Education
Supporting environmental education in Wisconsin since 1986
Connecting people to nature through education
Many people feel a strong connection to the outdoors because someone—a teacher, family member, or friend—brought them outside and introduced them to the beauty of the natural world. Having that personal connection to nature is important for the health and well-being of people, communities, and our natural resources.
At the Natural Resources Foundation, we are committed to connecting people to nature, by investing in education programs that have a significant impact and provide meaningful experiences for children and adults to connect to Wisconsin’s great outdoors.
Dollars to education
Children learning outdoors
Education grants funded
Donate
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is a U.S. non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN: 39-1572034). Donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.
Our education strategy
Grantmaking

Exploration

Engagement

Diversity in Conservation Internship Program
NRF’s DICI Program provides meaningful experiences for undergraduates interested in careers in natural resource conservation. The program encourages applicants from underrepresented groups or disadvantaged backgrounds, and previous conservation or environmental science background or education is not required to apply.

The 2023 Diversity in Conservation Internship cohort. Photo by Tim Van Deelen
Impact in Action
Community in Conservation on NRF Field Trips
Hear from Madeline Cleveland, a youth environmental activist, about how they found community in conservation on an NRF Field Trip.
Read MoreNRF’s 2024 Conservation Highlights
In 2024, NRF invested over $1 million in grants for conservation and environmental education projects across the state.
Read MoreThere and Back (to class) Again: Exploring the Sheboygan County Marsh
Seventh-grade students from Elkhart Lake–Glenbeulah Middle School visited the Sheboygan County Marsh for a wetland mini-adventure.
Read MoreStay Connected
Join thousands of people who receive e-newsletter updates about conservation of Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife.
Banner photo by Tianna Borchardt
Button photos courtesy of Green & Healthy Schools and Michelle Milford