{"id":35823,"date":"2025-07-14T15:18:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T20:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?p=35823"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:12:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T20:12:45","slug":"waazija-haci","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/","title":{"rendered":"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life"},"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; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><em>From freezing mornings to blazing summer days, crews are working to restore Waazija Haci\u2019s globally rare pine barrens. Discover how this Ho-Chunk-named State Natural Area is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures. <\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pine-barrens-habitat-at-Waazija-Haci.-Photo-courtesy-of-Jason-Garstka.-.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Pine barrens habitat at Waazija Haci.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Pine Barrens Habitat At Waazija Haci. Photo Courtesy Of Jason Garstka.&#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; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Pine barrens habitat at Waazija Haci. Photo courtesy of Jason Garstka (WDNR)<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][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_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3><strong>Restoring Waazija Haci, one season at a time<\/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>On an early winter morning, Jason Garstka, a biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), fires up a forestry mower to clear overgrown oak and brush from the pine barrens habitat at Waazija Haci State Natural Area. With only two weeks to clear 10 acres, he\u2019ll work until it\u2019s too dark to see.<\/p>\n<p>On the south side of the property, crew members cut an aspen stand that\u2019s been spreading for several years. By removing the aspen, the site will become more open for other native species to grow and diversify the ground layer. It\u2019s physically demanding work, especially in frigid late-December temperatures, but it\u2019s all part of a long-term restoration effort to increase this globally rare pine barrens habitat.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][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\/07\/The-forestry-mower-used-at-the-site.-Photo-courtesy-of-Jason-Garstka-WDNR.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;The forestry mower used at the site. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;The Forestry Mower Used At The Site. Photo Courtesy Of Jason Garstka (WDNR)&#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>The forestry mower used at the site. Photo courtesy of Jason Garstka (WDNR)<\/em><\/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>Fast forward to the following summer. The crew returns under a hot July sun to spray herbicides on the oak resprouts. At 8:30 a.m. they shoulder their backpack sprayers and get to work. The temperature climbs to nearly 90 degrees, and biting flies swarm, but by the end of the day the crew has treated nearly all the new growth.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Crew-members-spraying-herbicide-at-Waazija-Haci.-Photo-courtesy-of-Jason-Garstka-WDNR-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Crew members spraying herbicide at Waazija Haci&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Crew Members Spraying Herbicide At Waazija Haci. Photo Courtesy Of Jason Garstka (WDNR) (1)&#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>Crew members spraying herbicide at Waazija Haci. Photo courtesy of Jason Garstka (WDNR)<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3>Teaming up with the DNR to revive Waazija Haci\u2019s pine barrens<\/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>With support from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, the DNR\u2019s Natural Heritage Conservation Program successfully cleared 10 acres of oak and brush from significant pine barrens habitat at Waazija Haci State Natural Area. The crew opened the site\u2019s shady canopy of oaks, allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor. They also removed a spreading aspen stand which was crowding out other species. These are critical steps that help jack pines and flowering plants thrive in pine barrens habitats.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/The-project-site-at-Waazija-Haci-after-mowing.-Photo-courtesy-of-Jason-Garstka-WDNR.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Mowed area of land at Waazija Haci SNA&#8221; title_text=&#8221;The Project Site At Waazija Haci After Mowing. Photo Courtesy Of Jason Garstka (WDNR)&#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>The project site at Waazija Haci after mowing. Photo courtesy of Jason Garstka (WDNR)<\/em><\/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>A year later, the site is much more open, wildflowers are moving back into the site, and this critical habitat can expand and flourish.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pine-barrens-habitat-at-Waazija-Haci.-Photo-courtesy-of-Armund-Bartz.-.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Pine barrens habitat with wildflowers at Waazija Haci. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Pine Barrens Habitat At Waazija Haci. Photo Courtesy Of Armund Bartz.&#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>Pine barrens habitat at Waazija Haci. Photo courtesy of Armund Bartz<\/em><\/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>Armund Bartz, an ecologist with the DNR\u2019s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, shares that when oak is overgrown it shades out light-dependent prairie grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs like blueberries. These understory species make up the globally rare pine and oak barrens natural community types that conservationists are trying to restore.