The land trust community gathered in Milwaukee on March 11-13 for the 2026 Wisconsin Land Trust Conference. More than 150 conservation professionals from across the state spent three days together learning, connecting, and celebrating the work of protecting Wisconsin’s land and waters.
This year’s conference offered more breakout sessions than ever on subjects ranging from financials and communications to land stewardship. Attendees left with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and strengthened relations to advance conservation work throughout Wisconsin.
Takeaways from Breakout Sessions
Sessions covered the full breadth of land trust work. On the financial and organizational side, Carol Fisher (Gathering Waters Board Member and Technical Accounting Manager at The Nature Conservancy) led a session on financial excellence for mission-driven organizations. Megan Motil of Parallel Solutions helped attendees understand their board’s role in strategy at different organizational life stages. A panel hosted by experts from The Nature Conservancy, Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation, and Door Country Land Trust explored how to align strategy, priorities, and work plans for stronger conservation results.
Land protection and stewardship topics were well represented. The ever-popular Anatomy of a Land Trust Deal session returned with a focus on prescriptive easements. Gathering Waters hosted a session on GIS tools for conservation planning. A panel featuring perspectives from Restoring Lands, the Wisconsin DNR, and Johnson’s Nursery explored the value of well-sourced native plants in thoughtful land management. The Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council examined the ecology of prescribed fire and the barriers to broader implementation in Wisconsin. A panel of experts from Gathering Waters, Driftless Area Land Conservancy, and Groundswell Conservancy hosted a session on how to use technology to make processes more efficient and effective. Finally, representatives from the City of Oconomowoc and Tall Pines Conservancy shared how they have turned resource management plans into on-the-ground action in the Oconomowoc River Watershed.
Communications and fundraising sessions drew a strong crowd. Communications consultant Bold Bison presented three sessions at the conference that offered candid, practical guidance on effectively using social media, crafting more memorable stories, and strategies for preventing small flare-ups from becoming larger crises. Another consultant, By the Brujas, led two sessions: one on navigating communications in today’s shifting policy landscape and the other on designing more equitable land trust programs. Danni Niles of Gathering Waters shared strategies for inviting new donors to grow with your organization. Finally, the Ice Age Trail Alliance offered a practical session on building and retaining strong volunteer teams.
There were also a few sessions covering current events and emerging issues in the land trust community. Diana Norris of the Land Trust Alliance and Chris Gutschenritter of Gathering Waters provided an update on recent case law and IRS developments affecting Wisconsin land trusts. Gathering Waters hosted Chelsea Chandler of Clean Wisconsin, Beau Stafford of Wiscovery Farm, and Eric Udelhofen of OneEnergy Renewables for a discussion about renewable energy and conservation partnerships on working lands. Rick Remington and Tom Stolp, the executive directors of Landmark Conservancy and Restoring Lands, made the case for mergers, covering how land trusts can navigate the process and what makes a good partnership. Finally, Charlie Carlin of Gathering Waters hosted a session on the latest updates about the future of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and how the land trust community can help keep the momentum going.
Celebrating Protected Places in the Milwaukee River Basin
One of the most memorable components of the conference was a field trip to the Milwaukee River Basin. Attendees explored three of Restoring Lands‘ beautiful properties: Bratt Woods Preserve, Donges Bay Gorge, and Turtle Park. Speakers from Restoring Lands, the Greenseams Team with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy shared the history of these properties and the collaboration that led to their permanent protection.
Resources
For those interested in revisiting the valuable information shared during the conference, view session resources here. The resources from By the Brujas’ sessions (and some bonus materials) can be found here.
Winners of the Dessert Competition
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Gathering Waters Dessert Competition!
- 1st Place: Heidi Haberger, Groundswell Conservancy | White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding with Fresh Raspberry Sauce
- 2nd Place: Claire Davidson, The Nature Conservancy | Blueberry Lemon Curd Muffins
- 3rd Place: Carol Abrahamzon, Mississippi Valley Conservancy | Flourless Chocolate Torte with Sliced Almonds
Looking Ahead
This year’s conference brought new information, renewed inspiration, deeper relationships, and a celebration of Wisconsin land trust accomplishments and protected lands.
Gathering Waters plans to host the next Wisconsin Land Trust Conference in spring 2027. Stay tuned for information!