Events Calendar
Learn and volunteer with the Conservancy
Want to learn to identify native and invasive plants, manage your own property, or just feel good about helping make a difference for local wildlife and community members? Looking for ways to join like-minded folks to learn more about the world we live in?
Join us for an upcoming Linked to the Land educational event or a Volunteer for the Wild work party to expand your horizons and gain a sense of satisfaction for helping wildlife in your community.
View the 2026 Linked to the Land schedule.
View the 2026 Volunteer for the Wild schedule.
Read more about the options below. Sign-up available online a few months prior to each event.
Events
Trail Trek Challenge is a free year-round hike/walk program on the nature preserves you've helped protect in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. Challenge yourself to hike at least five of the 19 designated trails to discover nature's treasures and learn what makes these places so valuable for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.
COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE AND WE WILL SEND YOU A WATER BOTTLE STICKER to commemorate your accomplishment! Add the kids' names to your Trail Guide, and we will send one for each of the kids, too!
When you sign up, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to your downloadable Trail Guide & Hike Log with hike descriptions and a place to record your hikes throughout the year. Downloadable trail maps, an interactive map, and driving directions to each hike location are available from the Nature Preserves section of our website.
Registration kicks off at Earth Fair on April 27, 2025 with a guided marsh hike at Myrick part at 11am, and you can register at any time throughout the year.
Thank you to our sponsors, whose support helps us
- Protect trees, prairies, and clean water for plants, animals and YOU!
- Teach the value of nature through outdoor recreation and land restoration projects.
- Clear trails and provide free places for people to hike on over 7,000 acres in 9 counties.
- Inspire community members to unplug and spend more time outdoors.
2025-2026 Trail Trek Challenge Sponsors: J.F. Brennan Company, Organic Valley, Emplify Health at Gundersen,
Mayo Clinic Health System, Trust Point, People’s Food Cooperative, Altra Financial Advisors, Explore La Crosse, News 8 Now,
Powered Printing-A Service of Dairyland Power Cooperative
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Let's protect the prairie!
Haven't explored the largest nature preserve owned by Mississippi Valley Conservancy? This is your chance! Ongoing restoration work on a remnant oak savanna and prairie at Plum Creek Conservation Area has been progressing for a year. Join the team working to clear invasive plants from a rare prairie ecosystem at the top of "Derelict Ridge" overlooking the winding Kickapoo River. Come for the conservation work, stay for the views!
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time!
Work difficulty rating: MODERATE DIFFICULTY
Terrain difficulty rating: STEEP TERRAIN
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Let's remove invasive brush together!
Missed the last Wandering Rock volunteer work party? This is your chance to come out and see the newly restored western trail. February is an excellent time to explore Wandering Rock State Natural Area, because the scenic view over the Mississippi isn't obscured by leaves on the trees. At this event, we will be working to remove more invasive brush and trees from the parking lot. Bring a friend and check out all the delicious lunch options below the bluff in Nelson after a day of rewarding work.
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time!
Terrain difficulty rating: RELATIVELY FLAT
Work difficulty rating: RELATIVELY EASY
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Let's build fire breaks!
Happy (early) Valentines Day! Do you have a Burning Desire to restore ecosystems in the Driftless? Do you want to show how much you LOVE the Earth? Come out to build a relationship with the land. On Friday, February 13th, we will be working on preparing prescribed fire breaks at Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area. Register today and help the Land Management Team clear sticks, branches, and logs away from the firebreaks to ensure a safe and effective fire in the spring!
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time!
Terrain difficulty rating: ROLLING
Work difficulty rating: MODERATE
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Let's create fire breaks!
Itching to get rid of February cabin fever? Come out and join the Land Management team at the beautiful Boscobel Bluffs State Natural Area. This spring, we will focus on removing invasive brush and preparing for prescribed fire on the site. This site has excellent wildlife, views, and is right next to the city of Boscobel. Join us to cut down invasive honeysuckle, buckthorn, and prickly ash, but stay to meet new friends and learn new skills.
