Linked to the Land
Everybody is invited to enjoy free guided hikes and workshops throughout the year with Mississippi Valley Conservancy’s Linked to the Land program. Most of the activities take place on nature preserves protected by the Conservancy. The 2026 program was made possible by community support from our members and with in-kind media support from WXOW/News 19.
With more than 7,000 acres of land protected with public access throughout Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, the Conservancy offers Linked to the Land guided activities to familiarize people with the properties, their wildlife communities, and the value of protecting them. The activities are led by area experts on a variety of topics, including native wildlife, birding, foraging, stargazing, wildflowers, and more.
Creating a culture of caring for land, water, and wildlife is one of the ways we work to support the health and well-being of southwest Wisconsin. One of the ways we do that is by offering family-friendly activities on the lands the community has helped our nonprofit organization protect.
The calendar of Linked to the Land program activities is listed below. All dates are and locations are subject to change, based on weather and trail conditions. To receive the latest updates about events and activities, we invite you to sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter and "like" our Facebook page.
Advance registration is required for all Linked to the Land activities. Registration usually opens 5 weeks prior to each event. Visit the Events page of sign up and receive more information!
|
DATE |
ACTIVITY |
LOCATION |
|
January 9, 6 - 7 pm |
The Science of Fire: How Controlled Burns Restore Native Prairies and Woodlands |
Java Vino, La Crosse County |
|
February 21, 10am - noon |
Winter Birds of the Coulee Region |
McIntosh Memorial Library, Vernon County |
|
March 28, 8:30 – noon |
Annual Friends Gathering, 6-TIME EMMY AWARD WINNING CINEMATOGRAPHER NEIL RETTIG presents: A Filmmaker’s Journey into the Hidden Lives of Grassland Birds |
First Congregational Church, La Crosse County |
|
April 26, 11am - noon |
Earth Fair Marsh Hike |
Myrick Park/The Nature Place, La Crosse County |
|
May 9, 7am - 9am |
Migratory Birding Hike |
Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, Crawford County |
|
June 11, 5 - 7pm |
Habitat Typing & Forest Health Talk with optional work party from 1 - 5pm |
Wandering Rock State Natural Area, Buffalo County |
|
June 27, 9 - 11am |
Grazing for Birds |
Plum Creek Conservation Area, Crawford County |
|
July 11 - (Times to be determined) |
Bat Ecology Cave Tours – very limited spots available |
Kickapoo Caverns, Crawford County |
|
July 23, 6 pm – 8 pm |
Enhancing Biodiversity on Your Land: Creative Approaches to Habitat Improvement |
Private Landowner, Vernon County |
|
August 1, 9am – 11am |
Bumblebee ID and Conservation |
Private Landowner, Grant County |
|
September 12, 10 am - noon |
Science in the Stream: A Mussel Survey |
Private Landowner, Jackson County |
|
September 12, 5:30 – 9 pm |
Gardens & Gazing |
FSPA, La Crosse County |
|
October 10, 8 am – 10 am |
Fungi in the Forest |
La Crosse Blufflands, Kaplan Tract, La Crosse County |
|
October 10, 7 pm – 9 pm |
Prairie Stargazing Hike |
Tunnelville Cliffs, Vernon County |
|
November 5, 5:30 pm – 9 pm |
Fall Fundraiser |
Radisson Hotel, La Crosse County |
Download the schedule
Thank you to our 2026 Linked to the Land Sponsor:
