Grant Story: Mississippi Valley Conservancy Naturehood Connections

August 6, 2021

By Jamie Schloegel, Chief Executive Officer

Grant to MVC aims to restore local nature preserves well-trodden during the pandemic

Mississippi Valley Conservancy was recently awarded a $20,000 grant to help restore public lands well-used during the pandemic as families sought new recreational outlets. The conservancy is using the funds to develop a novel approach to restoration that invites the community to steward while learning about and enjoying the land.

Naturehood Connections gets kids involved with land management

With the grant, the Mississippi Valley Conservancy created Naturehood Connections, a family-friendly do-it-yourself volunteer program that offers tools, training, and activities for those who want to help when it works for them. It also includes kids’ activities for those who might want or need to bring young helpers along. So if you’re looking for a good plan for getting your kiddos outside this weekend, look no further!

“During the pandemic, more individuals and families than ever visited the nature preserves, hiked the trails, observed the plants and animals and depended on these safe outdoor grounds for recreation,” said Carol Abrahamzon, executive director of MVC. “While that’s why we work so hard to preserve these areas, the increased traffic took a toll on the land. As a result, trails eroded, trash accumulated and seeds from invasive species spread.”

Environmental stewardship a funding priority of LCF

The decision to fund the project was easy for us, said Executive Director Jamie Schloegel. “Naturehood Connections partners stewardship and education all under the guise of an entertaining outdoor activity. While it’s designed for people of all ages, it’s an especially fun way to instill important concepts into children. This activity teaches them about plants, animals, rocks and land formations along with personal responsibility and the importance of giving back to the land and their community,” said Schloegel.

How to get “growing” with Naturehood Connections

This year, the program is offered at three different nature preserves in La Crosse County, moving from one to another for two months at a time. At the site, the conservancy provides a locked box of tools, instructions and kids’ activities to equip volunteers to help restore the land. The toolbox is currently installed at the La Crosse River Conservancy but will move to another protected property near the base of Grandad Bluff on August 4. Sign-up is available online at mississippivalleyconservancy.org.