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time!
Terrain difficulty rating: ROLLING TERRAIN
Work difficulty rating: MODERATE DIFFICULTY
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Mississippi Valley Conservancy invites community members to a special presentation, Winter Feeder Birds of the Driftless Area, led by naturalist and wildlife photographer Dan Jackson. This two-hour event will take place on Saturday, February 21st at 10 a.m. at the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua.
As part of the Conservancy’s Linked to the Land educational outreach program, this presentation offers a fun and accessible way for nature lovers to deepen their connection to the outdoors—right from their own backyards. Winter is an active season for feeder birds in the Driftless, and learning to identify and understand these species inspires stewardship and appreciation for the habitats that support them year-round.
Dan Jackson is a Wisconsin Master Naturalist, long-time birder, and dedicated conservation volunteer with experience in wildlife photography and citizen science. He has participated in many volunteer research activities and citizen science projects including the Wisconsin Odonata Survey, the Minnesota Odonata Survey, the Dragonfly Society of the Americas Dragonfly Survey, the Wisconsin Butterfly Survey, the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas, USGS Breeding Bird Survey, Wisconsin Owl Survey, Wisconsin Nightjar Survey, Kirtland’s Warbler surveys, Christmas Bird Counts, the Wisconsin Frog Survey, the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Project, and the Great Backyard Bird Count. He has also led hundreds of field trips in search of birds and Odonata, and regularly does presentations on dragonflies, butterflies, birds, bumble bees, and nature photography.
As a wildlife photographer, Dan has spent countless hours in the field and has taken pictures of hundreds of species of birds, dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, bumble bees, river mussels, and many other species of insects, plants, and animals. Some of his photos have been published in magazines, birding publications, newspapers, field guides, websites, and journals including “Dragonflies of the Northwoods”, “Dragonflies of Wisconsin”, “Damselflies of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan”, the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, the Badger Birder, Argia, the Big River Magazine, and even “The Complete Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Australia”.
Jackson’s talk will feature photos of common—and a few uncommon—winter birds that visit feeders in our region, along with engaging insights into their behavior, biology, and ecology. Whether you’re new to backyard birding or a seasoned observer, this presentation will offer tips, visuals, and stories perfect for winter nature watching.
The event is free and open to the public, with donations welcomed to support the Conservancy’s work protecting more than 27,000 acres across the Driftless Area. Support for this Linked to the Land program was also provided by WXOW News 19.
(Photo by Dan Jackson. A Lapland longspur is a frequent visitor to the Driftless Area in the winter months.)
Let's build fire breaks!
Ready for the spring fire season? Come along to help prepare this site for some healthy, healing fire. The Kaplan tract, near the Mathy Quarry site is a bluffside nature preserve that has an excellent view of the city of La Crosse. Bundle up and bring along a friend as we get down to business clearing brush, sticks, logs, and leaves away from the firebreak!
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time!
Terrain difficulty rating: STEEP
Work difficulty rating: MODERATE
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Have you encountered garlic mustard on your property or places you spend time outdoors? Are you fed up with how fast it spreads? Come out to Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area to learn about our most effective garlic mustard control strategies. We will be removing this invasive weed from one of the most biodiverse nature preserves stewarded by Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Garlic mustard is easy to pull and identify, so bring all your friends and family to this event!
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time! Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided.
Terrain difficulty rating: ROLLING
Work difficulty rating: LIGHT
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event.
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6
Want to make a big difference in a short amount of time?
Join us for a clean-up day at the La Crosse River Conservancy as we work together for a common goal.
Did you know one of the largest wetland habitats in Wisconsin used to call La Crosse and the La Crosse river valley home? Today, only small remnants of this once 50 mile long riverside wetland exist. On Saturday, April 18th, join Mississippi Valley Conservancy to restore one of these remaining wetlands at the La Crosse River Conservancy! We will gather litter and trash that has collected along the wetland edge. Bring along some friends and enjoy the weather for this spring clean-up!
