{"id":38149,"date":"2026-03-16T16:00:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?p=38149"},"modified":"2026-03-16T16:04:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:04:09","slug":"field-trip-leaders-through-the-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/field-trip-leaders-through-the-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Field Trip Leaders through the Years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin launched the Field Trip program to help connect more Wisconsinites with the outdoors back in 1993. During its first full year, the program hosted 42 trips and had 582 participants. NRF now hosts over 275 Field Trips with over 5,000 participants every year!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

We sat down with three generations of Field Trip leaders to hear what being part of the Field Trip program means to them.<\/em>
<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/em><\/p>[\/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=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”0px||24px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Trip Leaders are the backbone of NRF Field Trips<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Throughout the history of NRF\u2019s Field Trip program, thousands of professionals have volunteered to lead trips for us. Beginning with 48 leaders in 1994 and growing to 450 leaders in 2026<\/strong>, our program showcases the expertise of Wisconsin\u2019s brightest naturalists.<\/p>\n

Our leaders generously share their time, knowledge and passion about the wonders of Wisconsin\u2019s natural world. They also are responsible for trip concepts, scouting, route planning, logistics, and executing the actual program. Quite simply, our Field Trips would not be possible without the generosity of our leaders<\/strong>, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to them. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Phil-Fauble-leading-an-NRF-Field-Trip-by-Shelly-Torkelson.jpg” alt=”field trip leader speaking to participants while on a hike” title_text=”Phil Fauble Leading An NRF Field Trip By Shelly Torkelson” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Phil Fauble leading An NRF Field Trip in Baraboo Hills. Photo by Shelly Torkelson<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Highlighting generations of Field Trip leaders<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Knowing what our leaders mean to our program, we wondered what our program means to them. We recently spoke with three leaders that span the timeframe of our program to learn more about their connections to nature and NRF.<\/p>\n

Phil Fauble, a hydrogeologist with the Wisconsin DNR, has been leading his Geology of the Baraboo Hills trip since 1996. Yes you read that correctly \u2013 he has been leading this stellar trip for 30 years. Emily Stone, author and Education Director at Cable Natural History Museum, has led a Loon Pontoon trip since 2015. Chelsy Herring, Executive Director of Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, has led Spring Blooms & Geology: Ledge County Park since 2024. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NRF-Field-Trip-participants-admiring-the-landscape-at-Ledge-County-Park-from-a-lookout-point-during-Chelsy-Herrings-Spring-Blooms-Geology-trip.-Photo-by-Kim-Kreitinger.jpg” alt=”Field Trip participants admiring the landscape at Ledge County Park from a lookout point” title_text=”NRF Field Trip Participants Admiring The Landscape At Ledge County Park From A Lookout Point During Chelsy Herring\u2019s Spring Blooms & Geology Trip. Photo By Kim Kreitinger” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

NRF Field Trip participants admiring the landscape at Ledge County Park from a lookout point during Chelsy Herring\u2019s Spring Blooms & Geology Trip. Photo By Kim Kreitinger\u00a0<\/em><\/p>[\/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=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

#1) What inspired you to pursue a career in conservation?<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Phil:<\/strong> The natural world has always fascinated me, especially geology. The rocks always had such a grand story to tell, but they were stingy with their tales. You had to study to identify the clues that gave away their secrets. And there was always more to know since most of the clues are buried or very old and weathered.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Phil-at-Lutsen-courtesy-of-Phil-Fauble.jpg” alt=”close up of man hiking” title_text=”Phil At Lutsen Courtesy Of Phil Fauble” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Phil hiking at Lutsen. Photo courtesy of Phil Fauble<\/em><\/p>[\/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=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Emily:<\/strong> My parents are naturalists, so I spent most of my childhood outside barefoot and in mud puddles. I joined Girl Scouts at a young age, received both the Silver and Gold Awards, and spent five years as a camp counselor. The Girl Scouts have a really great leadership pipeline, so I went from a shy, quiet kid to a confident teacher. Then, when I discovered that outdoor education was an actual career path, it was an easy decision to go to Northland College with that major. After college I spent five years as a seasonal naturalist working across the country in five states. Then, I completed the Field Naturalist Master\u2019s Program at the University of Vermont. I\u2019ve been with the Cable Natural History Museum since 2011.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Emily-Stone-head-shot-2025.jpg.jpg” alt=”person wearing a hat smiling while in the woods” title_text=”Emily Stone Head Shot 2025.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

NRF Field Trip leader Emily Stone out in nature. Photo courtesy of Emily Stone<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Chelsy:<\/strong> Growing up, my family always shared awe and wonder of the natural world, spending as much time as their \u201cday jobs\u201d would allow outside. I was fortunate that they paved the way for me to turn my love of the outdoors into my life, my passion, and most importantly into my career where I have been able to make the most impact. It was this observation as a kid, when my dad rushed home from work each day to get outside, that I realized being \u201cout there\u201d was something special.<\/p>\n

Nature does something to you. It provides respite, joy, excitement, reflection and opportunities for growth as a person. As I grew into adulthood, through many ups and downs, nature always was my escape. And through my years of growing and maturing, I realized nature desperately needed protection. Though some may think of this as a very anthropocentric view of what nature can do for us, I wholeheartedly believe that this anthropocentric view is the only thing powerful enough to enact change for the better. This quote often reminds me of that \u2013 \u201cIn the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught\u201d (Baba Dioum, a Senegalese forest ranger, 1968).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/selfie-courtesy-of-Chelsy-Herring.jpg” alt=”person taking a selfie in front of a river” title_text=”Selfie Courtesy of Chelsy Herring” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Chelsy Herring while leading an NRF Field Trip. Photo courtesy of Chelsy Herring<\/em><\/p>[\/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=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

