In 76 Photos: Whitewater Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Walworth County

The Wisconsin DNR announces Hunting Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Grant Program funding opportunities to build the state's hunting community. Applications are due by Sept. 15.

The Wisconsin DNR is offering a unique hunting experience at the Sandhill Wildlife Area to help with a deer density research study. Applications are due Aug. 14.

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin DNR announced new funding is available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities address per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in wastewater.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group invite the public to help monitor chimney swift populations by participating in a “Swift Night Out.”

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages new and experienced hunters to enroll in a hunter education course. Courses are available across the state in a variety of formats.

The Wisconsin DNR is seeking volunteers to serve on its Disability Advisory Council. The nine-person council currently has three vacancies. The application deadline is Saturday, Sept. 30.

The Wisconsin DNR asks the public to stay vigilant and avoid all outdoor burning this holiday weekend due to elevated fire danger across southern and central Wisconsin. This includes campfires.

The Wisconsin DNR reminds hunters that the 2023 bear hunting season opens Sept. 6 and runs through Oct. 10, with specific regulations based on a hunter’s bear management zone.

Amid a nationwide rise in deaths by suicide, Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are raising awareness of available resources and important actions all Wisconsinites can take to promote hope, offer support, and save lives.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will celebrate the launch of a new outdoor wheelchair program on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 1-3 p.m. at Point Beach State Forest, 9400 County Hwy. O in Two Rivers. This new program will bring outdoor wheelchairs to various state-owned properties.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Oct. 2 announced the release of its 2023 Air Quality Trends Report, which includes state monitoring data through 2022 for air pollutants regulated under the federal Clear Air Act. While concentrations of these pollutants have decreased over the last two decades, in recent years the report shows two of the most harmful pollutants – ozone and fine particulates – have decreased only modestly in recent years.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring park managers and park rangers at some of Wisconsin’s premier natural properties across the state. These roles are a great entry point for people looking to start or advance their careers in the popular and rewarding field of outdoor recreation.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program is offering free educational online programs in October and November.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program is offering free educational online programs in October and November.

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will meet in-person on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 8:30 a.m. to consider several proposed rulemaking documents, a proposed land sale and donations. The deadline to register for public appearance requests and to submit written comments is 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19. Remote testimony from the public via Zoom may be accepted. In-person public appearances are also welcome. More information regarding public participation at board meetings is available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/about/NRB/public.html.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to try out programs and opportunities offered in Wisconsin that provide experience shooting firearms and archery equipment. 

Happy Little Gems in Whitewater will be hosting a personal growth workshop, “Getting to the Matter of the Heart: Crystals and Practices to Hea…

National Forest Products Week, observed Oct. 15-21, highlights the value of forest products, their many contributions to society, and the vital role they play in our daily lives.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions hunters to avoid placing deer stands in or near ash trees this deer hunting season as they start scouting properties. Most ash trees in the southern half of Wisconsin, Door County and the Mississippi River counties are dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestation. Although emerald ash borer is not as widespread in other parts of the state, the invasive insect continues to be found at additional locations throughout the state and unreported infestations are also likely present.

The Wisconsi DNR on Nov. 3 announced the results of a study conducted to understand the extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in shallow groundwater throughout Wisconsin.  

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Nov. 17 that the 2024 state park and forest annual admission stickers and trail passes will go on sale Friday, Nov. 24. 

Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine announced special holiday pricing of five issues for $5 during the holiday season. This special pricing will be available for all subscribers, including renewals and gifts, through Jan. 2, 2024.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Dec. 1 that nominations are now open for the 20th annual Wisconsin Invasive Species Council Invader Crusaders Awards. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 18, 2024. Nominees can be individuals, groups or organizations who showed exemplary efforts to address issues surrounding terrestrial and aquatic invasive plants and animals.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to every fourth-grade student in Wisconsin as part of the department’s annual Arbor Day tree planting program. Wisconsin fourth grade principals, teachers and those who homeschool can now place seedling orders and coordinate delivery in advance of a March 15, 2024 order deadline.

Data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry contributed a record-breaking $9.8 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, growing 6.8% over the previous record set in 2021. 

On Dec. 6, State Rep. Ellen Schutt’s (R-31, Clinton) Safe Haven Law reform bill (the "baby box bill") was signed into law as 2023 Wisconsin Act 79, which allows a municipality to install a newborn infant safety device at a hospital, fire station, or law enforcement agency building so a parent can relinquish their newborn with complete anonymity. 

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has announced a boost for Wisconsin’s Ice Age and North Country national scenic trails, providing them with improved management and access to additional funding. The granting of unit status to  National Park Service scenic trails are expected to improve management, establish administrative clarity, and grant access to additional federal resources.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin accepting 2024 reservations for 10 accessible cabins at select Wisconsin state park properties the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 10. Reservations fill up fast.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites any member of the public interested in exploring a potential career with the DNR to attend any of the upcoming in-person career fairs taking place throughout the month of January at Milwaukee, Appleton and Stoughton. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the natural resource field and explore full-time and part-time job opportunities with the DNR.

Students pursuing a college degree in an environmentally-related field are urged to apply for an Environmental Education Foundation Scholarship from the Environmental Education Foundation, Inc., an affiliate of the Lake Geneva-based Geneva Lake Association, Inc. The application deadline is Friday, March 1. Applications are available online at eefscholars.org.

The Aging and Disability Resources Center of Walworth County will be offering a 90-minute "Managing Caregiver Stress" course on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 1:30-3 p.m. in Elkhorn.

