The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is highlighting ways Wisconsinites can do their part for nature this Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22 — and every day — including simple changes that can have a lasting impact.
“We all have opportunities every day to make simple swaps or changes to help reduce our carbon footprint, from using reusable grocery bags and water bottles to composting and recycling,” said Elizabeth Koehler, TNC in Wisconsin’s State Director. “Day by day, we are feeling the impacts of climate change in Wisconsin but if we all work together, we can do our part to and ensure future generations can enjoy everything the Badger state has to offer.”
There are small changes anyone can make to reduce their impact on the environment. Some of these changes include reducing paper use, buying secondhand or donated used goods so they don’t wind up in landfills, shopping at local farmers markets or planting a native garden that supports insects like the endangered monarch butterfly and other pollinators.
Wisconsinites can also spend time at a state or local park, or one of TNC’s protected areas, in the days leading up to Earth Day — or anytime — and enjoy the health benefits of being outdoors.
“There are countless studies that show a walk in the woods can do wonders for our mental health,” Koehler said. “Spending up to just two hours a week in nature can boost mental health and well-being and reduce stress. That amounts to a few trips to a local park each week or a weekend day hike.”
TNC manages and maintains tens of thousands of acres of preserves throughout Wisconsin, from the tip of the Door Peninsula and the scenic Northwoods to Baxter’s Hollow, a birder’s paradise tucked away in the Baraboo Hills.
“Our preserves are open to the public and offer everything from excellent birdwatching to wildflower viewing to scenic hikes along clear streams and through prairies, forests and oak savannas. These incredible places draw people from throughout the state who want to reconnect with nature, destress or just take a walk through the woods,” Koehler said.
For those looking for opportunities to make a difference beyond your own backyard, volunteer opportunities are available at TNC preserves year-round. Events and opportunities available in April include:
● The Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26. Thousands of volunteers will gather to collect litter at more than 90 sites across the Milwaukee River Basin. TNC will focus on the Lincoln Creek site. Please click here for more information and to register to help out.
● For those looking for a more celebratory approach to Earth Day, join the Rock the Green 14th Annual Earth Day Celebration from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the Harley Davidson Museum, 400 W. Canal Street in Milwaukee. Stop by the TNC table to turn more about Wisconsin conservation.
For additional information on how to help and to find places to visit any time of year in Wisconsin, visit “Explore Your Local Nature Preserves” on www.nature.org.
