Earth Day is an excellent time to support Wisconsin landscapes by participating in ecosystem monitoring, conservation practices and learning opportunities. Whether you are a farmer, a landowner, or someone passionate about the environment, the Natural Resources Institute has a way for you to get involved in nature. Here is our top 10 list for celebrating the outdoors this Earth Day!
- Learn how to support the health of your land
Interested in doing conservation work on your land? Our Getting Started with Stewardship webinar series will feature experts in land management and conservation April 23 and 30. Connect with experts, discover more about your land and find ways to best support the Wisconsin landscape by registering today.
- Participate in ecosystem monitoring
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and monitor the plants, animals and ecosystem function of Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes. Monitor amphibians in your area through the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey or report daily weather updates to increase the accuracy of flood and drought predictions in your town through the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. These monitoring networks are a great way to help scientists learn more about our local ecosystems!
- Plant trees
Trees are an important source of oxygen, nutrients and habitat formation, not to mention their immense beauty! Celebrate Earth Day by planting trees on your property following these helpful tips!
- Pick up trash along local waterways
Trash can harm wildlife, toxify water and damage ecosystems. Help fix this problem by visiting your local waterways and picking up trash. You can also join Water Action Volunteers to help support the health and management of local waterways as a stream monitor.
- Report aquatic invasive species
Our lakes can be harmed by invasive species when they steal resources from native plants and animals. But, reporting their distribution can help researchers manage their spread! Love the earth this week by brushing up on invasive species identification and reporting your observations to the Citizen Lake Monitoring Network.
- Connect kids to the outdoors
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center hosts numerous camps and events for youth from all backgrounds to explore and learn about the outdoors! Connecting children and nature creates exciting learning opportunities and fosters a heartfelt, long-term stewardship later in life.
- Bring conservation to your farming practices
One Good Idea is an online community where farmers share their experiences and practices for creating healthy soil, land and income with other farmers. From tillage to livestock management, One Good Idea connects farmers with each other as they work to support conservation on their land!
Spring in the estuary is full of life, making it a perfect place to celebrate the planet. Explore the unique landscape of the estuary or submit your photos of Lake Superior to help scientists document changing coastal conditions. You can also learn about the history of the estuary and its local communities by visiting the Estuarium or exploring it from the comfort of your own home!
- Plant native plants
Celebrate Wisconsin’s native species by planting them on your property or in your community! Planting these alternatives limits the spread of invasive species and supports healthy water, soils and wildlife. Learn about wetland and terrestrial plant alternatives for your unique ecosystem.
- Assist with invasive species control
Invasive species like the wetland Purple Loosestrife plant can be controlled by beetles, which have an exclusive diet for loosestrife plants. It’s easy to get involved using these beetles to stop the spread of invasive loosestrife, and protect Wisconsin waterways! You can also reduce the spread of invasive species by surrendering exotic pets to Upham Woods and J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue on May 4.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will be hosting Earth Fest this week to celebrate and learn about our planet. Events include marches, crafts, presentations, film screenings and more! Regardless of where you are and how you choose to celebrate, we encourage you to join us in appreciating Earth Day!