South West 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 Vernon, Crawford, Grant and surrounding counties are welcome to attend-- whatever your background, from beginners to experts! 

At this gathering, we will connect with practices and NRCS resources that support you stewarding the long term health of your land, including the positive impacts of an integrated permaculture and agroforestry approach as well as the importance of developing pollinator habitat and usage of cover crops.

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

Snack provided 

Resource Experts: 

Karyl Fritsche, NRCS Crawford County

Harriet Behar, WiWiC Conservation Coach

Britta Petersen, Pheasants Forever

Barbara Decré, Savanna Institute

Wisconsin Women in Conservation Host:  Elena Byrne, Renewing the Countryside

Location:  Kickapoo Valley Reserve

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an 8,600-acre tract of public land located between the villages of La Farge and Ontario in southwestern Wisconsin with incredible biodiversity. Be sure to add in some time before or after the gathering to explore the Visitor Center and hiking trails.

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.
• Event is planned to be both inside and outside. Dress for the weather.
• 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.

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.