CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. — Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC) has released a new book called “Portraits of Love on the Land” that features in-field portraits and stories of 30 women land stewards in various sectors of agriculture and land management. The book, which will only be available at WiWiC events, is being introduced at a series of happy hour celebrations across the state October 5-11. Copies of the book are free to attendees.
The events will also serve as a wrap-up celebration of WiWiC’s educational programing in 2023 – which reached over 2,500 women landowners, farmers, and conservationists at over 40 events. All who are interested in conservation are welcome to attend, both men and women, regardless of land ownership, to hear about the accomplishments of women land stewards this year and get a preview of WiWiC’s programming for 2024.
“The launch parties are a celebration of the book, but really the book is a celebration of the amazing women WiWiC has been privileged to work with for the past three years since the project started,” said Kriss Marion, WiWiC Communications and Marketing Lead, who is the author of the book. The book was designed by Brett Olson, Creative Director at Renewing the Countryside, one of the project partners. “We’ve been calling it our “Look Book” because the portraits of the women are front-and-center and represent all the joy we had getting to know them and the landscapes they work so hard to protect. Each story is unique and inspirational.”
Wisconsin Women in Conservation (in) is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with Wisconsin Farmers Union, Renewing the Countryside, E Resources Group and Marbleseed (formerly MOSES) with support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The goal of the project is to connect women landowners and farmers with each other and with local conservation professionals and organizations. In addition to holding events, WiWiC offers Conservation Coach mentorship and FREE Conservation Plans written by local professionals, in conjunction with a site visit.
“Conservation educators are providing support and assistance to landowners in many ways that NRCS cannot,” shares Melissa Bartz, Assistant State Conservationist-Financial Assistance Programs for NRCS. “Providing these opportunities to landowners to make a deeper connection with their land is important to our NRCS mission.”
“Women landowners are a growing demographic and a powerful force on the land. The 2017 Census recorded 38,509 female producers in Wisconsin, showing that women make up 35 percent of all producers in the state, which is slightly higher than the national average of 30 percent. That means women have more influence than ever over the future of land and water in Wisconsin, and we need to be intentional about reaching them with resources and support,” said Dr. Esther S. Durairaj, Program Director for WiWiC and a research scientist at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. “We hope the agricultural and conservation communities will come celebrate with us!”
The venues for the celebrations are all special places that highlight the beauty and importance of our natural environment. At Green Bay Botanical Gardens, attendees are encouraged to come as early as 9am to tour the extensive gardens, including a children’s play garden. Children, as always, are welcome to come. Twin Bluff Farms is a wedding venue overlooking the Mississippi, and the food will be provided by the Charcuterie Enthusiasts. Local food is always a feature of WiWiC events.
“Portraits of Love on the Land” Book Launch and Conservation Celebrations
North West Region:
Thursday, October 5, 4:30-6:30pm, Sawmill Pizza and Brew Shed, Clear Lake
South East Region:
Monday, October 9, 4:30-6:30pm, Michael Field Agricultural Institute, East Troy
North Central/North East Region:
Tuesday, October 10, 4-6pm, Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay
Attendees may tour the gardens all day before the event, from 9-5pm.
South Central/South West Region:
Wednesday, October 11, 4-6pm, Twin Bluff Farms, Stockholm
WiWiC is collaboratively engaging women landowners across the state through workshops, field days, farm tours, mentorships, a newsletter, podcast, and other learning opportunities. A team of Regional Coordinators leads cohorts of women landowners in five regions to network and share resources as well as to connect them to regional NRCS agency staff and programs. Women also have the opportunity to work with Conservation Coaches, who are experienced women landowners with particular expertise in different aspects of conservation. WiWiC hosts a state-wide Wisconsin Women in Conservation Educators Network that convenes twice a year virtually to share best practices and support each other’s work.
To register for the Book Launch events and sign up for the statewide newsletter, visit www.WiWiC.org. Wisconsin Women in Conservation is also on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest.
— Wisconsin Women in Conservation
