Mississippi Valley Conservancy

06/07/2026

06/06/2026

Not every day is an outdoors sort of day in conservation. Our summer intern crew spent a day inside this week going over chainsaw safety and maintenance so that they AND the equipment would be ready for a summer of work outdoors.

They also learned about all of the interesting names of our most beloved chainsaws, and the quirks of starting each of them.

It is going to be a great summer with this team of interns. They have already been hard at work on several nature preserves tackling invasive plants and improving access for hikers. We are grateful to have the opportunity to help them grow as they help the Driftless Area's unique ecosystems through their conservation work.

06/05/2026

Saturday, June 6th is National Trails Day! Where will the trail take you this weekend?

Now is the perfect time to step outside your routine and discover a trail you've never explored before.

Whether it's a winding woodland path, a prairie overlook, a bluff-top hike, or a quiet streamside walk, every trail offers something new to experience. A new bird song. A wildflower you've never noticed. A view that reminds you just how beautiful our region truly is. A path reminiscent of your childhood.

This National Trails Day, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the adventure waiting just beyond the trailhead. You may find a new favorite place—and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Looking for inspiration? Sign up for our FREE Trail Trek Challenge and receive our Trail Guide featuring some of the incredible places to explore throughout the Driftless Area. Then choose a new destination and start your next adventure!

Sign up today and start trekking: MississippiValleyConservancy.org/ttc

Thank you to our Trail Trek Challenge sponsors: Dairyland Power Cooperative, News 8 Now, J.F. Brennan Company, Hawkins Ash CPAs, Organic Valley, Trust Point, People’s Food Cooperative, Altra Financial Advisors, Emplify Health, and Explore La Crosse.

(Photo: Hikers explore the trail and view at Sugar Creek Bluff, by Karen Solverson)

06/04/2026

A joyful discovery in the heart of protected land!

During a recent monitoring visit, Conservation Director Abbie Church, was thrilled to find an abundance of great waterleaf flourishing along a creek on one of our protected properties in southwest Wisconsin.

This beautiful native wildflower carpets woodland floors with lush green leaves and delicate clusters of light purple blooms. Seeing it thrive is more than just a pretty sight—it’s a sign of a healthy, functioning ecosystem where native plants, wildlife, and clean water continue to support one another.

Moments like this remind us why land protection matters. When special places are permanently protected, nature is given the opportunity to flourish, heal, and surprise us with discoveries that might otherwise be lost. Every protected acre creates hope—not only for the species that call it home today, but for future generations who will experience the beauty and wonder of these landscapes.

Thank you to the landowners, supporters, and conservation partners who make this work possible. Together, we're ensuring that treasures like this creekside woodland remain vibrant, resilient, and full of life for years to come.

05/28/2026

Here is a great birding learning opportunity coming up at the Nature Place La Crosse !!

Cue the bird calls!

If you’re ready to turn your feathered fascination into a full-on hobby, Birding 101 is the perfect place to start. Join local birding expert Craig Thompson to learn the basics, ask questions, and connect with other bird lovers in our community.

📍 THIS Saturday, May 30
⏰ 7:30 AM–10 AM
📌 The Nature Place — 789 Myrick Park Dr.

In partnership with La Crosse Public Library, , and Coulee Region Audubon Society.

Here’s what you need to know:
👉 Registration is REQUIRED through the La Crosse Public Library website
👉 No previous birding experience is needed
👉 Bring binoculars if you have them! A limited number will also be available to borrow

05/27/2026

As May comes to a close, we would like to take a few minutes to celebrate the successful prescribed burn season we wrapped up earlier this month. In recent years, changes in the climate have made burn seasons a challenge, but our team of trained professionals, dedicated volunteers and passionate partners were able to burn more than 700 acres this year so far!

In addition to removing competing trees, shrubs and invasives, bringing fire back to the land creates space for native species to thrive once more. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy these moments which are setting up the landscape for success now and in the future. Many thanks to our members, sponsors and partners for making all of this possible, and to our crew and volunteers whose long hours on steep grades have made a huge impact!

Watch the video:https://youtu.be/m-RiJzlqPKA

05/26/2026

Join Abbie as she talks about the changes happening at Plum Creek Conservation Area. It has only been a few years but the future is looking brighter all the time!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ETLry89QN/

Institute

05/23/2026

Which nature preserves are on your list to explore in the next year?

Will it be to take in a breathtaking sunset from the top of the bluffs at one of the less-traveled preserves like Wandering Rock in Nelson, Easter Rd/Hass Tract in La Crosse, or Cardinal Bluff in DeSoto?

Will you take a slow stroll through Holland Sand Prairie, taking in the incredible variety of native wildflowers?

Will you challenge yourself to a steep hike at Devil's Backbone in Grant County?

Will you launch your canoe at Woodman Floodplain and search for goslings and ducklings as they learn to search for food?

There are so many adventures just waiting for you. Join our FREE hiking challenge, the Trail Trek Challenge, and we will send you a hiking guide so you can plan your next adventure.

SIGN UP: MississippiValleyConservancy.org/ttc

Many thanks to our generous sponsors, including our lead sponsor, Dairyland Power, who have made this program possible. Thanks also to News 8 Now which shares our event throughout the year.