Land stewards in training

The most well-trod paths into Wisconsin’s natural beauty are through the state parks, where signs on nature trails point out aspects of the native environment. But many State Natural Areas also dot our state, protecting some of the last glimmers of what Wisconsin was like before European settlement. Most of them have no trails or facilities, or in some cases even parking areas.

Both parks and natural areas depend on financial contributions and volunteer work that includes cutting brush, pulling and spraying invasive plants, collecting seeds, monitoring rare species and preparing fire breaks. Most of that invaluable cash and sweat equity come from seniors who have the savings and free time to contribute.

But what will happen to our parks and natural areas in decades to come when the boomers have signed their last check and pulled their last garlic mustard plant?..