On December 10th, 2022, Wildlife Forever celebrated 35 years of
conservation. We’ve done a lot over the years and have you to thank for building the foundation of our legacy. As an organization I’m proud to claim that Wildlife Forever has evolved to be just a little bit different than many other charities. There are a lot of other great causes out there, but what makes us different ties
back to the old saying, “give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day, teach him to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” This spirit is embedded into the fabric of Wildlife Forever and is evident as we lead and implement sustainable programs while maintaining that 94 percent of dollars received go to mission programs benefiting youth, fish, and wildlife. We’ve learned to adapt to hardship by being efficient and nimble, adjusting to unforeseen challenges and relying on partners for help. Over the
past few years, I think we can all attest to how important that is.
As I write, chickadees are whirling around the bird feeder following a heavy snow that draped every branch and blade of grass in perfect white. A lone male Cardinal breaks up the scene with his vibrant red and command at the feeder. It’s a reminder that we
have many things to be grateful for and how important it is to slow down and take notice of small things and most importantly, one another.
Thank you for supporting Wildlife Forever and entrusting us with the duty to conserve America’s fish and wildlife. I look forward to what lies ahead and hope you’ll continue to
stand with us as we work to ensure the future of our outdoor heritage.
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Happy Holidays and Thank You,
Pat Conzemius
President & CEO
Wildlife Forever Online Auction - Bid Now! |
Simply click the photo above to view items and place your bid now! Enjoy countless items from trusted brands: Rapala, Major League Fishing, Game & Fish Magazine,Rep Your
Waters, Booe Bags, and more. Proceeds benefit WF programs that restore habitat, prevent invasive species and educate youth.
Habitat Restoration in Douglas County MN |
Restoration has started on a 110 acre native
prairie in Douglas County, MN removing invasive trees from crowding out the grassland species. A skid steer and tree shear attachment make light work of the woody encroachment resulting in a recovery of prime migratory bird habitat in the prairie pothole region.
Clean Drain Dry Initiative
Wildlife Forever Unveils the Access Enhancement Guidebook to Prevent
Aquatic Invasive Species
Wildlife Forever announces a new, innovative
approach to aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention designed to evaluate watercraft accesses and integrate tools to help boaters and anglers. The Clean Drain Dry Access Enhancement Guidebook outlines a new program that takes a comprehensive review and evaluation process to determine the best suited cleaning stations, hand tools, and modernized signage to engage, educate, and empower. Endorsed by the American Sport Fishing Association, Yamaha Rightwaters, Major League Fishing, Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society, National Professional Anglers Association, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service, the program is poised to help county, state, and federal agencies, modernize access with much needed infrastructure to
prevent spread of current AIS and those yet to arrive.
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Prairie City Expands to New Communities |
Wildlife
Forever is proud to designate Fergus Falls, MN as the first Prairie City USA community in the country. Friday, September 30th marked the occasion with a dedication ceremony at the Waterfront Pavilion in downtown Fergus Falls. Mayor Ben Schierer received the recognition on behalf of the community’s efforts to convert and restore 30 acres of prairie habitat within city limits. Through a 5-step application, communities can initiate the process toward certification which ranges based on an acreage
commitment to convert green space to prairie and pollinator habitat. A long-term management plan is provided upon certification to aid in sustaining the quality of the restoration sites over time. |
2023 Fish Art Contest - Now Casting for Entries!
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary
of the Fish Art Contest! With over 55,000 entries and counting, the Fish Art Contest is the BEST way to introduce youth to conservation and the joys of fishing. The Fish Art Contest uses art, science, and creative writing to foster connections to the outdoors and inspire the next generation of stewards. The 2023 Contest Deadline is February 28th, 2023. |
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The 2022 Songbird Art Program has officially
closed for the season! Thank you to all the students, parents, and educators who submitted entries. The Songbird Art Program
is made possible by the USDA Forest Service and the Jay N Darling Legacy Center. Stay tuned for the winners
announcement in January! |
Wildlife Forever Staff Updates
Welcome to the World Charlie!
Taylor and Dane Huinker
welcomed their first child, Charlie Huinker, on November 18th. Dane has served as the Conservation Program Manager at Wildlife Forever for the past five years. We are thrilled to add Charlie to the WF family! |
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Zach Burnside Joins the Wildlife Forever Team
Zach Burnside is our new Invasive Species Program Coordinator at Wildlife Forever bringing a passion for conservation of the natural world and the outdoors. He brings with him a variety of experience across multiple professional industries
including education, logistics, and marketing. When he’s not at home caring for his plants and pets, you can find him paddling a canoe, casting a line, or pitching a tent. Zach is an avid sports fan and revels in the misery of cheering for Minnesota sports teams. |
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