{"id":35189,"date":"2025-06-09T14:33:48","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T19:33:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?p=35189"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T20:11:31","slug":"the-driftless-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/the-driftless-region\/","title":{"rendered":"The Driftless Region: A Tapestry of Prairie, Savanna, &#038; Collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; min_height=&#8221;1027px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-1px|auto||auto||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;7px||4px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3><strong>Welcome to the Driftless Region<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>A beautiful blend of prairies, oak savanna, and grasslands makes up the Driftless region of Wisconsin. Among the rolling hills and steep forested ridges, you may find pine, hickory, or black cherry trees. Residents of Wisconsin don\u2019t have to travel too far to fish brook trout or hike through the limestone landscape.<\/p>\n<p>The story of how the \u2018Driftless\u2019 got its name began thousands of years ago. The area remained unglaciated during the last ice age, so the area has no \u201cglacial drift\u201d: sand, gravel and other materials deposited on the landscape by glaciers. Spanning across parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, the Driftless Area is a biodiversity hotspot for many native species.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Sugar-Bowl-lower-dells-by-Satiya-Buell.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Person canoeing in clear water around large rock formations and pine trees&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Sugar Bowl Lower Dells By Satiya Buell&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||21px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A person canoing in the Sugar Bowl in the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin Dells. Photo by Satiya Buell<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3><strong>Conservation challenges in the Driftless<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Over the years, this untouched landscape has faced many pressures and has become highly fragmented. While significant beauty still exists, the changing of this landscape has impacted migratory bird species, native pollinators, and human communities.<\/p>\n<p>The sensitive slopes of this hilly landscape are cared for by both conservationists and community members. Together, they make remarkable efforts to restore and conserve this Wisconsin gem.<\/p>\n<p>In 2021, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, along with six other partners, created the Wisconsin Driftless Conservation Plan to begin <strong>landscape-scale conservation<\/strong> efforts. The Conservation Plan serves as a guide for conservationists throughout the Driftless region to restore, preserve, and adaptively manage the most threatened habitats of the area.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The organizations aim to achieve a common vision:<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>The barrens, savanna, and prairie communities and surrogate grasslands of Wisconsin\u2019s Driftless Area are sustainably managed and strategically protected, providing a resilient, high quality, and connected ecosystem in the frame of a changing climate.<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Rainbow-over-Driftless-area-by-Jay-Carlson.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;a rainbow over an open field bordered by trees in the Driftless Region&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Rainbow Over Driftless Area By Jay Carlson&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||13px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A rainbow over the Driftless Area. Photo by Jay Carlson<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3><strong>What is landscape-scale conservation?<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Traditional conservation practices focus on smaller parcels of land, but landscape-scale conservation focuses on much larger areas. Protecting larger sections of land and connecting habitats allows wildlife to safely move and migrate freely. This well-rounded approach considers different ecosystems, benefits to people, habitat quality, and the corridors needed for migrating species.<\/p>\n<p>Experts say landscape-scale conservation can reduce the effects of climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity loss. Still, landscape conservation teams face significant challenges. Limited funding and the need for a dedicated leader can cause projects to fail. Strong coordination is needed to work at such a large scale.<\/p>\n<p>NRF is committing to work at this larger scale in order to meet Wisconsin\u2019s growing conservation needs.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/what-is-landscape-scale-conservation\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Our commitment to landscape-scale conservation&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/People-looking-for-cranes-over-the-Wisconsin-River-by-Emma-Schatz.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;people standing on a bluff overlooking the Wisconsin River in the Driftless Region at dusk&#8221; title_text=&#8221;People Looking For Cranes Over The Wisconsin River By Emma Schatz&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||13px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>People watching for migrating sandhill cranes along the Wisconsin River. Photo by Emma Schatz<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Laying the groundwork<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Since the Wisconsin Driftless Conservation Plan was published, NRF has been working to put the plan into action. Using an international conservation planning process helped the team recognize threats and brainstorm strategies for conservation. However, scaling up efforts to reach organizations outside of the working group can have greater impact across the region.<\/p>\n<p>In 2023, NRF secured a grant from the Network for Landscape Conservation\u2019s Catalyst Fund. The Catalyst Fund allowed the Natural Resources Foundation to partner with a graduate student from the Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies over the summer of 2024. Together, they made a plan for increasing engagement with partners in the Driftless Region. This was the first step towards securing partnerships for collective conservation.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/a-man-fly-fishing-in-a-creek-on-a-foggy-morning-in-the-Driftless-Area-by-Ann-Paese.