This week, Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC) is launching a statewide series of “Harvest Your Conservation Potential” Learning Circles, hosted at beautiful venues in six regions. The first event is Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 1-5pm at Twin Bluff Farms. Treats from Stockholm Pie will be served. These events are organized to connect women landowners and farmers with local conservation professionals and facilitate winter planning for 2023 conservation practice implementation. Registration is FREE at WiWiC.org under Events.
All women farmers, landowners and conservationists are welcome, as are women who are contemplating purchasing land. WiWiC is working to build regional networks of women interested in land stewardship, and the majority of each event will be dedicated to a peer-to-peer Learning Circle and networking time.
“Harvest Your Conservation Potential” Learning Circle Dates
West Central Region, Sept. 14, 1-5pm, Twin Bluff Farms, Stockholm
South West Region, Sept. 23, 1-5pm, Wild Hills Winery, Muscoda
North East Region, Sept. 29, 1-5pm, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Green Bay
North West Region, Oct. 7, 3:30-6:30pm, The Creamery Inn, Downsville
Central Region, Oct. 13, 1-4pm, Schmeeckle Reserve, Stevens Point
South East Region, Oct. 25, 12-3pm, River Bend Nature Center, Racine
Local conservation professionals will be present at each gathering to train participants on the value of procuring a Conservation, Forestry, or Grazing Plan. WiWiC provides grants for participants to have professional plans prepared.
“A conservation plan is very important as it is the first step in managing natural resources on the landscape while helping landowner’s reach their conservation objectives for their land,” said Jennifer Roetter, who is a Resource Conservationist with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) in Durand. “Having a conservation plan developed helps NRCS identify if a landowner qualifies for financial assistance through USDA Farm Bill programs.” Roetter and Kristen Peetz from the Farm Service Agency will be present at Wednesday’s Learning Circle in Stockholm.
WiWiC is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with Wisconsin Farmers Union, Renewing the Countryside and Marbleseed (formerly MOSES). A three-year multi-faceted project funded by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), WiWiC brings together Wisconsin women landowners to connect and learn about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.
In addition to Field Days, WiWiC also provides mentorship to women landowners and farmers who want to increase conservation practices on their properties – and FREE professionally-prepared Conservation Plans. There will be a series of Fall Learning Circle gatherings across the state in September and October. Registration is live now at WiWiC.org. Interested parties can subscribe to “The Buzz” monthly newsletter and the “Queen Bee Sessions” podcast on the website as well.
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