Team Knowles Nelson

05/13/2026

Less than two months remain until the expiration of Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant program, risking land conservation efforts.

05/13/2026

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/

05/07/2026

What does it *actually* look like when Knowles-Nelson disappears?

The Capital Times shares how conservation groups across Wisconsin are already preparing for delayed projects, stalled land protection efforts, and fewer opportunities to conserve public land if the program expires in June.

For decades, Knowles Nelson has been one of the most reliable sources of state funding for conservation. Without it, future opportunities to protect land could be gone for good.

The state’s popular land stewardship program runs out of funding June 30. Some worry more Wisconsin natural areas will be bulldozed.

05/07/2026

04/30/2026

04/28/2026

Last week, we got out hiking at Tower Hill State Park with Governor Tony Evers during Earth Week, joined by partners from The Prairie Enthusiasts, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, and Driftless Area Land Conservancy. We were grateful to stand alongside people across Wisconsin working to conserve the lands and waters we all depend on—today and for generations to come.

It's worth remembering: Ga***rd Nelson, the Wisconsin governor whose name is on the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, founded Earth Day in 1970 because he believed protecting land and water was a Wisconsin value, not a partisan one. More than 50 years later, that's still what we're fighting for. 🌎💚

04/27/2026

Thank you to Groundswell Conservancy for inviting us to celebrate a banner year of conservation and for letting us share a Knowles Nelson update with your community. Grateful for legislators like Rep. Renuka Mayadev who keep showing up for Wisconsin's land and water! 🌲🌊

04/23/2026

There's no off-season for Team Knowles Nelson, and this summer is shaping up to be an important one!

Join Gathering Waters' advocacy team on Thursday, April 30 at 10:00 am for a live policy update and organizing call. We'll cover the latest on reauthorization, map out how to keep pushing for Knowles-Nelson through the summer, and leave time for questions and discussion.

All are welcome to join, whether you're a longtime champion or just looking to learn more!

📅 April 30 | 🕙 10:00 AM | 💻 ZOOM

🔗 RSVP to receive the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/KNAprilWebinar

04/23/2026

To celebrate Earth Day, we joined Driftless Area Land Conservancy for a site visit with Representative Todd Novak at Big Rock Preserve, a property protected with support from the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program.

We talked about what the Stewardship Program has meant for the Driftless area and the continued push to get it reauthorized as negotiations continue.

Big Rock Preserve includes a Trout Unlimited restored stream and is an active bald eagle nesting site... exactly the kind of place Knowles-Nelson exists to protect.

Thanks to Driftless Area Land Conservancy for hosting and for continuing to drive this conversation forward!

04/19/2026

Attending listening sessions, town halls, and in-district office hours is one of the simplest ways to get to know your legislators... and to make sure they keep hearing about Knowles Nelson from constituents.

Here are some upcoming opportunities. Find a full list with regular updates here: https://knowlesnelson.org/listening-sessions/