DNR Report Highlights Volunteer Contributions At State Natural Areas In 2023

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced the release of the latest State Natural Area Volunteer Annual Report showcasing work of hundreds of volunteers who helped care for Wisconsin’s state natural areas in 2023.

Last year, volunteers spent more than 8,420 hours maintaining and improving state natural areas through a variety of projects across 2,819 acres of public land. Volunteers worked individually as well as at organized group events around Wisconsin. More information about the accomplishments is outlined in the full report.

“Our volunteers have an important role in our state natural areas, and I’m so grateful for their dedication and effort. It’s wonderful to see people connect with each other, learn about and appreciate the natural beauty of Wisconsin,” said Jared Urban, DNR state natural areas volunteer program coordinator.

State natural areas are designated to conserve the best of Wisconsin prairies, forests, wetlands and other habitats. These special places provide support for 90% of rare plant species and 75% of rare wildlife species.

Nearly all properties are open to the public to enjoy while bird watching, hiking, hunting and fishing. Visitors should note that state natural areas are largely undeveloped and do not have restrooms, trails and other facilities like state parks do.

Although the DNR holds more than half of these sites in trust for Wisconsinites, the U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy and more than 60 other partners own and manage sites under a system established in 1951 and spurred by Aldo Leopold and other Wisconsin conservation giants.

Join Us For A Workday

Workdays are one of the main ways volunteers help the DNR care for state natural areas. During workdays, volunteers may remove invasive species, clear brush or collect native plant seeds.

Workdays are open volunteers of any experience level, and training and equipment are provided on-site.

State natural area volunteer groups are divided into eight regions throughout the state to make it easy to find a workday near you. Sign up to receive email updates on upcoming volunteer workdays on the DNR’s State Natural Area Volunteer webpage.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.