Introducing New SDG Program Manager
We're thrilled to announce that Andy Bingle is our new Southern Driftless Grasslands Program Manager! Andy grew up in Colorado, but fell in love with the Driftless while living in Baraboo and working for the International Crane Foundation. He returned to Colorado for his master's degree and led a variety of environmentally focused programs there. Now that he's back in Wisconsin, his passion for the Driftless, interest in rural communities, and diverse leadership experience will serve him (and the partnership!) well. Learn more about Andy and join us in welcoming him to the DALC and SDG team!
Make Your Voice Heard for Conservation Funding
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is a vital source of funding for land conservation and outdoor recreation in Wisconsin - and it's up for renewal in the 2025 state budget. Luckily, our partners at Gathering Waters have made it easy to show your support. Go to their postcard campaign page, upload a photo and a personal message, and Gathering Waters will print it out and send it to your representatives. By sharing our stories, we can make sure Knowles-Nelson perseveres as a crucial tool for land protection across Wisconsin!
"Finding Your Place in the Prairie"
Registration is open for The Prairie Enthusiasts' 2025 conference! Join their annual online gathering from February 12 to February 15. This year's theme is "Finding Your Place in the Prairie." There are terrific keynote speakers and sessions that will benefit everyone from prairie novices to seasoned conservationists. Plus, don't miss the chance to participate in the ever-popular Burn School - the first step in becoming a prescribed fire volunteer with TPE! Find more details and register at the event website.
Volunteer Opportunities
Head outside and make a difference! Join our outdoor workdays:
Find more details and let us know you're coming at our Volunteer page.
Notes From the Field
with Chuck Tennessen
Forensics, Future Farmers of America, school musical and holiday concerts, and of course sports, sports, sports and more. These days, middle and high school students have seemingly endless opportunities to explore their interests and develop their talents all the while navigating the complexities of social media and puberty.
Even so, area students have found time to learn about and engage with some real-world environmental challenges we face today. “Cleaner options to lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?” they’ve asked. “Tell us more.” So we did. DALC's CLEA-N partnership compiled resource materials concerning the over two hundred schools across Wisconsin that have added solar to their campuses. Then we invited students to submit entries to DALC’s Shine-On Solar Poetry Slam contest. Over one hundred eighty students took up the challenge. Among the entries were eloquent missives urging adult decision-makers to upgrade energy efficiencies and consider solar for their schools.
And their efforts are getting results! Student activists at the Mineral Point and Dodgeville high schools helped prepare their schools to receive grants for comprehensive energy assessments on their facilities. These assessments will begin soon and will undoubtedly pave the way for these districts to move toward a cleaner future.
Our young folks are the future. As a former public-school educator, it’s been my great pleasure to engage with these young leaders. Their energy and enthusiasm are inspiring. There’s no hiding from the fact that they will face numerous environmental challenges ahead. Fortunately, these talented teens are already developing tools to address these challenges. And for inspiration, they need only to step outside into this unique Driftless landscape we call home. May their future be bright.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Cheers,
Chuck Tennessen, Energy and Climate Coordinator
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