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3>How pine barrens are managed and restored<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>This work is part of a broader effort to restore Wisconsin\u2019s globally rare pine barrens, a type of fire-adapted ecosystem with sandy, well-drained soils and a landscape of open areas, pines, and oak savannas. To bring back the open, sun-filled conditions that barrens species need, the DNR crew used a mix of restoration techniques:<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>Clearing invasive or overgrown trees and shrubs<\/li>\n<li>Spraying herbicide on resprouts to prevent regrowth<\/li>\n<li>Conducting prescribed burns to stimulate native vegetation growth and diversify the ground layer<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=&#8221;Armund Bartz&#8221; portrait_url=&#8221;data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Wisconsin holds the world\u2019s best opportunity to manage for barrens.<\/p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Crew-members-conducting-a-prescribed-burn-at-Waazija-Haci.-Photo-courtesy-of-Jason-Garstka-WDNR.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Crew members conducting a prescribed burn at Waazija Haci.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Crew Members Conducting A Prescribed Burn At Waazija Haci. Photo Courtesy Of Jason Garstka (WDNR)&#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>Crew members conducting a prescribed burn at Waazija Haci. Photo courtesy of Jason Garstka (WDNR)<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3>An ecological gem in the Black River State Forest<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>In 2007, Bartz was surveying the Black River State Forest in Jackson County, a vast landscape of 68,000 acres, when he came across a small but ecologically rich area of pine barrens.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cImmediately, I noticed plants that I had not yet seen before on any other barrens sites in the forest. I knew it was an ecological gem right away,\u201d Bartz recalls.<\/p>\n<p>That gem would later become Waazija Haci State Natural Area, officially designated in 2023. Today, at 142 acres, it features the highest barrens plant diversity in the Black River State Forest and is likely one of the most diverse sites in the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/fl\/PropertyPlanning\/CentralSandPlains\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Central Sand Plains Ecological Landscape<\/a>. It\u2019s home to several barrens indicator species, plants that thrive in these rare conditions, including:<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>\u00a0wild lupine<\/li>\n<li>showy goldenrod<\/li>\n<li>rough blazing star, and more<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Close up of wild lupine, showy goldenrod, and rough blazing star. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Close Up Of Wild Lupine, Showy Goldenrod, And Rough Blazing Star By Joshua Mayer&#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>Close up of wild lupine, showy goldenrod, and rough blazing star. Photos by Joshua Mayer<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3>Honoring Ho-Chunk land stewardship<\/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>Waazija Haci is the first State Natural Area in Wisconsin to be named by one of the state\u2019s recognized tribes. The Ho-Chunk Nation chose the name \u201cWaazija Haci,\u201d which means \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language.<\/p>\n<p>The site lies between two developed areas owned by the Ho-Chunk Nation, and its restoration creates more opportunities for traditional uses like blueberry foraging, which will be further enhanced through ongoing prescribed fire and habitat work.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Oak-and-pine-barrens-habitat-at-Waazija-Haci-State-Natural-Area.-Photo-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Oak and pine barrens habitat at Waazija Haci State Natural Area. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Oak And Pine Barrens Habitat At Waazija Haci State Natural Area. Photo By Joshua Mayer&#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>Oak and pine barrens habitat at Waazija Haci State Natural Area. Photo by Joshua Mayer<\/em><\/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>Continued restoration at Waazija Haci will support biodiversity, cultural traditions, and the health of one of Wisconsin\u2019s most unique natural communities for generations to come.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you to NRF\u2019s supporters and members for protecting Wisconsin\u2019s most treasured lands, waters, and wildlife at Waazija Haci! <\/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 Emma Schatz, Digital Communications Coordinator<\/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>Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures. <\/p>\n <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/\"rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":35849,"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":[841,697,694,1,16],"tags":[636,41,44,791,850,848,863,87,849,103],"class_list":["post-35823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-climate-resilience","category-giving","category-grants","category-lands-waters","category-wildlife","tag-climate-adaptation","tag-climate-change","tag-conservation","tag-grantmaking","tag-habitat-restoration","tag-landscape-conservation","tag-pine-barrens","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>Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures.