The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin

10/13/2026

It's that magical time of year 🍂🍁

Autumn has arrived, which means a vibrant display of fall foliage is just around the corner. Now through November, these iconic autumnal hues will wash over the Midwestern U.S. at varying times.

In Wisconsin, fall colors are predicted to peak during mid-October in the northernmost region while the rest of the state can expect their peak toward the end of the month.

TNC Wisconsin preserves offer scenic spots like Baxter's Hollow Preserve, Lulu Lake Preserve, and Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area for you to take in the tapestry of reds, oranges and yellows. Plan your leaf peeping trip to a TNC preserve near you. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/?s=wisconsin&en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

10/10/2026

Heads up, Adams County! The Nature Conservancy will be conducting a prescribed fire operation this Sunday, Oct. 11 at a site in Preston Township, northeast of Adams-Friendship, Wisconsin.

Smoke from the operation may be visible from State Highways 21 and 13. There are no planned road closures. For drivers on Highways 21 and 13 please drive carefully and keep your eyes on the road. Please do not attempt to visit the site as it is crucial that the area remains clear for the safety of the people managing the fire. Please do not call in to report the fire, either – local emergency responders and law enforcement are already aware of the operation. Local fire departments and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are assisting with the operation.
What is a prescribed fire vs. wildfire?

Prescribed fires, also called controlled burns, are intentional and managed by trained professionals for the purposes of land management and restoration as well as to reduce hazardous fuels and wildfire risk. It is carefully planned to ensure the safety of the crew involved in the operation and the local community. In contrast, wildfires are uncontrolled and can pose significant threats to people, property and ecosystems.

Prescribed fires are one of the most important tools in TNC’s restoration toolbox. TNC has been using prescribed burning for more than 60 years to keep a variety of native habitats healthy.

Learn more about why we burn in Wisconsin:

Fire can be used safely to restore native habitats and provide many benefits to people and nature. Learn more.

10/09/2026

Autumn is in full swing in the Midwest 🍂 Here are a few ideas for your next outdoor fall adventure:

🍁 Complete a fall color scavenger hunt
🦅 Spot wildlife preparing for winter or migration
🌰 Look for seeds, cones and acorns
💡 Learn about nature near you

Looking for a place to visit in Wisconsin this weekend? Check out our fall preserve guide and find your next autumn adventure. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/find-your-connection/find-your-connection-stories/fall-for-nature/?en_txn6=lol.fyc.x.evgr.mmx.x&en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

10/08/2026

This fall, millions of migratory birds are using TNC and our partners’ sites to rest and refuel as they migrate through Wisconsin and the Midwestern U.S. Autumn is the best time of year to see one particular type of feathered friend making the journey down to central or south America for the winter: mighty, majestic raptors. 🍂🦅

Raptors refer to large birds of prey like hawks, eagles, ospreys, vultures, and falcons. To take advantage of rising warm air currents known as thermals, many raptor species migrate in massive, swirling flocks called "kettles" — aptly named after its resemblance to the swirling bubbles in a boiling kettle of water (swipe through this carousel to see a kettle of turkey vultures and black vultures in action❗)

In the Midwest, it’s most common to spot raptors alone or in kettles from August to December along the Great Lakes shorelines, elevated inland ridges, and the Mississippi River basin and its surrounding marshy landscapes.

Protected natural spaces where these birds can take respite are absolutely essential to ensure that they survive and thrive. Learn more about how our critical restoration work across the Midwest helps support these regal raptors and other birds. https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/midwest/stories-in-the-midwest/migratory-birds/?en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

10/06/2026

The Nature Conservancy is excited to welcome two new members to our Board of Trustees for Wisconsin: Paul Stoy and Sam Kohler. They join our active, engaged and committed group of volunteer leaders helping to further our work in Wisconsin and across the Upper Midwest.

Read more: https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/wisconsin-new-trustees-2026/?en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

10/02/2026

Welcome to a jet-setting year in the life of a mallard duck 🦆📅

This incredible timelapse follows a single GPS-tracked drake (a.k.a. male) mallard duck and his movements from November 2024 through November 2025, representing some of the epic migration routes that millions of ducks take each year as he bounces between wetlands up and down the Mississippi Flyway — including TNC preserves like Emiquon Preserve in Illinois and Aspen Parkland Preserve in Minnesota, along with partner restoration projects like the newly restored McGregor Lake, a 200-acre backwater lake within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Wisconsin.

The tracking video comes from the Five Oaks Ag Research and Education Center, which has deployed around 200 GPS transmitters in Arkansas over the past five years to understand mallard movements and habitat relationships during the winter. The data collected helps guide decisions about habitat management to better support migrating waterfowl populations throughout the flyway.

This mallard’s movements demonstrate how well-managed wetland complexes can act as connected networks that ducks and countless other birds depend on year-round. These kinds of networks only exist thanks to the many dedicated partners that work to protect them across borders, reminding us that conservation never happens in isolation — and that nature truly connects us all.

Thank you to Ryan Askren from Five Oaks Ag Research and Education Center for the original timelapse video and and mallard video clips! This work is a collaboration between Five Oaks, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, private landowners, and more.

10/01/2026

Many of TNC’s first preserves in the Midwest were born from a collective vision for an environmental gem where people and nature can thrive. 💎 After 60 years of collaboration, stewardship and innovation in Wisconsin and across the region, several of these preserves have grown immensely in scale—and have influenced place-based land protection solutions far beyond their origin.

For instance, TNC celebrated 20 years of “The Big U.P. deal” last year, marking one of the most significant land conservation transactions in Michigan’s history. Powered by collaboration with governors and Michigan's foundation community, this deal has protected over 270,000 acres of habitat surrounding some of the most iconic Northwoods landscapes—supporting species like bald eagles, osprey, common loons, gray wolves, moose, and a magnitude of threatened and endangered plants.

Learn more about the success of Michigan's place-based conservation efforts and get a glimpse of how similar strategies could be implemented here in Wisconsin. https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/michigan/stories-in-michigan/20-years-of-the-big-up-deal/?en_txn1=s_p.reg_mw.eg.x.S2S.Organic.Social.FY27

09/30/2026

Whooooo's excited about fall in Wisconsin? This barred owl was happy hanging out at TNC's Barneveld Prairie preserve this past week, where the late season flowers and seeds have turned the prairie golden.

Every season brings a whole new color palate to explore and appreciate! Plan your visit today: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/barneveld-prairie/?en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

Thanks to Eric Goplin for sharing this great photo with us! 🦉

09/27/2026

This , we're celebrating one of the most iconic ecosystems in the Midwest: the mighty Mississippi River basin. 💧

Encompassing 1.245 million square miles across two Canadian provinces and 31 U.S. states including Wisconsin, the Mississippi River and its tributaries nourish crops, transport goods, provide recreational opportunities and sustain robust fisheries. While the Basin is facing immense challenges like increasingly intense flooding, invasive species and more, TNC is working across the region to convene partners and implement key strategies that increase connectivity, support healthy habitats for wildlife and improve water quality.

Learn more about our work to protect the Mississippi River basin. https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/mississippi-river-basin/?en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

09/22/2026

It's the first day of fall (aka the autumn equinox!! 🍁

For us, it's the start of the cozy season*, with hoodies, pumpkin spice, and crunchy leaves underfoot. But for wildlife in the Midwest, it's actual crunch time as they FALL into their winter routines. Some are stocking up. Some are slowing down. Some are scouting prime napping locations. (Relatable.) 🍁🎃

*At least it will be once the Midwest's second summer 🥵 ends.