MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the recent release of the 2022 state natural area volunteer annual report showcasing the hundreds of volunteers who contributed to the care of Wisconsin’s State Natural Areas (SNA). 

Last year, volunteers spent more than 9,589 hours maintaining and improving State Natural Areas. As they learn by doing, they are skillfully removing invasives, helping with prescribed burns, and collecting seeds,” said Jared Urban, DNR State Natural Area Volunteer Program Coordinator. 

State natural areas are designated to conserve the best of Wisconsin prairies, forests, wetlands, and other habitats. These special places provide support for 90% of rare plant species and 75% of rare wildlife species. 

Nearly all properties are open to the public to enjoy while bird watching, hiking, hunting, and fishing. Visitors should note that State Natural Areas are largely undeveloped and do not have restrooms, trails, and other facilities like state parks do. 

Although the DNR holds more than half of these sites in trust for Wisconsinites, the U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and more than 50 other partners own and manage sites under a system established in 1951 and spurred by Aldo Leopold and other Wisconsin conservation giants. 

Workdays are one of the main ways volunteers help the DNR care for State Natural Areas. Workdays take place at different state properties across the state and throughout the year. They are a great way to get some exercise, have fun, and make a positive impact on out pristine public lands. 

To sign up to receive email updates on upcoming volunteer workdays in their or areas of interest on the DNR’s State Natural Area webpage.

No experience is necessary, and training and equipment are provided on site.