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

SIGN UP

We are delighted to have Dr. Anna Pidgeon join us for a Zoom conversation on November 6th at 7pm about the birds of southern Wisconsin as we discuss the gains, losses, and opportunities in the face of development. A Beers-Bascom Professor in Conversation, Dr. Pidgeon will discuss several facets of development and how it shapes bird populations, illustrated with evocative images.

While it's true there are almost 3 billion fewer birds now than 50 years ago in North America, it is also true that many bird species have experienced major population rebounds since the first half of the 20th century.  The effects of development are many and varied.  As understanding of bird ecology and perceptions continues to advance, we have gained insights into ways to soften and mitigate the negative effects of development on birds.  

Sign up below to receive the Zoom link. We look forward to a lively discussion with time for questions at the end.

This presentation is part of the Conservancy’s 2025 Linked to the Land series of learning experiences, sponsored by Olson Solar Energy with support from WXOW/ News 19.

(Photo: Once the joyful song of summer prairies, the bobolink’s voice is growing quieter as grasslands disappear under expanding development. Photo by Dan Jackson.)

Join Mississippi Valley Conservancy and our partners on November 6, 2025 for a day of habitat restoration and brush removal at the Conservancy’s newest nature preserve, Wandering Rock State Natural Area, located just south of the Village of Nelson in Buffalo County. From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., volunteers, Conservancy staff, and partners will work to improve wildlife habitat quality, access for public recreation, and prepare for upcoming prescribed burns.

As a reward for our efforts, we will get excellent views of the property’s scenic bluffs and cliffs, which rise high above the surrounding Mississippi River valley. All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather and bring sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Join us in caring for this remarkable new preserve!   

DETAILS:

Thursday, November 6
Native Habitat Restoration
Wandering Rock State Natural Area near Nelson, WI (Buffalo County)
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sign up at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/F63Ri33pBV or contact Payton by email with questions. He'll send out final information two days before the activity date. 

Mississippi Valley Conservancy is thankful for you and all of the amazing volunteers who help us conserve and restore the Driftless Area. We could not do it without you.

This year's Fall Fundraiser is a celebration of the prairies, forests, rivers and wildlife that surround us every day. Together, we'll ensure that the places we cherish close to home remain protected, healthy and resilient for generations to come.

View the Fall Fundraiser invitation and menu: 

You can download the invitation to reserve your tickets by mail, scan the QR code below, or CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Tickets are $75 each through October 31, then increase to $85. Seating is limited. Be sure to purchase your tickets early.

Checks should be mailed to: Mississippi Valley Conservancy, P.O. Box 2611, La Crosse, WI 54602 with an attached invitation form.

Thanks to many generous donors, this year's auction is loaded with treasures and fun. The program and auction list will be emailed the week before the event to our members. 

We thank the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse, and all our Conservation Partners for making this event possible. AND YOU, our supporters, will make this a night to remember as we come together to fund the future of conservation close to home.

With any questions, contact Tiffany at 608-784-3606, ext. 1 or by email at [email protected].

Join Mississippi Valley Conservancy on November 15, 2025 for a day of habitat restoration and brush removal at the Conservancy’s Boscobel Bluffs nature preserve. From 9 a.m. until noon, volunteers and Conservancy staff will work to restore this important home for wildlife and prepare for upcoming prescribed burns.

All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather and bring sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Join us in caring for this priceless preserve!   

DETAILS:

Saturday, November 15
Prairie Restoration
Boscobel Bluffs, Grant County
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sign up at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/F63Ri33pBV or contact Payton by email with questions. He'll send out final information two days before the activity date. 

Mississippi Valley Conservancy is thankful for you and all of the amazing volunteers who help us conserve and restore the Driftless Area. We could not do it without you.

Join Mississippi Valley Conservancy on Saturday, December 20, 2025 for a day of habitat restoration and brush removal at the Conservancy’s Kickapoo Bottoms nature preserve. From 9 a.m. until noon, volunteers and Conservancy staff will work to restore this important home for wildlife.

All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather and bring sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Join us in caring for this priceless preserve!   

DETAILS:

Saturday, December 20
Prairie Restoration
Kickapoo Bottoms - Gays Mills, Crawford County
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sign up at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/F63Ri33pBV or contact Payton by email with questions. He'll send out final information two days before the activity date. 

Mississippi Valley Conservancy is thankful for you and all of the amazing volunteers who help us conserve and restore the Driftless Area. We could not do it without you.