North Central Spring Conservation Gathering

Building healthy soil amidst an increasingly challenging environment remains a high priority for women landowners in Wisconsin. Join fellow women landowners, farmers and conservationists along with local experts, to delve into climate-smart practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, while building resilience to strengthen your operation.

All women farmers, landowners and conservationists from the Marathon, Portage, Shawano and surrounding counties are welcome to attend-- whatever your background, from beginners to experts! 

Bring a small sample of water from any source (tap water, livestock waterer, pond or puddle!) and learn how to test for nitrates.

Lunch provided:  A box lunch will be provided for people at the end of the session as they leave. Participants are welcome to eat together and go for a walk at the preserve after. Please indicate on your registration form if you need a vegetarian and/or gluten free meal.

Speakers: Kathy Turner, Area Resource Soil Scientist -  Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Wisconsin Women in Conservation Host:  Kirsten Slaughter, Wisconsin Farmers Union

Location:  Schmeeckle Reserve

Schmeeckle Reserve is a 280-acre  conservancy area on the campus of UW-Stevens Point, set aside to protect  natural communities of central Wisconsin. It is open to the public and serves as a unique gathering place for the community and university with 5 miles of trails and boardwalks, a 24-acre lake, and a large  diversity of habitats that support numerous wildlife species.

Event Details:

• Event is free to attend but registration is required and space is limited.
• All women, or anyone who identifies as such in a significant way, are welcome to attend – from  landowners to farmers to conservationist enthusiasts – whatever your background, from beginners to experts! Our WiWiC events follow a Learning Circle model, with ample time and a safe space for story sharing, networking and collaborative learning. We all have something to both share and learn together.
• Mask indoors at all times (except when eating and drinking; replace immediately). No masks required outdoors. Social distancing is encouraged.
• Photos will be taken at this event and used for educational purposes only by WiWiC and the partner groups.  If you do not wish to have your picture taken, let the on-site WiWiC host know.
• WiWiC is a family-friendly space and you are welcome to bring your children.  We will have some independent kids activities available.
• There will be an optional hike at the end for people who want to stick around after lunch.

About Wisconsin Women in Conservation

WiWiC is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with Wisconsin Farmers Union, Renewing the Countryside and the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).  A three-year multi-faceted project funded by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), WiWiC brings together Wisconsin women landowners to connect and learn about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.