Natural Resources Foundation, DNR Partner To Release New Short Film Highlighting Conservation Work At Rush Creek State Natural Area

MADISON, Wis. – The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invite the public to a free virtual showing of the new short film, “Weathering the Change: Climate Adaptation at Rush Creek” on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at noon.

The film highlights a climate adaptation project at Rush Creek State Natural Area, which aims to prepare the ecologically important site for climate change.

As climate change continues to affect Wisconsin, the DNR, NRF, Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts and other partners are trying to create thriving, interconnected “climate-change-resilient” havens for wildlife.

“As the climate shifts, our land management needs to shift as well,” said David Clutter, NRF’s executive director. “We’re grateful to support this important demonstration project.”

Because of Rush Creek’s size (over 3,200 acres) overlooking the Mississippi River, variety of habitats and over 50 “Species of Greatest Conservation Need,” it was a good place to start. DNR workers have been establishing more oak forests, reintroducing prescribed fire to keep the landscape healthy and reconnecting long-separated sections of prairie.

“Part of my job is to help natural area managers grapple with climate change,” said Amy Staffen, DNR conservation biologist. Staffen explained that one thing plants and animals need in order to survive climate change is big, diverse, connected habitats they can move between. “If they’re in very fragmented habitats, they can’t really make that leap. And so, they might just not make it at all.”

“Weathering the Change: Climate Adaptation at Rush Creek” shows the ways conservation workers are caring for the land differently because of climate change, with sweeping vistas of Rush Creek’s prairies and forests as a backdrop. Breakout filmmaker Ben Albert, winner of the Best First-time Filmmaker Award at the 2023 Fresh Coast Film Festival, captures the beauty and ecological importance of Rush Creek, from its delicate flowers to its epic Mississippi River views.

The short film will be shown for the first time at a free lunchtime webinar at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 19, hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. At the webinar, participants will learn more about climate adaptation in action across Wisconsin’s landscapes, from places like Rush Creek to northern forests, lakes and urban areas.

Those working to protect Rush Creek are hoping other land managers follow suit. “This will be a great tool for helping land managers think through and prepare for a changing climate,” Clutter said.

“The Rush Creek project really started out of wanting to bring climate resiliency and adaptation to Wisconsin – in a big way,” said Caitlin Williamson, NRF’s director of conservation. “Wisconsinites love our land. There’s a groundswell of support for this type of work.”

Register for the webinar.

Learn more about the conservation work at Rush Creek.

About The Natural Resources Foundation Of Wisconsin

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) protects our state’s lands, waters and wildlife by providing funding, leading partnerships and connecting all people to nature. NRF invests about $1 million each year into conservation and environmental education and leads several diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for Wisconsin’s conservation community. NRF also helps people explore the outdoors by coordinating 250+ expert-led Field Trips each year to Wisconsin’s most special places and hosts The Great Wisconsin Birdathon, the state’s largest fundraiser for bird conservation. Learn more and get involved.

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.