Linked to the Land

Our outdoor discovery program for nature-lovers of all ages

Everybody is invited to enjoy free guided hikes and workshops throughout the year with Mississippi Valley Conservancy’s 2024 Linked to the Land program. Most of the activities take place on nature preserves protected by the Conservancy. This year’s program is made possible by community support from Olson Solar Energy and with in-kind media support from WXOW/News 19.

With more than 6,000 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 2024 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. You'll find that on the Events page of this website when it becomes available for each hike or workshop.

Feb 10    VALENTINE’S HIKE   New Amsterdam Grasslands (new location!) 

April 11   HANDCRAFTING TOOLS, BOWS, AND ARROWS   La Crosse Public Library 

May 11    MIGRATORY BIRDING HIKE   Sugar Creek Bluff

June 15   MIGRATORY NESTING BIRDS   Plum Creek Conservation Area

July 13    BAT CAVE ECOLOGY TOURS   Kickapoo Caverns  

Aug 10    GARDENS AND GAZING Location TBD  

Sept 7     MUSHROOM FORAY   Cassville Bluffs

Oct 12     PRAIRIE STARGAZING WALK   Tunnelville Cliffs