create change too. I continue to attend Field Trips with the Foundation and I will be back again this year. Maybe I’ll see you out on the trail?
Guest Blogger
Madeline Cleveland (any pronouns)
Youth environmental activist and avocational ichthyologist
Madeline Cleveland is a 9th grade student and environmental activist. She is interested in many natural sciences, but thinks fishes and aquatic ecosystems are especially cool. She aspires to a career in politics or as a research professor.
Join us on an NRF Field Trip
The 2025 Field Trip season is just around the corner, with 278 Field Trips offered this year! These trips highlight the best of Wisconsin’s natural world. We offer unique opportunities for all ages to explore Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife by foot, bike, and boat.
Trips are led by top-notch naturalists who share their love and knowledge of Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife. Enjoy up-close experiences with Wisconsin’s natural world and learn about the critical conservation work being done to protect it.
You must be a current NRF member to register for Field Trips. Registration opens at noon on April 8th. Join or renew your membership here.
‘Join us on an NRF Field Trip’ section written by Emma Schatz, Digital Communications Coordinator