By Bruce Ross, Executive Director [email]bross@wisducks.org[/email]
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April, 2024 Newsletter edition.
I like to give an update on what’s happening in your WWA with each newsletter. But it’s getting to be so much that I’m just gonna give you the bulleted highlights:
- Check out the one-year review of our pubic lands wetland restoration program put together by ecologist Anna Rzchowski.
- Our easement monitoring partnership with the NRCS is gathering steam – Anna’s got a hand on that tiller too!
- Ecologist Mark Pfost is moving forward on two public land restoration projects: Navarino Wildlife Area and the Peter Helland Wildlife Area.
- Did I mention Peter Ziegler (WWA) just got a $100K NAWCA (North American Wetlands Conservation Act) grant for private lands work, complementing an earlier NAWCA grant we partnered with Pheasants Forever on!
- Our wood duck nesting box program is booming, including on-line sales of nearly 60 boxes that will keep the program funded through next year – and producing more ducks!
- We continue to advance the legislative consideration of a sustainable and ethical sandhill crane hunt.
- WWA had a strong presence at the Eau Claire outdoors show, with the goal of re-establishing a presence there.
- EXPO sponsors and vendors are returning in big numbers – they see how quickly it is growing and want to be a part of it.
- Speaking of EXPO – mark your calendars now for Saturday 24 August. Expect an even bigger and better EXPO this year, including a new Women’s Zone. Will always need staffing help.
- WWA and our two wood duck science curriculum teachers are being feted by a state-wide organization for excellence. More to follow next month.
- We just had three great – and successful – fundraising events run by the Fox Valley Chapter, West Allis and Green Bay chapters!
Of course there’s more.
What strikes me as I read the list: With the exception of the NAWCA grant, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE SUCCESSES WAS MADE POSSIBLE DUE TO THE DEDICATION AND CREATIVITY OF WWA VOLUNTEERS.
Wait, what?!?
Yep. WWA volunteers were the direct instigators of our PLE program, of the EXPO, of our Waterfowlers Academy initiative, of the wood duck box program and the rest!
That’s a big part of what I love about WWA. We are small, with a lot of needs, and no big bureaucracy. Our impact is driven by committed volunteers. Match talent and energy with need and invariably, good things happen.
If you want to make good things happen, let me know. We need the help.
Bruce
[email]bross@wisducks.org[/email]