[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.1″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”0px||9px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”0px||24px|||”]<\/p>\n
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s staff and Board of Directors are proud to announce our new 2024-2027 strategic plan! We’re continuing and deepening our focus on landscape-scale conservation, connecting more people with nature across the state of Wisconsin, and making some efficiency improvements behind the scenes as well. <\/em><\/p>\n Read more about our plans below. Thank you for being a part of this important work.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Acorn-by-Shelly-Torkelson-blog-dimensions-1.jpg” alt=”Acorn on the ground” title_text=”Acorn By Shelly Torkelson Blog Dimensions” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n An acorn, like this one on the forest floor, can one day become a big oak. The plan is like that acorn, an important step on the way towards NRF’s strong, impactful future. Photo by Shelly Torkelson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin has played a critical role in the conservation of our state\u2019s natural wonders for nearly four decades. Building on our past impact, we have crafted a new vision and direction for our next four years of work. We are expanding our work on landscape-scale conservation and our commitment to equitable access to nature, while ensuring that we have the team and resources needed to achieve our ambitious goals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n We’ve been doing that work since 1986. And today, we lead conservation across the state with a bold new vision.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Our new plan has three goals that will guide our work:<\/p>\n Protect Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife<\/strong> by<\/p>\n Engage diverse communities in conservation<\/strong> by<\/p>\n Strengthen our capacity to achieve our mission<\/strong> by<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”David Clutter” job_title=”Executive Director” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Throughout history, communities have triumphed over threats. With your support and partnership, I\u2019m confident we can confront the range of challenges we face and create a world that our children will thrive in.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Oak-leaf-by-Shlly-Torkelson-blog-photo-dimensions.jpg” alt=”oak leaf on branch” title_text=”Oak Leaf By Shlly Torkelson Blog Photo Dimensions” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Oak trees, like this one at Lulu Lake State Natural Area, and oak savanna landscapes are important to biodiversity in southern Wisconsin. Photo by Shelly Torkelson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n The two main ways we will be carrying out this part of the plan are by facilitating landscape-scale conservation in Wisconsin<\/strong> and supporting a strong network of conservation partners<\/strong>.<\/p>\n To meet Wisconsin\u2019s growing conservation needs, NRF is committing to conservation work at a larger scale.<\/strong> Plants and animals don’t see human map-based lines separating farms, cities, and protected areas. They only see habitat. Our wilderness, forests, prairies, wetlands, and other habitats need connectivity in order for our natural world to thrive. By collaborating and building numerous partnerships, we can accomplish landscape scale projects that cross all boundaries. We are working with a new landscape collaborative that spans multiple conservation organizations. Also, we are piloting landscape-scale projects that build on the work we’ve been doing over the last few years in Wisconsin’s highest-priority regions for biodiversity.<\/p>\n Our conservation partners are everything. We can’t protect nature in Wisconsin without them. Over the next four years, we are updating our grantmaking and becoming even more of a learning resource for our conservation partners across the state.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Prescribed-burn-at-Ducham-Creek-in-the-lower-chippewa-river-basin-Blake-Olson-WDNR-blog-dimensions.jpg” alt=”Workers burning a prairie area to encourage future growth” title_text=”Prescribed Burn At Ducham Creek In The Lower Chippewa River Basin Blake Olson, WDNR Blog Dimensions” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Prescribed burn at Ducham Creek in the Lower Chippewa River Basin. Photo by Blake Olson, WDNR<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n The more people who can get out and enjoy nature, the more people there are who will value it. The more people who value it, the more who’ll be inspired to protect it.<\/p>\n Over the next few years, we hope to engage more diverse communities in conservation by increasing access to NRF\u2019s outdoor experiences<\/strong> (our popular Field Trips<\/a>, Wayfarers<\/a> young professionals group, and the Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/a> event), connecting diverse communities to nature<\/strong>, and growing professional pathways into the conservation field<\/strong>.