[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Join us in welcoming Marcy West, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\u2019s new Landscape Initiatives Advisor. <\/em>We sat down with Marcy so you could learn more about her background in conservation and how an adult “gap year” led to her publishing her first book, purchasing her beloved kayak named Ruby, and eventually finding her way to NRF. Welcome to the Foundation, Marcy!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Marcy-West-standing-in-a-field.jpg” alt=”Marcy standing in a field” title_text=”Marcy West Standing In A Field” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Marcy standing in a field. Photo by Erica Cronk<\/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″ custom_padding=”0px||24px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I knew at a young age I wanted to work on protecting our natural resources. Readers may remember the ear worm \u201cGive a Hoot Don\u2019t Pollute\u201d which was a very effective public service announcement aired during Saturday morning cartoons in the 1970\u2019s. To this day, litter is a pet peeve of mine. In high school we learned about efforts to clean up the Fox River which flows through downtown Green Bay. I truly never thought I\u2019d see the day people would be fishing and recreating in that section of the river. Today, it\u2019s an incredible success story that offers hope for large scale projects.<\/p>\n When it came time to pick a college, the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point was my first choice. A Natural Resource Management degree with a public relations emphasis was nearly a perfect fit. \u201cNearly\u201d because the technical nature of the soils class and pressure to \u201cfind the corners\u201d just using a compass at the required Treehaven summer course had me lost figuratively and literally. Fortunately, I worked for Dean Dan Trainer during my junior and senior year and he assured me there were jobs in the natural resources field that did not require technical skills.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Marcy-and-her-husband-at-Theodore-roosevelt-NP-courtesy-of-Marcy-West-1.jpg” alt=”Marcy taking a selfie with her husband at Theodore Roosevelt National Park” title_text=”Marcy And Her Husband At Theodore Roosevelt NP Courtesy Of Marcy West (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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Dave and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Photo by Marcy West<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Marcys-kids-at-White-Sands-NP-by-Marcy-West.jpg” alt=”two people standing on the sand dunes at White Sands National Park” title_text=”Marcy’s Kids At White Sands NP By Marcy West” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n My other favorite hiking companions \u2013 daughter Andie and son Keegan. Photo by Marcy West<\/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″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n After a brief stint for the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, I served as Executive Director for the Wisconsin Land Conservation Association (now Land & Water) for a few years. Then, I detoured into policy work for the Federation of Cooperatives. In 1996, I landed a dream job as Director for the ever-evolving Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) project. From 2020-25, I served on the Natural Resources Board which opened my eyes to the variety of programs and projects the Department of Natural Resources deals with statewide. Each position taught me more about the multipronged approach needed to protect resources.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/view-from-behind-a-hunting-blind-by-Marcy-West.jpg” alt=”View of bluff at sunrise from inside a hunting blind” title_text=”View From Behind A Hunting Blind By Marcy West” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n I\u2019m not a very successful turkey hunter but I sure love the view from the blind. Photo by Marcy West<\/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″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Coming out of the pandemic, I worked for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation on a program to address issues facing rural communities. Concurrently, I had been writing a narrative, non-fiction manuscript entitled, \u201cProtecting Paradise in the Driftless: How the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Came to Be\u201d. Getting the book finalized was harder than I ever could have imagined. Re-drafts and edits were frustrating to say the least. But I\u2019m glad that important part of Wisconsin\u2019s history is in writing and accessible for all who are interested.<\/p>\n Since writing and editing wasn\u2019t a full-time activity, and the most common question in every social circle is, \u201cwhat do you do?\u201d I started telling people I was on a “gap year.” Yes, just like high school or college students do. I bought a new kayak (Northstar named Ruby), checked a few more national parks visits off my and my husband\u2019s list, saw some great concerts and got some good workouts in while managing invasives on our 100 acres in the Kickapoo Valley.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Marcy-kayaking-in-kayak-named-Ruby-on-Kickapoo-River-by-Sandra-Dee-Naas-.jpg” alt=”person kayaking on the Kickapoo River” title_text=”Marcy Kayaking In Kayak Named Ruby On Kickapoo River By Sandra Dee Naas” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ruby\u2019s maiden voyage on the Kickapoo River. Photo by Sandra Dee Naas [\/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″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Now I feel like I\u2019m truly prepared to work on landscape initiatives for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Throughout my career, I\u2019ve established relationships with numerous resource professionals and now have a better understanding of the complexity of issues that need to be addressed. I also recognize the real threat that we could lose some of our treasured ecosystems. The Driftless Region and Kettle Moraine are the two regions of focus first. I\u2019ll utilize everything I learned over the years to work with partners, landowners and educators to help manage and protect these ecological gems.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Statue-at-Lambeau-Field-by-Marcy-West.jpg” alt=”statue at Lambeau Field” title_text=”Statue At Lambeau Field By Marcy West” _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=”{}”]<\/p>\nNever stop learning<\/h3>\n
Stepping stones<\/h3>\n
Every adult needs a gap year or two, too…<\/h3>\n
<\/em><\/p>\nBig picture<\/h3>\n