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;a person fly fishing in a creek on a foggy morning&#8221; title_text=&#8221;A Man Fly Fishing In A Creek On A Foggy Morning In The Driftless Area By Ann Paese&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||13px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A person fly fishing in a creek on a foggy morning in the Driftless Area. Photo by Ann Paese<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Connecting the community<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>To connect with local conservationists, NRF created a plan to understand their challenges, share knowledge, and engage with underserved communities. By sending surveys to our partners, we were able to learn about obstacles organizations face in using management strategies. We also learned more about the meaningful work already happening in the Driftless Area, and that participants value partnerships between organizations.<\/p>\n<p>Conservationists also work very closely with landowners in the Driftless area to help them achieve their land stewardship goals, and ensure that restorative actions are aligned. NRF helps foster and build these partnerships by organizing and hosting workshops that align partners on values, strategies, and challenges across a landscape.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/In-the-heart-of-the-driftless-a-young-Timber-Rattlesnake-Crotalus-horridus-overlooks-the-landscape-by-Braden-Alexander.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;a young timber rattlesnake tucked into the edge of rocks on a cliffside&#8221; title_text=&#8221;In The Heart Of The Driftless, A Young Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus) Overlooks The Landscape By Braden Alexander&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||13px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>In the heart of the driftless, a young timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) overlooks the landscape. Photo by Braden Alexander<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Continued efforts to connect<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>The conservation challenges faced in the Driftless are similar to those faced around the world. Restoration, outreach, and collaboration requires time and resources. One survey participant said it best: \u201cEven the cheap conservation work isn\u2019t really cheap and smaller scale projects are not actually all that small.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When conservation organizations share their success stories and lessons learned with each other, they can problem-solve and overcome obstacles together.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hiking-the-driftless_-by-Chris-Hofmann.jpg.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A hiking viewpoint and bench overlooking forest in the Driftless Region&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Hiking The Driftless By Chris Hofmann.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||13px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>An overlook at Pleasant Valley Conservancy State Natural Area. Photo by Chris Hofmann<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;5px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#2C3425&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;23px&#8221; min_height=&#8221;45px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><em>Written by Tiana Snyder, NRF&#8217;s former Conservation Project Associate<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=&#8221;3&#8243; include_categories=&#8221;36,15&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Driftless Region is a biodiversity hotspot for many native species. We&#8217;re working with partners to protect this special landscape.<\/p>\n <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/the-driftless-region\/\"rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":35201,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"0px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" min_height=\"1027px\" custom_margin=\"-1px|auto||auto||\" custom_padding=\"7px||4px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\n<em>NRF funds projects that have a significant and positive impact on Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin\u2019s natural wonders. Through our grants for conservation, we supported hundreds of projects in 2024.\u00a0<strong>Thank you to our members, conservation partners, and other supporters for making this possible!<\/strong><\/em>\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aeriel-shot-of-waubesa-wetlands-by-Ben-Albert-2.jpg\" alt=\"Aeriel Shot Of Waubesa Wetlands By Ben Albert, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Aeriel Shot Of Waubesa Wetlands By Ben Albert (2)\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_margin=\"||21px|||\" custom_padding=\"||0px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area is one of the highest quality and most diverse wetlands in Wisconsin. As one of NRF\u2019s priority conservation sites, we supported the restoration and management of this site in 2024. We were also proud to support the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waubesa-wetlands-film\/\">production of a documentary short film<\/a> highlighting the wonders of this hidden wetland. Photo by Ben Albert<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3>Connecting People, Protecting Nature: NRF\u2019s 2024 Conservation Highlights<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nIn 2024, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin granted <strong>$1,000,676<\/strong> to support <strong>228<\/strong> conservation and environmental education projects to <strong>133 unique organizations<\/strong> across the state. NRF\u2019s three primary impact areas are lands and waters conservation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. We also support projects that build climate resiliency for Wisconsin\u2019s natural resources. Simultaneously, we support projects that help make the field of conservation and access to the outdoors more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3><strong>2024 Grants for Conservation StoryMap<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nOur 2024 Grants for Conservation StoryMap shows all the grants made throughout the year. The different colored pins represent our three impact areas. Lands and waters conservation projects are green, wildlife conservation projects are yellow, and environmental education projects are blue. Zoom in on different counties for a full view of projects supported in the area and click on pins to learn more about individual projects.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n\n<style>.embed-container {position: relative; padding-bottom: 80%; height: 0; max-width: 100%;} .