Events Calendar
Learn, hike and volunteer with the Conservancy
Want to learn to identify native and invasive plants, manage your own property, or just feel good about helping make a difference for local wildlife and community members? Looking for ways to join like-minded folks to learn more about the world we live in?
Join us for an upcoming Linked to the Land educational event or a Volunteer for the Wild work party to expand your horizons and gain a sense of satisfaction for helping wildlife in your community.
View the 2026 Linked to the Land AND Volunteer for the Wild schedule.
Read more about the options below. Sign-up available online a few months prior to each event.
Events
Trail Trek Challenge is a free year-round hike/walk program on the nature preserves you've helped protect in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. Challenge yourself to hike at least five of the 19 designated trails to discover nature's treasures and learn what makes these places so valuable for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.
COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE AND WE WILL SEND YOU A WATER BOTTLE STICKER to commemorate your accomplishment! Add the kids' names to your Trail Guide, and we will send one for each of the kids, too!
When you sign up, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to your downloadable Trail Guide & Hike Log with hike descriptions and a place to record your hikes throughout the year. Downloadable trail maps, an interactive map, and driving directions to each hike location are available from the Nature Preserves section of our website.
Registration kicks off at Earth Fair on April 26, 2026 with a guided marsh hike at Myrick part at 11am, and you can register at any time throughout the year.
Thank you to our sponsors, whose support helps us
- Protect trees, prairies, and clean water for plants, animals and YOU!
- Teach the value of nature through outdoor recreation and land restoration projects.
- Clear trails and provide free places for people to hike on over 7,000 acres in 9 counties.
- Inspire community members to unplug and spend more time outdoors.
2026-2025 Sponsors:
SIGN UP
Let's remove invasive brush together!
Did you know that Mississippi Valley Conservancy has a nature preserve just outside of Black River Falls? Water's Edge Woods nature preserve is a property that reminds us more of the northwoods than the Driftless Area.
Come explore this site while we restore habitat along the banks of the Black River. We will focus on removing invasive glossy buckthorn, clearing deadfall, and preventing erosion. Be sure to bring some bugspray! There is an easy terrain, making this suitable for all ages and abilities.
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time!
Need a ride? Be sure to ask about carpooling when you sign up.
Terrain difficulty rating: FLAT
Work difficulty rating: LIGHT
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Let's build fire breaks!
Let's work together to pull brush and reduce the fuel load so that when it is time to burn, the property will be all ready to go. You will LOVE the grand views from the blufftops, and learn all about the conservation measures being put into place to help enhance wildlife habitat as you work.
Bring a friend and check out all the delicious ice cream options in Nelson after a day of rewarding work.
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time!
Terrain difficulty rating: STEEP
Work difficulty rating: MODERATE
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
As summer begins to give way to fall, Mississippi Valley Conservancy invites the community to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience an unforgettable evening at a Gardens & Gazing Hike on Saturday, September 12 from 5:30 – 9:00 pm. Held in partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society, this free Linked to the Land event combines gardens, scenic hiking, breathtaking views, and telescope-guided stargazing into one memorable experience.
The evening begins with a discussion at their demo garden where participants will learn about the sisters' thoughtful transition toward a no-till, organic, regenerative gardening model and the many ways they care for the land. Guests will also discover how local communities get involved in the gardens and on the land, learn about the FSPA's green burial sites that offer a more natural approach at the end of life, and hear the inspiring story of the sisters' stewardship of this remarkable 200-acre property, which has been lovingly cared for since 1895.
Following the no-till garden discussion, guests will enjoy a guided hike through peaceful woodlands to a scenic blufftop overlooking the Driftless Area. The tour will include a walk through a walnut plantation and reconstructed prairies to a scenic overlook that hosts a historic prairie remnant. Near sunset, participants can take in sweeping views as the evening light settles across the valleys before darkness reveals a sky full of stars.
As night falls, members of the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will share their knowledge of the night sky and provide telescopes for viewing stars, constellations, and other celestial objects visible on a late summer evening. Whether you're an experienced stargazer or simply curious about what lies beyond the horizon, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe from one of the area's most scenic overlooks.
Light refreshments will be available as guests relax and enjoy the peaceful transition from daylight to darkness. This free event is made possible through the generosity of Mississippi Valley Conservancy's members and donors, along with support from WXOW News 19. Advance registration is required by September 9. In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified by noon the day of the event by email with a plan for the evening.
Questions may be directed to Karen Solverson at [email protected] or 608-784-3606, ext. 8.
(Above: Hikers make their way through blooming prairie on a guided walk to a scenic blufftop overlook, soaking in the golden light of a summer evening at FSPA. (Photo by Karen Solverson)
There’s something magical about slipping on a pair of old shoes or rubber boots, wading into a cool stream, and discovering what lies beneath the water’s surface. Join naturalist Dan Jackson on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in Jackson County for a hands-on mussel survey that combines the joy of exploring a creek with the excitement of real scientific discovery. As you search for freshwater mussels, you’ll experience the simple wonder of turning over rocks and peering into clear water—just like childhood adventures—but with the opportunity to contribute to something much bigger.