\" \/>\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\/waazija-haci\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-14T20:18:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-29T20:12:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"886\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"591\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Emma Schatz\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Emma Schatz\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Emma Schatz\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9c9e1ba44274f3ca331cc9a213b4bb6f\"},\"headline\":\"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-14T20:18:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-29T20:12:45+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1937,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"climate adaptation\",\"climate change\",\"conservation\",\"grantmaking\",\"habitat restoration\",\"landscape conservation\",\"pine barrens\",\"wildlife\",\"wildlife conservation\",\"wisconservation\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Climate Resilience\",\"Giving\",\"Grants\",\"Lands &amp; Waters\",\"Wildlife\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"copyrightYear\":\"2025\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/\",\"name\":\"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-14T20:18:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-29T20:12:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\",\"width\":886,\"height\":591,\"caption\":\"Photos by Joshua Mayer\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\",\"description\":\"Sustainable funding for Wisconsin\u2019s most imperiled species and public lands\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Organization\",\"Place\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\"},\"telephone\":[],\"openingHoursSpecification\":[{\"@type\":\"OpeningHoursSpecification\",\"dayOfWeek\":[\"Sunday\",\"Monday\",\"Tuesday\",\"Wednesday\",\"Thursday\",\"Friday\",\"Saturday\"],\"opens\":\"09:00\",\"closes\":\"17:00\"}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9c9e1ba44274f3ca331cc9a213b4bb6f\",\"name\":\"Emma Schatz\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Emma Schatz\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/author\\\/emma-schatzwisconservation-org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/waazija-haci\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png?fit=264%2C264&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png?fit=264%2C264&ssl=1\",\"width\":264,\"height\":264,\"caption\":\"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life","description":"Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life","og_description":"Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/","og_site_name":"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin","article_published_time":"2025-07-14T20:18:09+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-01-29T20:12:45+00:00","og_image":[{"width":886,"height":591,"url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Emma Schatz","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life","twitter_description":"Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures.","twitter_image":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Emma Schatz","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/"},"author":{"name":"Emma Schatz","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#\/schema\/person\/9c9e1ba44274f3ca331cc9a213b4bb6f"},"headline":"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life","datePublished":"2025-07-14T20:18:09+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-29T20:12:45+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/"},"wordCount":1937,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","keywords":["climate adaptation","climate change","conservation","grantmaking","habitat restoration","landscape conservation","pine barrens","wildlife","wildlife conservation","wisconservation"],"articleSection":["Climate Resilience","Giving","Grants","Lands &amp; Waters","Wildlife"],"inLanguage":"en-US","copyrightYear":"2025","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/","url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/","name":"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","datePublished":"2025-07-14T20:18:09+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-29T20:12:45+00:00","description":"Waazija Haci SNA, meaning \u201cpeople of the pines\u201d in the Ho-Chunk language, is reclaiming its place as one of Wisconsin\u2019s ecological treasures.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","width":886,"height":591,"caption":"Photos by Joshua Mayer"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Waazija Haci is Bringing Wisconsin\u2019s Pine Barrens Back to Life"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/","name":"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin","description":"Sustainable funding for Wisconsin\u2019s most imperiled species and public lands","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["Organization","Place"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#organization","name":"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin","url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/","logo":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#local-main-organization-logo"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#local-main-organization-logo"},"telephone":[],"openingHoursSpecification":[{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":["Sunday","Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday","Friday","Saturday"],"opens":"09:00","closes":"17:00"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#\/schema\/person\/9c9e1ba44274f3ca331cc9a213b4bb6f","name":"Emma Schatz","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Emma Schatz"},"url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/author\/emma-schatzwisconservation-org\/"},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waazija-haci\/#local-main-organization-logo","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png?fit=264%2C264&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png?fit=264%2C264&ssl=1","width":264,"height":264,"caption":"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Close-up-of-wild-lupine-showy-goldenrod-and-rough-blazing-star-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4x70T-9jN","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35823","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35823"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35823\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35868,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35823\/revisions\/35868"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}