Terrain difficulty rating: ROLLING
Work difficulty rating: LIGHT
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Join Dr. Chuck Lee, Emeritus Professor of History at UWL, for an informative hike and discussion about the marsh and all of those who depend on it on April 26th at 11 a.m. at The Nature Place in La Crosse.
The La Crosse River Marsh, at the confluence of the La Crosse and Mississippi Rivers, is a thousand-acre wetland located in the middle of the City of La Crosse in western Wisconsin.
This marsh not only provides the city with critical flood protection, clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities, but it also helps to create a sense of community and bolsters the local economy. Local organizations, community members, and city government are all working together to protect and care for this vital resource. Bring your binoculars and your questions to make your hike even better.
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(Photo: A group of hikers explore the La Crosse River Marsh with Dr. Chuck Lee. Photo by Karen Solverson)
This hike is part of an all-day Earth Fair celebration at Myrick Park and The Nature Place in La Crosse. The Conservancy and many other friends of conservation will have booths set up. There will be guest speakers, games, hands-on exploration, and prizes throughout the day. For more information on all of the great family-friendly activities happening at Earth Fair, visit EarthFairLaCrosse.com.
This hike also counts as toward our Trail Trek Challenge program. Trail Trek Challenge is a FREE 365-day program where we challenge you to walk at least five trails throughout the year to earn a water bottle sticker. You can register online or in person at Earth Fair for the Trail Trek Challenge, and you'll receive a trail guide with all the information you need to enjoy a whole year of hiking on Conservancy lands you've helped us protect for wildlife habitat and public recreation. Can't make it to Earth Fair? There are no deadlines to register for the Trail Trek Challenge. Just sign up, download the handy trail guide, and start hiking!
We will meet inside The Nature Place by the large glass doors on the north side of the building, and start our hike promptly at 11 a.m. Dress for rain or shine and wear comfortable walking shoes. Plan to make a day of it, and enjoy the food vendors and many activities all around Myrick Park that day. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own water bottle to help Earth Fair become a zero-waste event.
This year’s Trail Trek Challenge is sponsored by J.F. Brennan Co, News 8 Now, Hawkins Ash CPAs LLP, Altra Financial Advisors, Emplify Health at Gundersen, Trust Point, Inc., Organic Valley Co-op, People’s Food Co-op, Explore La Crosse, and Dairyland Power Cooperative/Powered Printing.
Advance registration is requested for this free event and must be completed by April 25. With questions, contact Karen Solverson at [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 8.
This free hike is part of Mississippi Valley Conservancy’s 2026 “Linked to the Land” series, which connects people to the nature preserves protected for wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, outdoor learning, and recreation throughout the Driftless Area. The program is made possible through generous community support and sponsorship from WXOW News 19.
Have you encountered garlic mustard on your property or places you spend time outdoors? Do you wish you could do something to slow the spread? Come out to Plum Creek Conservation Area to learn about our most effective garlic mustard control strategies as we work together to improve the land.
Garlic mustard is easy to pull and identify, so bring your friends and family to this event!
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time! Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided.
Terrain difficulty rating: ROLLING
Work difficulty rating: LIGHT
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event.
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6
It's invasive garlic mustard season! Come join the Mississippi Valley Conservancy Mustard Taskforce. We need your help to attack the garlic mustard invasion taking over Eagle Eye State Natural Area before it's too late. Tag along and explore this wild site along the Bad Axe river, teeming with fish, birds, and other wildlife, while pulling these invasive weeds.
Garlic mustard is easy to pull and identify, so bring your friends and family to this event!
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time! Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided.
Terrain difficulty rating: ROLLING (includes a shallow river crossing)
Work difficulty rating: LIGHT
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event.
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6