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container iframe{position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;} small{position: absolute; z-index: 40; bottom: 0; margin-bottom: -15px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"NRF's 2024 Conservation Grants StoryMap\" src=\"\/\/wisconservation.maps.arcgis.com\/apps\/Embed\/index.html?webmap=017b3a7f4cc94c5f84f2194e2ad5f9b7&amp;extent=-95.6791,42.1754,-83.9786,46.396&amp;zoom=true&amp;previewImage=false&amp;scale=true&amp;disable_scroll=true&amp;theme=light\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/dec66239cbcd4e97b7b153d519ac8648\" url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"EXPLORE THE GRANTS MAP\" button_alignment=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_divider show_divider=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3>Grant Highlight: Rocks Above, Rocks Below: Merrimac Community School<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Students-from-Merrimac-Community-School-while-hiking-Flint-Rock-Trail-at-Blue-Mounds-State-Park-to-observe-rock-formations-and-nature-highlights.-Photo-by-Jenna-McCann-1.jpg\" alt=\"Students while hiking Flint Rock Trail at Blue Mounds State Park to observe rock formations and nature highlights, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Students From Merrimac Community School While Hiking Flint Rock Trail At Blue Mounds State Park To Observe Rock Formations And Nature Highlights. Photo By Jenna McCann (1)\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"||13px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Students while hiking Flint Rock Trail at Blue Mounds State Park to observe rock formations and nature highlights. Photo by Jenna McCann<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nIn 2024, NRF helped provide transportation for over 100 students from Merrimac Community School to visit Blue Mounds State Park and Cave of the Mounds. Thanks to our supporters, we were able to support this through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/teachers-outdoor-environmental-education-fund\/\">Teachers\u2019 Outdoor Environmental Education Fund<\/a>. The fund\u2019s goal is to ensure all Wisconsin students have access to meaningful outdoor education.\n\nStudents from Merrimac Community School hiked the Flint Rock Trail at Blue Mounds State Park, checking out the rocks, plants, and animals. Many students expressed an interest in returning to the trail in the spring to see the differences. Then, the students went to Cave of the Mounds and learned about the underground geology of the area. Throughout the tour of the cave, students learned about the forces that shaped the cave and how the formations continue to change.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2025-01-15T142042.688.jpg\" alt=\"Students on a tour of Cave of the Mounds learn about underground rock formations, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2025 01 15T142042.688\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"||13px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Students on a tour of Cave of the Mounds learn about underground rock formations. Photo by Jenna McCann<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3>From the Classroom to the Cave<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nDuring their Earth Science unit in school, the students had learned about Wisconsin geology and the rocks in their backyards. While hiking the Flint Rock Trail at Blue Mounds State Park, classroom learning was brought to life as the students discovered limestone, dolomite, and chert rocks. During the tour of Cave of the Mounds, students saw cave formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. They also learned about the history of the cave.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=\"Jenna McCann\" job_title=\"Teacher\" portrait_url=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\n<em>In class, students had watched water move in a groundwater model. In the cave, students saw and felt the water drops and made connections far stronger than the classroom alone.<\/em>\n\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nThis field trip gave the students a hands-on, eyes-on, and brains-on experience that directly related to what they were learning in the classroom. Afterwards, students had a better understanding of Wisconsin\u2019s rich geological history, better use of earth science vocabulary, and could visually identify rocks and formations. Back in the classroom, students created models of caves. Using accurate terminology, they also labeled features of the model caves that they saw firsthand during the field trip.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2025-01-15T142324.019.jpg\" alt=\"Students on the cave tour connecting what they learned in the classroom to the real world, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2025 01 15T142324.019\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"||13px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Students on the cave tour connecting what they learned in the classroom to the real world. Photo by Jenna McCann<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][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=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3>More Featured Grants<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"The Prairie Enthusiasts - Building Bridges to Nature in Iowa County\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" open=\"on\"]\n\nThe Prairie Enthusiasts received a grant from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/cd-besadny-conservation-grants\/\">C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund<\/a> to support the repair of a bridge connecting the two parts of the <a href=\"https:\/\/theprairieenthusiasts.org\/project\/sylvan-road-conservation-area\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sylvan Road Conservation Area<\/a>, ensuring safe access for visitors. This area is a rare, high quality wetland\/stream habitat and is home to over 340 native plant species.\n\nWe recently announced our 2024 C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund grant recipients! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/cd-besadny-conservation-grants\/\">Check out the full list of projects funded.<\/a>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33966\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33966 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/54155642650_1f3bb2316e_o-1-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"NRF board members standing with staff from The Prairie Enthusiasts on a newly built bridge above a stream, holding a ribbon and a check. \" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/> Photo by Janet Moredock[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance \u2013 Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" open=\"off\"]<\/p>\nWe supported the purchase of stickers and other marketing materials for the <a href=\"https:\/\/wimonarchs.