[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=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Christopher Kilgour is stewarding his land in Mayville both to preserve it and to share it with others. His organization, Color in the Outdoors, is dedicated to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces in nature.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Christopher Kilgour” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Nobody ever goes outside for a breath of stale air.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Growing up, Christopher Kilgour had a poster of a cartoon character, Ziggy, wearing a pair of roller skates following a butterfly. The poster read, \u201cTry everything in life once\u2026 and do the fun things twice!\u201d<\/p>\n Christopher took that message to heart. He\u2019s tried many paths in life, and they all led him back to his love of nature. Today, he\u2019s the founder and director of Color in the Outdoors<\/a> (CITO), an organization dedicated to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces in nature for people of all backgrounds. He also serves as the Community Outreach Manager for the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin\u2013Madison.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Christopher-during-a-Learn-to-Hunt-Turkey-event-with-Marty-Moses-from-Pheasants-Forever-pictured-on-right.-Photo-courtesy-of-Color-in-the-Outdoors.-.jpg” alt=”Christopher standing with person outside in the snow during a %22Learn to hunt turkey%22 Color in the Outdoors event” title_text=”Christopher During A \u201cLearn To Hunt Turkey\u201d Event With Marty Moses From Pheasants Forever (pictured On Right). Photo Courtesy Of Color In The Outdoors.” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Christopher (left) during a \u201cLearn-to-Hunt Turkey\u201d event with Marty Moses (right) from Pheasants Forever. Photo courtesy of Color in the Outdoors. <\/em><\/p>\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_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=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The son of two educators, Christopher grew up traveling with his family in search of outdoor adventures. He went on road trips in the family van across the US and travelled overseas as well. His love for the outdoors grew out of these experiences and instilled in him the belief that nature is for everyone. This belief would become the foundation of Color in the Outdoors. These experiences also instilled in him the belief that nature is for everyone\u2014a belief that would become the organization’s foundation. \u201cNature seems to be the great equalizer,\u201d he says. \u201cThere are very, very few people that I’ve encountered in my lifetime that haven’t found some joy or peace in the outdoors.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Color in the Outdoors<\/a> is an organization that celebrates diversity in outdoor spaces through programming and community building and advocates for equitable access to nature. Programming has included beginner hunting workshops, paddling events, and most recently, a foraging event with special guests Alexis Nikole (aka @blackforager on social media) and Samuel Thayer.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Color-in-the-Outdoors-CITO-Foraging-with-Alexis-Nikole-Nelson-and-Samuel-Thayer.-Photo-by-Lauren-DeGere.jpg” alt=”People on a hike during a foraging event with Color in the Outdoors” title_text=”Color In The Outdoors (CITO) Foraging With Alexis Nikole Nelson And Samuel Thayer. Photo By Lauren DeGere” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Alexis Nikole Nelson (far right) and Samuel Thayer (top left) leading a foraging event with Color in the Outdoors. Photo By Lauren DeGere<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”ALANA FISHER” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n \u00a0I would have never expected to actually meet Alexis, let alone identifying plants for hours with her. She is a big inspiration for me considering that I am also a Black girl, living in a city in the Midwest who has a love for nature.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DICI-alumni-Alana-Fisher-at-CITO-foraging-event.-Photo-by-Caitlin-Williamson.jpg” alt=”person smiling holding a plant and a notepad” title_text=”DICI Alumni, Alana Fisher, At CITO Foraging Event. Photo By Caitlin Williamson” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Alana Fisher, member of the 2024 Diversity in Conservation Internship<\/a> cohort, at the Color in the Outdoors foraging event. Photo by Caitlin Williamson<\/em><\/p>\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″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Christopher explains that Color in the Outdoors has three main goals: to create opportunities for people to connect with nature through recreation, to make activities like hunting and fishing more welcoming and accessible, and to advocate for equitable access to outdoor spaces. The organization challenges the idea that outdoor recreation is only for certain people \u2014 creating welcoming, safe spaces for anyone curious to try new things.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Color-in-the-Outdoors-CITO-Foraging-with-Alexis-Nikole-Nelson-and-Samuel-Thayer.-Photo-by-Lauren-DeGere-1.jpg” alt=”people sitting in the grass during foraging event with Color in the Outdoors” title_text=”Color In The Outdoors (CITO) Foraging With Alexis Nikole Nelson And Samuel Thayer. Photo By Lauren DeGere (1)” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n People sitting in the grass at the Color in the Outdoors foraging event in 2025. Photo by Lauren DeGere<\/i><\/p>\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=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Christopher dreamed of stewarding land that Color in the Outdoors could also use \u2013 where participants to gather, learn, and feel at home in nature. That dream came true when he got the chance to co-purchase a property with a partner in Mayville, Wisconsin. When visiting the land for the first time, he wasn\u2019t even halfway up the driveway when he knew this was the land he wanted to steward. He also knew it was the perfect home base for Color in the Outdoors.<\/p>\n The property itself is very diverse, both in terms of the landscape and its history. Formally a coal mine, the land has gone through many cycles of balance and imbalance. As the steward of this land, Christopher wants to help support nature\u2019s search for balance. And just like Color in the Outdoors is reclaiming access to nature, nature is reclaiming the landscape.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2023-NRF-Field-Trip-at-CITO-property.-Photo-by-Emma-Schatz.jpg” alt=”Christopher showing people a plant on his property” title_text=”2023 NRF Field Trip At CITO Property. Photo By Emma Schatz” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Christopher showing NRF Field Trip participants a plant while on a hike through his property. Photo by Emma Schatz<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In 2023, NRF hosted a Field Trip at the property called \u201cDiversity in the Field: Intro to Hunting & Fishing for Beginners.