We have exciting news to share! Over the past year, Groundswell Conservancy quietly launched a campaign to strengthen our land protection work. Demand for conservation in Dane County and across south-central Wisconsin has never been higher. We knew we needed more staff capacity to respond to opportunities and protect land before it’s lost to development.
Thanks to a $40,000 grant from Madison Community Foundation and generous support from private donors, that campaign was a success. Together, we raised $250,000 to fund a new Land Protection Manager position for the next three years. This role will help us move more quickly on conservation projects, and work more closely with communities and partners across the region.
Since our founding 42 years ago, Groundswell has protected nearly 15,000 acres of farmland, natural areas, and water resources. Adding a Land Protection Manager will allow us to take on more projects, support equitable access to farmland through our Buy-Protect-Sell+ program, and help Dane County and other municipalities meet their conservation goals.
We’re also excited to share that we’re now hiring for this new position. If you or someone you know is passionate about protecting land and water in our region, we encourage you to visit the Careers page on our website to learn more and apply.
Thanks goes to Madison Community Foundation and the following donors for supporting this campaign:
Anonymous (2)
Joan Braune & Tod Highsmith
Dave Drapac
Bob & Gail Green
Cate & John Harrington
Susan Hunt & Karl Gutknecht
Dr. Patrick & Linda McKenna
Jo & Herman Tucker
Pat Wende
Read more about the Land Protection Manager campaign in this press release.
Groundswell Conservancy is pleased to announce that it is applying for renewal of our accreditation as a conservation organization that meets national standards for protecting important lands forever. A public comment period is open through March 18, 2026.
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. It conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. “Maintaining our accreditation ensures our supporters and partners that Groundswell Conservancy utilizes best practices in stewardship and maintains the highest ethical standards,” said Todd Shucha, Board President.
The Commission invites public input in the form of signed, written comments. Comments must relate to how Groundswell Conservancy complies with national quality standards. Click here for the full list of standards.
You can learn more about the accreditation program here. You may email your comments to info@landtrustaccreditation.org, or, mail them to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
The Prairie Partners summer internship returns in 2026!
For more than a decade, Prairie Partners interns have helped restore valuable wildlife habitat while gaining professional experience in conservation. Many interns have gone on to achieve great things at other land trusts, the DNR, local environmental contractors, and graduate school.
This year, the partner groups involved in the program are:
– Groundswell Conservancy
– Ice Age Trail Alliance
– Riverland Conservancy
– Wisconsin DNR
This is a paid internship and a full-time commitment (36 hours per week x 12 weeks) with a 4-day work week.
If you know someone who might be a good candidate and loves working outside, send them over to our Careers page for the job announcement, or see the full Prairie Partners Internship Announcement (PDF).
Application deadline: January 25, 2026
Photo credit: BJ Byers
This summer, we fought hard to protect Wisconsin’s conservation future. One of the state’s crucial land protection tools — the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program — needed renewed funding.
With support from Knowles-Nelson, Groundswell has helped protect more than 6,000 acres of land forever in south central Wisconsin, including special places where you hike, paddle, and explore.
Despite strong bipartisan support and a powerful advocacy push by thousands of Wisconsinites, led by our partners at Gathering Waters, leaders in both political parties failed to act. As a result, we must now plan to complete conservation projects without Knowles-Nelson funding once it expires on June 30, 2026.
But we remain hopeful.
Some lawmakers are still fighting for conservation. State Sen. Kelda Roys showed true political courage and leadership, voting against the state budget and naming the lack of Knowles-Nelson funding as a key reason. State Rep. Tony Kurtz and Sen. Patrick Testin have introduced a stand-alone bill to bring Knowles-Nelson back. And most recently, Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin and Rep. Vinnie Miresse introduced a new proposal to reauthorize Knowles-Nelson for six years, funded at $72 million annually. This proposed legislation is co-sponsored by all 60 Democratic lawmakers and lays the groundwork for negotiations as the two parties seek ways to work together to reauthorize the program.
To get a solid conservation funding bill passed, we need your help. Over the last seven months, you sent thousands of messages in support of Knowles-Nelson to lawmakers and called the Governor’s Office. Your voice was heard and may be the reason that conservation funding still has a future. Please continue to contact your legislators to demand that the state provide robust conservation funding. Keep an eye on our emails and Facebook page for specific calls to action.
In the meantime, our work continues. We received a Knowles-Nelson grant for an upcoming project and are working with Ducks Unlimited on another state-supported land protection effort. It’s possible that a stand-alone bill could pass before we run out of Knowles-Nelson money, and we never have to confront a world in which our state leaders have abandoned conservation.
We’re going to work hard, alongside our partners at Gathering Waters, to renew Knowles-Nelson and advance conservation where you live.
And we did have one big win: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act preserved federal funding that helps protect farmland. We’re excited for future partnerships, like those with the towns of Dunn and Dunkirk, to keep farmland available for the next generation.
