[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Cait Williamson, NRF’s director of conservation, is celebrating 10 years working at the Foundation this year. Read her piece below reflecting on her time here at NRF and how the conservation department has transformed under her guidance.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cait-holding-ornate-box-turtles-courtesy-of-Cait-Williamson.jpg” alt=”person holding four ornate box turtles” title_text=”Cait Holding Ornate Box Turtles Courtesy Of Cait Williamson” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cait holding ornate box turtles. Photo courtesy of Cait Williamson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px||24px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I laughed out loud when I recently came across one of my reflections from graduate school, which had prompted me to think about my future plans. My response read, \u201cI anticipate continuing to work at the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin for a couple of years, then moving on to another job in wildlife conservation.\u201d That was 10 years ago. As they say, time flies when you\u2019re having fun!<\/p>\n I reached my 10-year career milestone this year. I am incredibly grateful to have spent the last decade of my life working at NRF, where I\u2019ve been able to build my dream job. As director of conservation, I get to put my knowledge, experience, and skill sets to good use. I work with an incredible group of passionate and talented colleagues and partners, and make a positive impact on our natural world. I lead NRF\u2019s funding programs and initiatives that support our mission to protect Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife and engage diverse communities in conservation. My job is different every day. Some days, I am lucky enough to be out in the field visiting one of my project sites or attending a NRF Field Trip. Other days, I\u2019m facilitating meetings with our conservation partners, designing projects, or doing outreach about our conservation efforts.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cait-with-massasauga-rattlesnake-courtesy-of-Cait-Williamson.jpg” alt=”Cait holding a tube with a massasauga rattlesnake inside of it, image for Cait’s 10-year anniversary blog” title_text=”Cait With Massasauga Rattlesnake Courtesy Of Cait Williamson” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cait holding a young massasauga rattlesnake. Photo courtesy of Cait Williamson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Since I joined, NRF has grown significantly as an organization, continuing to gain respect as a conservation funder and partner. Here are some of the milestones I\u2019m most proud of over the past 10 years:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When I started at NRF as grants administrator back in 2014, NRF distributed $375,000 per year to 100 projects. Today, we grant closer to $1 million<\/a> a year to 200+ projects, more than doubling our impact. For the past decade, our grantmaking has been driving meaningful change for conservation in Wisconsin. Here\u2019s how we\u2019re making an impact:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In the recent Living Planet report, research shows that the average size of wildlife populations has fallen by 73%<\/a>. In Wisconsin, we\u2019ve seen that impact firsthand, such as the rapid decline of monarch butterflies and other pollinators, major losses to bat populations from white-nose syndrome, and staggering losses of migratory birds. North America has lost one in four birds<\/a> since 1970. NRF is focused on all of Wisconsin\u2019s most imperiled wildlife species, and I\u2019m proud of the efforts we\u2019ve made to help recover them. For example, we\u2019ve helped establish both the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative<\/a> and the SOS Save Our Songbirds<\/a> initiative. Additionally, we’ve created the first-of-its-kind Wisconsin Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Fund<\/a>. NRF is making a big difference for wildlife.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Perching-Habits_Birdathon-by-Cait-Williamson.jpg” alt=”Cait Williamson and friends taking a group selfie while birdwatching” title_text=”Perching Habits Birdathon By Cait Williamson” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/a> proceeds support highest priority bird conservation needs, like SOS Save Our Songbirds. Cait (center) and friends participating in the 2024 Birdathon. Photo courtesy Cait Williamson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n In 2017, NRF began our diversity, equity, and inclusion journey<\/a>, acknowledging that the conservation field has not been diverse, equitable, or inclusive, and committing to help change that. Since then, we\u2019ve created a Diversity in Conservation Internship Program<\/a> which now has 30 alumni, supporting the next generation of conservationists. Additionally, we\u2019ve established a\u00a0Community of Practice<\/a> for our conservation partners. Also, we are focused on engaging diverse communities in conservation through our current strategic plan<\/a>. I believe that we need an intersectional approach to conservation, one that encompasses both people and the planet. There\u2019s still much more work to be done, but I\u2019m proud of how far we\u2019ve come as an organization. We’ve made it a priority to be authentic and intentional in our approach, ensuring equitable access to nature for everyone.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A lot of factors are shaping the future of conservation\u2014from climate change and society\u2019s growing disconnection from nature to the rapid pace of global development. To tackle these challenges, we need conservation strategies that are more collaborative, large-scale, innovative, and evidenced-based than ever before.<\/p>\n Over the past 10 years, NRF has been intentional about working closely with our partners to stay up to date on the best available science. We\u2019ve also incorporated tools such as the Conservation Standards<\/a>, an international framework for conservation planning, which we used in our Driftless Conservation Plan<\/a>. Additionally, the Northern Institute for Applied Climate Science\u2019s Adaptation Workbook<\/a> helps us consider the potential effects of climate change and design land management and conservation actions to prepare for changing conditions. This resource has been a key part of our recent projects including the Rush Creek Climate Adaptation Project<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cait-with-partners-at-Rush-Creek-courtesy-of-Cait-Williamson.jpg” alt=”three people standing on a hillside at Rush Creek State Natural Area, image for Cait’s 10-year anniversary blog” title_text=”Cait With Partners At Rush Creek Courtesy Of Cait Williamson” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n DNR ecologists Amy Staffen (left) and Justin Nooker (center) with NRF’s director of conservation, Cait Williamson, at Rush Creek State Natural Area. Photo courtesy of Cait Williamson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n At the end of the day, no matter how many tools you use, \u201cconservation moves at the speed of trust.\u201d Our focus on collaboration and building meaningful relationships with our partners is key. It is also important to have a holistic approach to conservation. We\u2019re partnering with the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission on wild rice recovery efforts at Spur Lake<\/a>. We’ve also established collaborative groups like the Environmental Education Collaborative, Wisconsin Landscape Conservation Collaborative, and more. We want to bring people together and help to make a difference for Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cait-and-Lindsey-at-the-2023-WAEE-Annual-Conference-courtesy-of-Cait-Williamson.jpg” alt=”two people sitting at a table filled with promotional materials for an environmental organization, image for Cait’s 10-year anniversary blog” title_text=”Cait And Lindsey At The 2023 WAEE Annual Conference Courtesy Of Cait Williamson” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Lindsey Taylor and Cait Williamson at NRF’s table at the 2023 Midwest Environmental Education Conference. Photo courtesy of Cait Williamson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I would like to say a big thank you to all of the people I\u2019ve worked with over the past 10 years. To my colleagues, partners, board members, and donors – you are what has made this such a special job. I\u2019m looking forward to what the future holds and how we can have an impact on Wisconsin\u2019s natural world together.<\/p>\n Together in conservation,<\/p>\n -Cait<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/donatenow.networkforgood.org\/wisconservation” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Celebrate Cait’s 10-year anniversary by donating $10 to the Foundation” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nDoubling our conservation impact<\/h3>\n
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Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation<\/h3>\n
Addressing conservation\u2019s large-scale problems with evidence-based approaches<\/h3>\n