The land trust community gathered in Madison on March 13-14 for the 2025 Wisconsin Land Trust Conference. More than 130 conservation professionals from across the state spent two days together learning and networking.
This year’s conference offered valuable information across three focused tracks: Land Protection and Stewardship, Communications and Fundraising, and Conservation Planning. Attendees had opportunities to share experiences, gain new insights, and strengthen connections that will advance conservation work throughout Wisconsin.
Key Takeaways from Each Track
Land Protection and Stewardship
In the Land Protection and Stewardship track, participants explored the foundations of effective conservation work through sessions on building robust stewardship programs, innovative finance strategies, and the anatomy of land trust deals.
Sessions highlighted the importance of establishing strong frameworks for perpetual protection while adhering to Land Trust Standards and Practices. A significant portion of the discussions centered on emerging trends affecting Wisconsin land trusts, from climate change considerations to new funding mechanisms. Attendees left with practical tools to strengthen their organizations’ approaches to long-term land stewardship.
Communications and Fundraising
The Communications and Fundraising track offered valuable insights into managing resources effectively and meaningfully connecting with supporters.
Participants learned strategies for making every team member at a land trust—from staff to volunteers to board members—understand how they can contribute meaningfully to fundraising efforts. A financial session on “juggling the numbers” provided clarity on best practices for record-keeping and internal controls, aligning with Land Trust Standards and Practices. Having a solid financial foundation helps organizations build trust with donors and ensure long-term success.
The highlight of this track was a storytelling workshop with techniques for crafting compelling narratives about conservation work. The session emphasized how powerful storytelling can transform organizational messaging, helping land trusts connect their values with supporters’ motivations. Attendees also learned strategies for repurposing content that can resonate across multiple platforms.
Conservation Planning
The Conservation Planning track featured two Geographic Information Systems (GIS) sessions, introducing the GIS tools that are available to land trusts and exploring how to use these tools to further conservation work.
The first session offered a comprehensive overview of the GIS database available to land trusts and the support that Gathering Waters provides to land trust staff. The second session provided an in-depth exploration of a GIS decision support tool, an interactive application designed to aid conservation planning by providing access to comprehensive data resources. Attendees learned how this powerful tool can help prioritize conservation efforts and make data-driven decisions about land protection initiatives.
Learning in the Field
One of the most memorable components of the conference was a field trip to the Black Earth Creek Valley. Traveling by yellow school bus, participants visited properties protected by Groundswell Conservancy and the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
At each of the three stops, attendees heard inspiring stories about the collaborative efforts that led to the protection of these remarkable properties. The experience showcased conservation principles in action and demonstrated how successful partnerships can create lasting impact.
Resources Shared
For those interested in revisiting the valuable information shared during the conference or sharing with colleagues, the following resources are available:
These materials capture important concepts and tools discussed during the sessions and can serve as excellent references as organizations implement new strategies.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this year’s conference, we carry with us not just new information, but renewed inspiration and strengthened relationships that will help us protect more of Wisconsin’s special places.
Stay tuned for information about next year’s conference, where we’ll continue building on these foundations and discovering new ways to advance land conservation throughout our beautiful state.
