It's almost Wisconsin Women in Conservation Week!
- Kriss Marion
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Women are shaping the future of conservation in Wisconsin. While managing farms, stewarding forests, restoring native habitats, running community gardens, advocating for policy change, and educating the next generation - women are a rapidly growing force for good on the landscape. Governor Tony Evers has recognized those contributions by proclaiming July 5–11 as Wisconsin Women in Conservation Week. This is the fifth year of the annual proclamation and we can't wait to celebrate!
The proclamation highlights the important role of women in Wisconsin agriculture and conservation today, and celebrates the impact women have had on caring for the state's land, water, and natural resources through time. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, Wisconsin is home to an estimated 37,600 female agricultural producers, representing approximately 35 percent of all agricultural producers in the state.
"Celebrating Wisconsin Women in Conservation Week for the fifth consecutive year is about more than recognition—it's about creating a space to connect, share stories, and build lasting networks. The happy hours are important because they strengthen relationships, spark collaboration, and remind us that conservation grows through community." -Esther Durairaj, WiWiC Program Director
To observe this week, WiWiC is hosting two free Happy Hour gatherings. Everyone is invited to join in, celebrate the proclamation, and network with conservation professionals, practitioners, and volunteers. Both Happy Hour events are free to attend, though registration is appreciated.
Whether you're new to conservation or have been involved for decades, we invite you to come learn, share, support, and connect with others committed to healthy people, healthy soils, and healthy places. All WiWiC events are family-friendly.
Milwaukee Happy Hour
Monday, July 6 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Alice's Garden Urban Farm | Milwaukee
Kick off Wisconsin Women in Conservation Week in the heart of Milwaukee at Alice's Garden Urban Farm. Venice Williams, Executive Director of Alice's Garden and Fondy Farm Project, will give a welcome address, followed by an evening of networking with conservation professionals, gardeners, educators, and community leaders. Bring your business cards, stories, and ideas to share. Locally catered cocktail sandwiches, salad, dessert, and drinks will be served by Milwaukee's Delicious Bites.
Don't miss a wonderful evening of networking with Pastor Venice Williams!
Madison Area/Mount Horeb Happy Hour
Wednesday, July 8 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Brix Cider | Mount Horeb
The celebration continues in Mount Horeb with an evening at Brix Cider. Brix is owned by Matt and Marie Raboin, who is herself a Dane County Conservation Specialist. Guests will enjoy a locally-sourced charcuterie board while connecting with fellow conservationists from across southern Wisconsin. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
The host of this event will be WiWiC Project Lead and Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) Education Director Dr. Esther S. Durairaj. She will be joined by Dr. Mrill Ingram, an environmental writer and geographer who is also MFAI's Participatory Action Research Scientist. Ingram will share what she has learned through five years of leading the Wisconsin Cover Crop Data Network, a farmer-driven citizen science project.
"I'm passionate about creating spaces that are inclusive and nurturing of humans and other beings. From street terraces to farm fields, abandoned lots, and ditched wetlands, my work engages art and science to connect to Earth, reckoning with the past and imagining vibrant, generative, and more equitable futures." -Dr. Mrill Ingram
Ingram won the 2022 JB Jackson Prize for her book "Loving Orphaned Space: The Art and Science of Belonging to Earth." The Jackson Prize was established to encourage and reward American geographers who write books about the United States which convey the insights of professional geography in language that is interesting and attractive to a lay audience. She has also published several peer-reviewed articles on human-microbial relationships.
Join environmental writer, geography and Participatory Action Research Scientist Dr. Mrill Ingram for a Happy Hour Celebration at Brix Cider!
As is typical with WiWiC events, we'll also have a casual Learning Circle to share out what is going on in our life and work. See you soon!