<\/p>\n We want as many people to get outdoors and enjoy nature with us as possible. Some actions we will be exploring include increasing access to transportation, carpooling, and binoculars. We would also like to provide better accessibility information (such as trail surface info in the Field Trip Guidebook<\/a>), and expand outreach into the Milwaukee area.<\/p>\n To reflect how important this is to us and ensure we have the staffing we need to focus on this work, we plan to create a community outreach department at NRF. We also plan to establish official organizational best practices for outreach to diverse partners.<\/p>\n Our Diversity in Conservation Internship<\/a> has grown to become an important way for us to help diversify the conservation field. We know that conservation efforts have a greater impact when they value diverse voices, perspectives, and approaches. We plan to strengthen the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program to support “conservation-curious” college students from underserved communities in new ways.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Christopher-Kilgour-left-leads-an-NRF-Field-Trip-in-2023-by-Emma-Schatz-blog.jpg” alt=”Two adults, a teen, and a child walk a prairie path” title_text=”Christopher Kilgour (left) Leads An NRF Field Trip In 2023 By Emma Schatz Blog” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Christopher Kilgour (left), founder of “Color in the Outdoors” leading an NRF Field Trip in 2023 called “Diversity in the Field: Intro to Hunting & Fishing for Beginners.” Photo by Emma Schatz<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n We’ve got big plans, and we’ll need strong systems and a strong team in order to make them happen. We plan to make sure we can achieve our mission by strengthening and diversifying our teams<\/strong>, improving our internal systems<\/strong>, and expanding financial support<\/strong> for NRF.<\/p>\n We plan to create a \u201cPeople and Culture\u201d department to enhance our positive, inclusive office culture. Additionally, we would like to recruit more members of our Board of Directors from a wider variety of backgrounds, and incorporate new trainings for our staff and board.<\/p>\n We’ve got some spring cleaning to do! Our 38-year-old organization needs to tidy up our procedures, software systems, and sustainability practices in order to make our work more efficient.<\/p>\n Why support NRF? What is landscape-scale conservation? Why is it important to get kids out in nature? We plan to make sure donors have the information they need as they decide what aspect of conservation inspires them the most. And, to support the bigger impact we’ll have on conservation in Wisconsin as this strategic plan moves forward, we will need more funding. Our base of members, donors, and potential supporters (even social media followers!) will need to grow over the next four years.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tree-swallow-feeding-chick-by-Bruce-Bartel-Blog-dimensions.jpg” alt=”Tree swallow in flight feeds chick perched on a branch” title_text=”Tree Swallow Feeding Chick By Bruce Bartel Blog Dimensions” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n A tree swallow feeds its chick. Photo by Bruce Bartel<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n We\u2019re all dedicated to leaving Wisconsin better than we found it. We’re proud of the work we do here at the Foundation, and so grateful for the help of our partners, members, and donors as we move into this new chapter. Please contact David Clutter, Executive Director, if you have questions about the Strategic Plan.<\/p>\n Join or renew your NRF membership today.<\/a> Together, we protect Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Prepared by Shelly Torkelson, Communications Director<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=”David Clutter” position=”Executive Director” image_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Staff-headshot-website-template-9.png” admin_label=”Contact – template” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_module=”12007″ saved_tabs=”all”]<\/p>\n (608) 409-3120About the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan<\/h3>\n
Our Mission<\/h2>\n
To protect Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife by providing funding, leading partnerships, and connecting all people with nature.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Our Vision<\/h2>\n
A future where Wisconsin\u2019s flourishing ecosystems are protected, sustained, and cherished by diverse communities.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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\n
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Protecting Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife<\/h3>\n
Landscape-scale conservation<\/h4>\n
Supporting a strong network of conservation partners<\/h4>\n
Engaging diverse communities in conservation<\/h3>\n
Increasing access to NRF’s outdoor experiences<\/h4>\n
Connecting diverse communities to nature<\/h4>\n
Growing professional pathways into the conservation field<\/h4>\n
Strengthening our capacity to achieve our mission<\/h3>\n
Strengthen and diversify our teams<\/h4>\n
Improve our Internal Systems<\/h4>\n
Expand financial support<\/h4>\n
Moving forward<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Questions?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nDavid.Clutter@WisConservation.org<\/a><\/p>\n