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative<\/a> to be used as outreach materials at events. The goal? Inspiring people in Wisconsin to take action to help save the monarch butterfly. NRF is proud to have supported the founding of the collaborative, which is a network of over 50 organizations and agencies working together to increase monarch butterfly habitat throughout Wisconsin.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33969\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33969 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/54119613958_b59a160c68_o-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Partners of the WMC at the 2024 Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative Summit.\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" \/> Photo by Emma Schatz[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Zablocki Elementary Nature Experience in Milwaukee County\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" open=\"off\"]<\/p>\nThrough the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/go-outside-fund\/\">Go Outside Fund<\/a>, we supported a field trip for 24 students from Zablocki Elementary School to visit the Blue Lotus Farm &amp; Retreat Center. The students spent the day exploring the forests, meadows and wetlands \u2013 learning while engaging with the natural environment in a fun and active way. For many of the students, this was their first time visiting a nature center!\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33972\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"264\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33972 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/54215570134_4bbf87e4b7_o-1-264x300.jpg\" alt=\"Students playing on a swing under a tree.\" width=\"264\" height=\"300\" \/> Photo by Ludys Ebratt[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Kirtland\u2019s Warbler Conservation in Adams County\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" open=\"off\"]<\/p>\nThanks to a grant from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/bird-protection-fund\/\">Bird Protection Fund<\/a>, the Wisconsin DNR\u2019s Natural Heritage Conservation team continued population recovery and conservation of the state endangered Kirtland\u2019s warbler, specifically through nest monitoring. Our state is a critical area for the expansion of the population beyond its core breeding range in Michigan.\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/bird-protection-fund\/\">Check out the full list of projects<\/a> supported by the 2024 Bird Protection Fund. In April, join us for this year\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/great-wisconsin-birdathon\/\">Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/a> to raise funds for the Bird Protection Fund!\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33971\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33971 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/54216305327_23dcb732f5_o-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Banding a male Kirtland's warbler.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/> Photo by Maia Persche[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area management in Florence County\" open=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>\nThrough the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/cherish\/\">Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund<\/a>, we supported the removal of invasive species at Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area. This will help restore open areas and clear the way for prescribed burning, improving habitat for both rare species and wild game. Spread Eagle Barrens is home to globally important bracken grasslands and pine barrens habitats.\n\nSince 2007, NRF has supported the restoration of 8,000 acres of globally rare pine barrens at Spread Eagle Barrens. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/spread-eagle-barrens\/\">Read more on our blog.<\/a>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33970\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33970 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52139143915_293a9f3e73_o-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Landscape of grasses and trees at Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/> Photo by Caitlin Williamson[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"0px||9px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>\n\n<h3><strong>Thank you<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"1px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>\nNRF's grantmaking is made possible through the support of our donors, supporters, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/membership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">members<\/a>. We are grateful to everyone who supports our work to conserve Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife and connect generations to nature. Last but not least, thank you to our grant recipients for the important work that you do for Wisconsin!\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/membership\/\" button_text=\"BECOME A MEMBER\" button_alignment=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"5px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#2C3425\" text_font_size=\"23px\" min_height=\"45px\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\u00a0 <em>Written by Emma Schatz, Digital Communications Coordinator<\/em>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"36,15\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_post_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[841,694,1,16],"tags":[636,41,44,850,848,87,849,103],"class_list":["post-35189","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-climate-resilience","category-grants","category-lands-waters","category-wildlife","tag-climate-adaptation","tag-climate-change","tag-conservation","tag-habitat-restoration","tag-landscape-conservation","tag-wildlife","tag-wildlife-conservation","tag-wisconservation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Driftless Region: A Tapestry of Prairie, Savanna, &amp; Collaboration<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Driftless Region is a biodiversity hotspot for many native species. We&#039;re working with partners to protect this special landscape.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/the-driftless-region\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Driftless Region: A Tapestry of Prairie, Savanna, &amp; Collaboration\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Driftless Region is a biodiversity hotspot for many native species. 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