In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, Groundswell Conservancy’s offices on Paterson Street will be closed on Friday, July 4. The offices will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, July 7. Attempts to contact our staff on the holiday may result in delayed responses as we give our workers the day off.
Groundswell’s publicly accessible property at Patrick Marsh in Sun Prairie, and Westport Prairie, will remain open for visiting on the Fourth of July.
Enjoy the holiday, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
We’re excited to share some great news! Tony Abate has been promoted to Senior Director of Conservation. This new title reflects the incredible work Tony has done over the past seven years—and the growing role he plays as we advance conservation where you live in Dane County and surrounding counties.
Tony leads Groundswell’s conservation programs and oversees our land protection work. He brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to every project. With more and more people hoping to protect special places forever, Tony’s leadership is helping Groundswell meet the moment.
Tony has built strong relationships with landowners, partner agencies, and community members. He leads our Stewardship Committee and has guided exciting efforts like our community conservation projects at Patrick Marsh and Westport Prairie.
At the heart of Tony’s work is a deep belief: everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re connecting to nature or spending time with friends and family outside, Tony knows that these experiences create lasting memories—and passionate supporters of conservation.
Tony’s promotion is more than a personal achievement—it’s a big step forward for Groundswell’s mission to protect special places forever. As we grow and take on new conservation projects, we’re proud to have Tony helping to lead the way.
Congratulations, Tony!
Groundswell Conservancy’s offices on Paterson Street will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The office will reopen the following day for normal business hours. Attempts to contact our staff on the holiday may result in delayed responses as we give our workers the day off.
Groundswell’s publicly accessible property at Patrick Marsh in Sun Prairie, and Westport Prairie, will remain open for visiting on Juneteenth.
Enjoy the holiday, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
For more than 35 years, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has helped protect the forests, farms, trails, parks, and natural areas that make Wisconsin special. It provides funding for land trusts, local governments, and conservation partners to permanently protect land and improve access to the outdoors.
Thanks to Knowles-Nelson, Groundswell Conservancy has protected 75 properties and more than 6,000 acres of land in south central Wisconsin. This includes beloved places where you hike, paddle, and explore.
But now, the future of this vital program is at risk. The State Legislature is finalizing a new budget — and it may leave Knowles-Nelson out. If that happens, many future conservation projects may stall or be canceled.
We’ve been at the Capitol speaking up for conservation, and lawmakers tell us the same thing again and again: Your voice matters.
How to protect Knowles-Nelson:
Click the link below to contact your lawmakers and tell them to protect Knowles-Nelson. You’ll be guided through a quick process to send an email to the right elected officials. It only takes a minute — and it could make all the difference.
Let’s make sure Wisconsin continues to invest in protecting land and water for future generations. Thank you for speaking up on behalf of conservation where you live.
Groundswell Conservancy is seeking a new Communications Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, organized, outgoing, innately curious individual who embodies empathy and enjoys developing and maintaining close relationships with supporters. Please share this announcement with anyone you think might be interested in this job.
The Director of Major & Planned Gifts, working closely with the Executive Director, Development Coordinator, and a Development Committee, will be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing Groundswell’s development plan to support its programs and operations.
They will create and build relationships with individuals, businesses, foundations, and partners to secure funding to meet our $1.2M operating budget.
They will directly solicit and secure major gifts with a portfolio of prospective and leadership donors. They will promote and solicit planned gifts and steward relationships with existing Legacy Circle members. They will involve and engage staff and board members in donor cultivation and stewardship, continuing a culture of philanthropy within Groundswell.
This is a full-time, salaried position with paid benefits including health and dental insurance, annual and sick leave, and retirement.
The hiring team will begin reviewing and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis as soon as January 1, 2025, with the goal of having the successful candidate in position by February.
The complete position description with salary range and benefits is available at groundswellconservancy.org/careers.
To Apply:
Please email a resume, cover letter, and three references to admin@groundswellconservancy.org. Please include “Communications Coordinator Application” in the subject line.
Photo credit: Ben Jones
The Prairie Partners summer internship returns in 2025!
For more than a decade, Prairie Partners interns have helped restore valuable wildlife habitat while gaining professional experience in conservation. Many interns have gone on to achieve great things at other land trusts, the DNR, local environmental contractors, and graduate school!
The internship was on hold this past year while partnering organizations focused on how to restructure the program to make it even better. In 2025, the internship will include new partnerships, a 4-day work week, a higher hourly pay rate, and new educational experiences.
This year, the partner groups involved in the program are:
– Groundswell Conservancy
– Ice Age Trail Alliance
– Riverland Conservancy
– Wisconsin DNR
If you know someone who might be a good candidate and loves working outside, send them on over to our Careers page for the job announcement. We’re excited for what the future holds and cannot wait to get back in the field to conserve some of our favorite local green spaces!