Blog

Announcing the 2026 Land Conservation Leadership Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2026 Land Conservation Leadership Award winners! The awards, presented annually by Gathering Waters, honor people who have made lasting land conservation contributions in Wisconsin.

Knowles-Nelson Update: Another missed opportunity…
Governor Evers and Republican legislative leaders reached a deal this week on outstanding priorities. Knowles-Nelson reauthorization is not a part of it.

Land Trust Accreditation 2026 Updates
Gathering Waters identifies some key changes made in the updated version of the Requirements Manual, which helps land trusts ensure compliance with Land Trust Standards and Practices.

Happy Earth Day from Team Knowles Nelson
This Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson’s belief that protecting land and water is a Wisconsin value feels as relevant as ever.

Wisconsin Conservation Congress Online Survey Is Now Open
Weigh in on Knowles-Nelson and other natural resource issues online by April 15th and save the date for the next Team Knowles Nelson policy update & organizing call.

Celebrating Protected Places in the Milwaukee River Basin
Milwaukee was the site of the 2026 Wisconsin Land Trust Conference. On the first day of the conference, over 150 conservation professionals had the opportunity to visit three of Restoring Lands’ beautiful properties in the Milwaukee River Basin.

Reflections and Resources from the 2026 Wisconsin Land Trust Conference
This year’s conference brought new information, renewed inspiration, deeper relationships, and a celebration of protected lands.

The Senate adjourned. The work hasn’t.
The Senate took no action on Knowles-Nelson, but Team Knowles Nelson’s advocacy work continues: Attend the upcoming WCC spring hearing, show your support with a new yard sign, and connect with legislators this spring.

New GIS Mapping Feature Reveals the Value of Nature’s Hidden Services
Gathering Waters’ GIS technology, called the Decision Support Tool, is now more powerful and easier to use. Version 4.0 of the Decision Support Tool includes ecosystem service valuation, putting a dollar value on nature’s work.

Seno K/RLT Conservancy Partners with the Land Conservation Law Program to Advance Its Conservation Expertise
Read about how one Wisconsin land trust has been able to conserve more land with the help of the Land Conservation Law Program.

Knowles-Nelson stuck after a frustrating week in the Capitol
The Senate pulled its own reauthorization bill after failing to secure votes. Meanwhile, compromise remains on the table.

Get Ready to Connect: Networking and Fun at the 2026 Wisconsin Land Trust Conference
Read on for tips to help you prepare for this event, with a special focus on the networking and social highlights that make the conference so special.