The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council will host a series of virtual information sessions regarding proposed revisions to the state’s Invasive Species Indentification, Classification and Control Rule (Chapter NR 40, Wisconsin Administrative Code). There will be a total of four virtual sessions over the next two months.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Feb. 7 that fire management crews are starting to perform prescribed burns on DNR properties throughout the state where local conditions can provide a safe and effective burn. DNR crews will be burning cattail marshes, wetlands, prairies and oak/pine barrens to clear the buildup of dead vegetation and to open waterways for waterfowl to feed and nest. By burning in winter, staff take advantage of wet conditions, which reduces the heat and intensity of cattail marsh and barren burns. Prescribed burns support healthy ecosystems for an abundance of plants and animals in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages anyone considering hunting for the first time in 2024 to enroll in a hunter edu…

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges users of all recreational vehicles to be mindful of safety in this year’s changing conditions when operating throughout the state. With unusually warm temperatures this winter, more ATVs and UTVs are on Wisconsin roads

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) will meet in-person for the Feb. 28 board meeting to consider several proposed rulemaking documents, a proposed land sale and donations, and to receive a report of the 2023-2024 deer seasons.

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress and Department of Natural Resources invite the public to attend spring hearings on Monday, April 8 at 6 p.m. to learn about resource management through the annual Fish and Wildlife Spring Hearing process. Additionally, an online opportunity for public input will be available April 10-13. 

The UW-Madison Division of Extension will be hosting the educational horticulture program "Tree Troubles: Factors of Tree Decline and Spongy Moth Management" on April 26 and May 9 at Elkhorn and May 7 at Whitewater.

April 26, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

In celebration of Earth Day and Forest Appreciation Week, Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, announced April 22 that the state is increasing its Trillion Trees Pledge planting goal from planting 75 million trees to 100 million trees by the end of 2030.

The Barrett Memorial Library in Williams Bay will screen a live virtual horticultural presentation from the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension, "Establishing a Bee Lawn: Current Research and Practical Techniques," this Thursday, April 25, from noon to 1 p.m. 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced May 1 that a population of Maryland senna (Senna marilandica), a rare plant not seen in Wisconsin since 1911, was rediscovered in southwest Wisconsin. George Riggin, a trained volunteer for the DNR's Rare Plant Monitoring Program, and Bridget Rathman, DNR Habitat Biologist, spotted the plant.  

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) will meet in-person for the May 22 board meeting to consider proposed rulemaking documents and land donations.

Gov. Tony Evers, a longtime member of the U.S. Climate Alliance, announced May 9 that he is joining the Alliance’s executive committee, which oversees the strategic direction of the bipartisan coalition of governors. Evers will be the first governor from the Midwest to join the Alliance leadership since its June 2017 inception.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites the public to head outdoors for its 12th annual Free Fun Weekend, happening June 1-2. State Park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all visitors.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to plan ahead by purchasing 2024 annual vehicle admission sticker and state trail passes online at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced that it will award up to $559,680 to cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through its competitive Urban Forestry Grant program. The grant application period for 2025 grants runs from July 1-Oct. 1, 2024.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers to promote safe, responsible and ethical hunting practices as hunter education instructors. Volunteer opportunities are available in all parts of the state.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is still accepting artwork entries for the Wild Turkey, Pheasant and Waterfowl Stamp design contests. The winning designs will appear on the 2025 collection of stamps. The application deadline is Thursday, Aug. 1.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday by making sure they understand the basics of wildfire prevention and practice fire safety while enjoying the outdoors. To commemorate Smokey’s 80th birthday, the DNR is hosting several events at state parks and state forests across the state over the coming weeks.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for a special trapping season within Sandhill Wildlife Area. The deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 trapping season is Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to prepare for the opening of several hunting and trapping seasons in October. There are four dates throughout October when seasons open, so hunters are encouraged to double-check season dates and confirm that they have acquired all necessary licenses and stamps before heading into the field.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Oct. 8 that it will host learning sessions on redevelopment of properties known as brownfields. Local government officials and others interested in learning more about brownfield redevelopment in Wisconsin are encouraged to attend.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters and the general public that the 2024 pheasant season opened Oct. 19 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

There are increased fire danger levels across Wisconsin due to varying levels of moderate to severe drought. 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on Nov. 25 announced that the Wisconsin State Park System will be moving to a 12-month admission pass model. The new 12-month admission passes went on sale Monday, Dec. 2.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is previewing a year-long celebration of the quasquicentennial anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System in 2025. The public is invited to participate in the 125th anniversary celebration of the Wisconsin State Park System by spending time on public lands, attending commemorative events throughout the year and learning about the park system’s history.

Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers and Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Cassi…

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Dec. 10  that the winter issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine is now available in print and online.

Gov. Tony Evers on Dec. 23 announced he is appointing Dr. Karen Hyun to serve as the secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Hyun’s appointment is effective Jan. 27, 2025. 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages Wisconsinites to join the DNR at one of several First Day Hikes scheduled at state properties on New Year's Day. Participating in a First Day Hike is a healthy, refreshing way to kick off the new year.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to celebrate the outdoors this winter by joining a candlelight event happening across the state.

Gov. Tony Evers, chair of the Wisconsin State Building Commission, announced Jan. 10 that the Commission approved a comprehensive budget adjustment for various University of Wisconsin (UW) System projects and authority to construct two important projects, including $10.5 million for additions and renovations at UW-Whitewater in Walworth County.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Jan. 14 that is will host five career fairs across the state in early 2025. The fairs will be held in Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Milwaukee, Fitchburg and Woodruff, starting Jan. 18.

Data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry contributed a record-breaking $9.8 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, growing 6.8% over the previous record set in 2021.