Help band Wisconsin's smallest owls.
© Anna Keaney

April 2012

Get outdoors and explore Wisconsin's wild places

Fantastic Natural Resources Foundation field trips.

Maria Sadowski and Christine Tanzer

Think back to when you were a child. What is your special outdoor memory? Is it where you built a secret fort, or baited your first fish hook, or watched a baby bird leave its nest? The Natural Resources Foundation invites you to experience that wonder and joy again, by taking a field trip to see Wisconsin's most amazing wild places and creatures with enthusiastic DNR professionals and expert guides.

Field trips run from April through November, and offer opportunities for all ages and abilities to explore swamps, savannas and State Natural Areas, or learn about bats, birds, butterflies, beetles and more.

The 2012 field trip theme is "Outdoors Together: Connecting Generations to Conservation." Look for the family-friendly trips icon and share the wonder with a child in your life.

There are 118 field trips available this year. Visit Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin to see them all. Bring a child or grown-up along and discover Wisconsin – together!

Pick your trips

Trips are color-coded to provide information about physical demands. Each trip has a registration fee listed; some trips are fundraisers to support conservation efforts or have a fee to cover rental equipment. Trips fill quickly, so check Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin for the most up-to-date information and trip availability.

Jump online to become a member and register for trips

Field trips are only open to Natural Resources Foundation members and their guests. But you can become a member – for a special price of just $15 per family – as part of your easy online field trip registration! Plus, your membership supports important conservation projects of the Department of Natural Resources and other partners (see sidebar for details).

The foundation does not accept phone or email registrations. To register online, go to Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and click on the link for field trips. You'll be taken straight to the registration page. Click on "be a member" and enter the passcode: Join NRF to receive your discounted membership and register for your trips. You may register for up to four trips, and may bring up to four guests along.

The registration system is quick and secure. You will receive an instant email confirming your trip selection. Approximately two weeks before your trip, you will receive another email with details and driving directions.

Questions? Visit Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, call toll-free (866) 264-4096 or info@wisconservation.org

Christine Tanzer is the field trip coordinator and Maria Sadowski is a the director of communications at the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.

Connecting generations to Wisconsin's wonders

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that promotes the protection and enjoyment of the state's lands, waters and wildlife. Working with the Department of Natural Resources and other partners, the foundation collaborates to identify and secure funding for Wisconsin's highest conservation priorities. The foundation also manages the Wisconsin Conservation Endowment, through which individuals and groups can create a source of permanent funding for the places, species or programs of most concern to them. Each year, the foundation also offers field trips to help people connect with conservation in the state.

In 2011, the foundation, its members and other supporters provided more than $616,000 for conservation in Wisconsin, including funding for state natural areas and public lands, rare and endangered species, conservation education and grassroots conservation efforts.

To learn more or to become a member, visit Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin or call toll-free (866) 264-4096.