#2) Why do you enjoy leading NRF Field Trips?<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Phil:<\/strong> I enjoy sharing the stories of the rocks with others. People tend to think that the earth has always been the way it is now, but that is absolutely not true.<\/p>\n

Emily:<\/strong> I appreciate how enthusiastic NRF members are about nature. It is always fun knowing that I am going to have people who are REALLY into birds and nature. This allows me to go a little bit deeper in my teachings, be a little bit nerdier than on a regular public tour. I also enjoy meeting people from all over Wisconsin due to the statewide reach of the NRF Field Trip Program.<\/p>\n

Chelsy:<\/strong> Not any one of us leaders \u201cknow it all\u201d, and if you take a humble approach to leading, you can come out the better for having learned together as a group. At the end of each of the trips I have co-led, we walk away with more knowledge and insight than when we began. Participants come from various backgrounds and thus have different experiences and knowledge to share with the entire group. It not only adds to the dimension of the program, but it brings forward meaningful shared experiences in nature that drive passion and action in conservation work.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NRF-Field-Trip-participants-on-a-pontoon-ride-looking-for-loons.-Photo-by-Emily-Stone.jpg” alt=”people sitting on a pontoon boat” title_text=”NRF Field Trip Participants On A Pontoon Ride Looking For Loons. Photo By Emily Stone” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Participants sitting on a pontoon boat during an NRF Field Trip. Photo by Emily Stone<\/em><\/p>[\/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=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

#3) Do you have a favorite memory to share from a NRF Field Trip?<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Phil:<\/strong> In the early days, our group came across a corporate picnic at Devils Lake being catered by Epic Systems. I joked that we were soon going to be neighbors (I live in Verona), so they gave us all a plate! I\u2019ve met so many interesting people on these trips throughout the years. Sometimes I feel like I get as much from participants as they get from me. And no one gets angry when I veer off into another unrelated, but amusing (to me anyway) tale!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Field-Trip-participants-on-a-hike-in-the-Baraboo-Hills.-Photo-by-Sheri-Moor.jpg” alt=”people hiking in a gorge” title_text=”Field Trip Participants On A Hike In The Baraboo Hills. Photo By Sheri Moor” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

NRF Field Trip participants hiking in a gorge in the Baraboo Hills. Photo by Sheri Moor<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Emily:<\/strong> There is nothing better than seeing a loon chick riding on their parent\u2019s back! We have never NOT seen a loon during the Loon Pontoon tours and usually see chicks. Sometimes we witness interesting territorial behaviors or diving dances. On one tour, our group was surprised to see juvenile loons closely approaching the boat. With closer observation, we discovered the reason \u2013 an eagle was perched on a branch above the boat. The young loons eventually dove underneath the boat for more protection. Because the waters of Lake Owen are so clear, our tour participants could follow the loons\u2019 underwater path!<\/p>\n

Chelsy:<\/strong> There is not one particular memory so far that has been a favorite, but rather a feeling of joy and pride sharing some of my favorite natural spaces with others. This is especially true when participants express their excitement about having found a new place to explore.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Adult-loon-with-chick-on-their-back-spotted-during-Emily-Stones-Field-Trip-\u2014-Loon-Pontoon-Tour-on-Lake-Namakagon.-Photo-by-Emily-Stone.jpg” alt=”loon with a chick on its back in the water” title_text=”Adult Loon With Chick On Their Back Spotted During Emily Stone\u2019s Field Trip \u2014 Loon Pontoon Tour On Lake Namakagon. Photo By Emily Stone” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Adult loon with a chick on its back in the water. Photo by Emily Stone<\/em><\/p>[\/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=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Join us out in the field this season<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The 2026 Field Trip season is right around the corner, with\u00a0<\/span>280 Field T<\/a>rip<\/a>s<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>offered this year! These trips highlight the best of Wisconsin\u2019s natural world. We offer unique opportunities for all ages to explore Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife by foot, bike, and boat.<\/p>\n

Trips are led by top-notch naturalists who share their love and knowledge of Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife. Enjoy up-close experiences with Wisconsin\u2019s natural world and learn about the critical conservation work being done to protect it.<\/p>\n

You must be a current NRF member to register for Field Trips. Registration opens at noon on April 8th.\u00a0<\/span>Join or renew your membership here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Thank you to the Alliant Energy Foundation, First Business Bank, Fund for Lake Michigan, Generac, MGE Foundation, TIAA Bank, and We Energies Foundation for helping to make Field Trips possible!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/field-trips\/” button_text=”More about Field Trips” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/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=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

40 years of exploring and protecting Wisconsin<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin has been protecting Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife and connecting people with nature since 1986.\u00a0 The Field Trip program started getting Wisconsinites outdoors in 1993 and quickly became one of our most popular programs. As NRF celebrates our 40th Anniversary in 2026, we hope you will join us to explore, love and protect Wisconsin on Field Trips and through our other anniversary activities.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/40th-anniversary\/” button_text=”NRF’s 40th Anniversary” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Written by Kim Kreitinger, Field Trip Coordinator<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Field Trip leaders are the backbone of NRF’s Field Trip program. Hear from three generations of leaders on what the program means to them.<\/p>\n Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":38163,"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_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_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":[898,17,696,38,1,16],"tags":[915,153,916,90,732],"class_list":["post-38149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-40th-anniversary","category-environmental-education","category-featured","category-field-trips","category-lands-waters","category-wildlife","tag-conservation-leaders","tag-environmental-education","tag-field-trip-program","tag-field-trips","tag-outdoor-recreation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCelebrating Field Trip Leaders through the Years<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Field Trip leaders are the backbone of NRF's Field Trip program. 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