MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently announced the release of the latest State Natural Area Volunteer Annual Report showcasing the work of hundreds of volunteers who helped care for Wisconsin’s state natural areas in 2025.
Last year, volunteers spent more than 8,350 hours maintaining and improving state natural areas through a variety of projects across 5,124 acres of public land. Volunteers worked individually as well as at organized group events around Wisconsin.
“Our volunteers have an on the ground impact on our state natural areas. It’s wonderful to see the changes they make happen while connecting with each other and the natural beauty of Wisconsin,” 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 habitat for 90% of Wisconsin’s rare plant species and 75% of its rare wildlife species. The state natural areas program was created in 1951 and celebrates 75 years of preservation in place.
Support Your Local State Natural Area
Visit: Nearly all state natural areas are open to the public for hiking, hunting, birdwatching, nature study and photography, but most are largely undeveloped. Visitors are asked to enjoy these ecologically sensitive sites responsibly.
Volunteer: One of the best ways to connect with nature at these locations is through volunteering. Volunteers clear brush, collect seed, control invasive species and more. No experience is necessary, and training and equipment are provided on-site.