(PHOTO ABOVE: Wabash pigtoe mussel found during a survey, by Dan Jackson.)
Freshwater mussels are quiet champions of healthy streams, filtering water, improving clarity, and supporting countless other species. Yet many of Wisconsin’s mussel populations have declined dramatically, and smaller streams remain largely unexplored. By helping survey a waterway, you'll learn the basics of a casual stream survey and potentially provide valuable information that can guide future conservation efforts.
A lifelong outdoorsman and conservation advocate, Dan Jackson will inspire the inner child in you as you wade in the water in search of mussels. His enthusiasm for the natural world is contagious, making this a fun and fascinating experience whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about what lives beneath the current. Come ready to get your feet wet, embrace your inner explorer, and discover how citizen science can make a lasting difference.
This event will be held on at a location on the Black River near the airport in Black River Falls in Jackson County, and detailed directions will be sent after registration. Please register for this free event by September 9, 2026.
As a regional land trust, the Conservancy works with landowners and communities to permanently protect the bluffs, prairies, forests, wetlands, streams, and farms that enrich the Driftless Area. We are deeply grateful to Christine Kelley and Jerry Schmidt for generously opening their beautiful protected property for this educational event. Member support makes it possible to host these free educational opportunities across 9 counties.
Event Details:
• Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Free program; registration required; limited to 20 people ages 16 and older
• Specific directions will be sent after registration
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; rubber boots, waders or sandals with clothing you can get wet; could bring a mesh laundry bag if you have one for collecting the mussels for study and discussion before returning them to the river
• No dogs, please
• No restroom facilities on site; please plan to stop for a restroom break before you arrive.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this FREE event by September 9th on the events page. Questions? Contact Karen Solverson at [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 8.
This event is part of the Conservancy’s 2026 “Linked to the Land” series of outdoor learning opportunities created to inspire wonder and engagement in the natural world right here in the Driftless Area. The program is supported by the generous donations of our members and the in-kind support of WXOW News19.
Get out and do something for the wild by volunteering with our land restoration team this fall!
This event is scheduled for National Coastal Clean-up Day! Just because we don't have an ocean 'coast' doesn't mean we can't clean up the coastline of our beloved Kickapoo River.
Join us at Kickapoo Bottoms to clean trash from the Kickapoo River floodplain. Not only does this help us restore the land for wildlife, but it also helps improve water quality and you will learn more about this protected property from our team as you work.
TERRAIN: FLAT
WORK INTENSITY: MODERATE
Safety equipment and tools are provided. Please wear long pants and long sleeves and close toed shoes. BRING WATER BOOTS OR WADERS (optional). Bring plenty of water to drink.
SIGN UP: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/0OA0AzZIACGMQM9ioT2tkg
Want to receive regular updates about volunteer activities? Please sign up.
Join Mississippi Valley Conservancy on September 30th for a morning of seed collection at the Conservancy’s New Amsterdam Grasslands. From 9 a.m. until noon, volunteers and Conservancy staff will work to collect seeds that will be used at our other nature preserves to restore these critical wildlife habitats.
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather and bring sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Join us in preparation for planting the seeds of the future at this unique nature preserve.
DETAILS:
Wednesday, September 30
Prairie Seed Collection
New Amsterdam Grasslands - New Amsterdam, La Crosse County
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sign-up: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/0OA0AzZIACGMQM9ioT2tkg
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Mississippi Valley Conservancy is thankful for you and all of the amazing volunteers who help us conserve and restore the Driftless Area. We could not do it without you.
It's seed season. Get (wild rose) hip alongside the land management team and collect native seeds at Boscobel Bluffs State Natural Area! This nature preserve is cool, collected, and ready for restoration. Tag along to learn how to collect native prairie seeds and be the coolest person around!
Bring a friend, enjoy the scenery, and make a tangible difference for native habitat. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or joining us for the first time, we'd love to have you on the hillside with us!
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time!
What to Bring: Sturdy footwear, water, and a willingness to get your hands dirty while helping the land.
Terrain difficulty rating: STEEP TERRAIN
Work difficulty rating: LIGHT DIFFICULTY
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6.
Sugar Creek Bluff sure is sweet! Come collect native seeds while enjoying some sweet treats on October 13th. We'll make sure you leave with knowledge about native prairie plants, seed restoration, and which pastry type is your favorite. The bluffs will be beautiful at this time of year and the crisp October air will be invigorating!
All ages and skill levels are welcome – dress appropriately for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear and clothing to protect from brush. Together, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time! Events may involve full body movement on uneven ground and sometimes steep slopes. Expert instruction, protective gear, tools, and snacks will be provided.
Terrain difficulty rating: STEEP
Work difficulty rating: LIGHT
Registration confirmation will be sent by email. Additional details are emailed two days prior to the event.
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6