\u201d During the Field Trip, Christopher led participants on a tour of the land while discussing the important roles of hunting and fishing in wildlife conservation and the barriers that prevent some from being involved. The tour finished at the property\u2019s 20 ft deep lake. There, a young participant got to fish off the dock \u2013 and caught his first fish!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2023-NRF-Field-Trip-at-CITO-property.-Photo-by-Emma-Schatz-1.jpg” alt=”young person after catching his first fish standing next to the fish that someone else is holding” title_text=”2023 NRF Field Trip At CITO Property. Photo By Emma Schatz (1)” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n A young NRF Field Trip participant standing next to a small fish that he caught. Photo by Emma Schatz<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n That moment is what Color in the Outdoors is all about\u2014helping people find joy in the outdoors and try new things.<\/p>\n All Wisconsinites deserve to feel welcome in the outdoors. Not only does it benefit the people themselves, it also benefits conservation. The more people can get out and enjoy nature, the more people will value it.<\/p>\n Outdoor recreationists have long been some of the most ardent supporters of conservation efforts. For example, the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund<\/a> (which recently hit $3 million) has been built primarily by hunters and anglers purchasing their hunting or fishing licenses online. The more people who value and enjoy nature, the more people there are who will protect it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/cherish\/” button_text=”More about the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Christopher doesn\u2019t view himself as a landowner but rather a steward of the land. As many land stewards will agree, managing the property is a labor of love and an incredible amount of responsibility. But for Christopher, he wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. By tending the land and making sure it\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s not only preserving the land but also its ability to be a welcoming and safe space for different communities to experience.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Christopher Kilgour” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I take care of [the land] and it will take care of me and take care of others.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-DICI-cohort-visiting-Christopher-Kilgours-land.-Photo-by-Marie-Jensen.jpg” alt=”Christopher speaking to group of young adults while on a hike through his property” title_text=”2025 DICI Cohort Visiting Christopher Kilgour’s Land. Photo By Marie Jensen” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Christopher speaking with the 2025 Diversity in Conservation Internship cohort while on a hike through his property. Photo by Marie Jensen<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A huge part of Color in the Outdoors is the programming and community building that happens through events, both outdoors and indoors. People enjoy nature in many different ways, whether it\u2019s camping, hunting, cooking with foraged ingredients, or building bird houses. So, cultivating a physical building that could be used for indoor teaching and learning was very important to Christopher. With the new building on his land, the team can accommodate all types of nature-based interests.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Christopher Kilgour” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n No two people think the same and no two people experience things the same.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2023-NRF-Field-Trip-at-CITO-property.-Photo-by-Emma-Schatz-3.jpg” alt=”hunting gear displayed on a table in the newly built building on Christopher’s property” title_text=”2023 NRF Field Trip At CITO Property. Photo By Emma Schatz (3)” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Hunting gear on display in the building on Christopher’s property. Photo by Emma Schatz<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For Christopher, stewarding the land and building community are inseparable. By tending to the health of the property, he\u2019s also tending to the well-being of the people who visit it.<\/p>\n Christopher says, \u201cone of the most incredibly powerful things about the natural space is that we are simultaneously learning about the natural world and ourselves, both in it and with it at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n Through Color in the Outdoors, Christopher is showing what\u2019s possible when private land becomes more than a piece of property: it becomes a home for connection, learning, and belonging.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/wisconservation.networkforgood.com\/projects\/238446-color-in-the-outdoors” button_text=”Donate to the Color in the Outdoors” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n NRF is currently the fiscal agent for Color in the Outdoors while they are pursuing independent nonprofit 501c3 status.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2023-NRF-Field-Trip-at-CITO-property.-Photo-by-Emma-Schatz-2.jpg” alt=”two young people walking through the forest on Christopher’s property” title_text=”2023 NRF Field Trip At CITO Property. Photo By Emma Schatz (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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Two young NRF Field Trip participants walking through the forest on Christopher’s property. Photo by Emma Schatz<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/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=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#2C3425″ text_font_size=”23px” min_height=”45px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Written by Emma Schatz, digital communications coordinator<\/em><\/p>\n [\/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]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Christopher Kilgour is stewarding his land to both preserve it and to share it with others through his organization, Color in the Outdoors.<\/p>\n Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":36688,"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\nNRF 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.\u00a0Thank 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 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 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=\"{}\"]\nA lifelong love of the outdoors<\/h3>\n
What is Color in the Outdoors?<\/h3>\n
Turning land into community<\/h3>\n
Cherishing the land we love<\/h3>\n
Stewardship, not ownership<\/h3>\n
A home for all kinds of outdoor experiences<\/h3>\n
Caring for land, caring for people<\/h3>\n
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 $1,000,676<\/strong> to support 228<\/strong> conservation and environmental education projects to 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
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