Gathering Waters

The first weekend every June is the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Free Fun Weekend!

On June 6-7, 2026, you can experience it all for free because state park admission fees, fishing licenses, and trail passes are waived.

This is a great opportunity to explore a new place or try a new activity!

Learn more here: dnr.wisconsin.gov/adventure/freefun

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance this Saturday June 6, to recognize the importance of America’s trails and the value they add to our lives on National Trails Day!

National Trails Day is organized by the American Hiking Society and honors the importance of federal, state, and local trails for recreation, conservation, and community connection.

Check out their calendar of events at iceagetrail.org/events to find something along the Ice Age Trail near you!

Good news for the North Country National Scenic Trail! The National Park Service acquired 213 acres in Iron County this spring from the Trust for Public Land. The purchase means about 3 miles of trail will be routed off the road in a more scenic area.

Read more here:

Around 200 acres protected along Lake Superior for longest national scenic trail The National Park Service recently purchased more than 200 acres for the country’s longest national scenic trail along the south shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin.

Could Wisconsin have a new state insect soon? A campaign by the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society to make the rare Hine's emerald dragonfly Wisconsin's official state insect recently gained support in the Wisconsin Conservation Congress survey.

Once feared extinct, this federally endangered species was rediscovered in Door County in 1987. The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc. stewards one of the rarest and most vital habitats on earth for its survival.

Learn more here:

'Beautiful Emerald Eyes': Wisconsin nature preserve promotes a dragonfly as state insect A campaign by the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society to name the rare Hine's emerald dragonfly the state's official insect is gaining ground.

Our kudos go out to Groundswell Conservancy for their tireless efforts that are resulting in a conservation win. Read more below.

This weekend’s front-page Wisconsin State Journal story shines a spotlight on the Herro property along the Yahara River in the Town of Dunn—an extraordinary landscape with both ecological importance and deep cultural significance.

Groundswell Conservancy is proud to be part of the ongoing effort to ensure this land is permanently protected for future generations.

Read the story here: https://madison.com/article_61e12c0d-ec3b-5150-ba31-80df6446ff27.html

Image descriptions: A view of part of the land to be protected and donated to the Ho-Chunk Nation, looking east where the Yahara River meets Lower Mud Lake. Photo credit: Ben Jones

Gathering Waters is excited to announce the winners of the 2026 Land Conservation Leadership Awards!

Our congratulations and thanks go out to:

- Abbie Church (Mississippi Valley Conservancy) – Land Trust Professional of the Year

- Mark Lesko (Seno K/RLT Conservancy) – Land Trust Volunteer of the Year

- Andrew Struck (Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department) – Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award

- Ron and Darla Giordano (The Prairie Enthusiasts /Groundswell Conservancy) – Land Legacy Award

- Cody Kamrowski (Wisconsin Wildlife Federation) – Advocacy Champion

We extend our thanks and gratitude to this year's award winners for their efforts to further land conservation resulting in lasting changes around the state. We’re excited to celebrate their accomplishments!

Read about each of the award winners here: https://gatheringwaters.org/announcing-the-2026-land-conservation-leadership-award-winners/

This week, Governor Evers and Republican legislative leadership announced a deal on outstanding priorities. Knowles-Nelson reauthorization is not a part of it.

We're disappointed. We know you are too. The Stewardship Program has waited long enough, but we're in this for the long haul.

🔗 Read more in our latest Team Knowles Nelson Update: https://knowlesnelson.org/knowles-nelson-update-may-12/

It's Fat Bird Week in Wisconsin! Celebrate our chunky native birds and get tips from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin on how to help them. Cast your vote for 8 chubby contestants daily from May 8th through May 15th. More details below.

Last week, the Gathering Warblers enjoyed a beautiful spring morning out birding at West Dane Conservancy in Black Earth for the Great Wisconsin Birdathon!

Our team encountered a total of 47 different bird species, as well as many plants and flowers. We had a blast connecting with each other out on the land, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, thanks for organizing this annual birding fundraiser!

Learn more about how to go birding for a cause here: https://charity.pledgeit.org/WIBirdathon2026