MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages those with an interest in our natural environment to participate in the upcoming Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers from October 6-8.
The Summit’s theme is Nature and People: Nurturing Each Other. The three-day event will feature a choose your own adventure format at several venues in Waukesha, focusing on small group outdoor workshops, field explorations and presentations. The event is open to adults 18 and older. Master Naturalist certification is not required.
“While we see the positive impacts natural resources volunteers have on our natural world, we are still learning to appreciate the benefits that time spent in nature has for our physical and mental well-being,” said Becky Sapper, Director, Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program, UW–Madison Division of Extension.
The Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers is an opportunity for people who love being in nature and taking care of nature to:
- Learn during small group workshops, hikes, and field events.
- Serve with volunteer opportunities for the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Waukesha County Parks.
- Connect with volunteers, citizen scientists, natural resources professionals, educators, and land and water stewards.
The Summit’s Keynote Address will be provided by Emily Ford, a winter adventurer and thru-hiker. Emily traveled through the Waukesha area during her winter thru-hike of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail with her Alaskan Husky, Diggins. With an understanding and drive to show that anyone can adventure, and everyone deserves to discover the outdoors, regardless of race, gender identity, or upbringing, she continues to seek adventure and represent the underrepresented in outdoor spaces.
Participants will also be able to learn from DNR experts, including:
- Jennifer Redell – Bats
- Elizabeth Braatz – Bumble Bee Brigade
- Andrew Badjie – Wisconsin Amphibian and Reptile Citizen Science Projects
- Christine Anholt-Depies – Snapshot Wisconsin
- Lisie Kitchell – Mussel Monitoring
The DNR is always seeking volunteers to help care for state parks and public lands. Volunteers are an integral part of providing excellent customer service to visitors, expanding recreation and education opportunities. Whether you volunteer for a few hours or a couple of weeks, your service makes a world of difference.
To make volunteering easier than ever, use the DNR’s online Volunteer Impact System portal. The portal helps people search and sign up for volunteer opportunities across a variety of Wisconsin state parks, trails, recreation areas and forests. You can see, share and apply for a variety of volunteer positions across the state.
