During the first ever Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day on March 12, 2025, Team Knowles Nelson brought together 170 participants from 70 organizations who engaged in 96 legislative meetings at the Capitol. Experienced conservation supporters as well as first-time advocates demonstrated strong, diverse support for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Conversations focused on a shared love for Wisconsin’s beautiful outdoor spaces—the local trails, parks, and wild places that matter to communities across the state. While Lobby Day was just one day, advocacy doesn’t end when we leave the Capitol—it continues in our communities.
Continuing the Conversation at Upcoming Legislative Listening Sessions
The momentum from Lobby Day carries forward as legislators host listening sessions throughout the state during the budget season. These public forums provide perfect opportunities to reinforce the importance of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in communities across Wisconsin.
When you attend a listening session, your personal story becomes a powerful tool. Share how protected lands have enriched your family’s life, boosted your local economy, or preserved what makes your community special. Legislators respond to authentic experiences—the hiking trail where your children discovered their first wildflowers, the hunting grounds that preserve multi-generational traditions, or the protected watershed that safeguards your town’s drinking water.
Keep your comments brief and focused on local impact. A two-minute story about a specific Stewardship-funded project in the legislator’s district will resonate more than a lengthy recitation of statewide statistics. Remember to address legislators respectfully as “Senator” or “Representative,” and approach the conversation as you would with any neighbor—relaxed, genuine, and passionate about your shared community.
Arrive early to sign up to speak and practice your key points beforehand. Connect your comments directly to the legislator’s district, mentioning specific projects they might recognize. If you receive questions, answer honestly and briefly. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out and follow up with your office” if you’re unsure about something.
Not quite sure where to start? Explore our advocacy toolkit for talking points, polling data, and district-specific impact sheets to help you prepare.
Other Ways to Keep the Momentum Going
Site Visits: Seeing is Believing
Nothing compares to showing off the impact of Knowles-Nelson firsthand. Legislators often appreciate seeing protected shorelines where families swim and play, trails that connect communities, or local businesses that thrive because of nearby protected areas. Whether you work at a land trust, volunteer with a friends group, or simply enjoy these places, consider organizing a site visit with your legislator. Keep it simple, be flexible with scheduling, and follow up afterward with a thank you note.
Community Events
Trail openings, fishing tournaments, picnics, and volunteer work days all showcase Knowles-Nelson projects in action. These events happen throughout the year across Wisconsin and create low-pressure opportunities to invite legislators. Next time you’re planning or attending one, think about extending an invite to your representatives to join the celebration. Seeing community members actively using and enjoying Knowles-Nelson projects often speaks louder than any formal presentation or statistics could.
Stewardship Stories
Share your stories through local media, social platforms, and community newsletters. Letters to the editor, guest columns, and social media posts help maintain visibility for the Stewardship Program and introduce it to new audiences.
Remember To Find Common Ground
At the end of the day, legislators are our neighbors and community members who care about Wisconsin just as we do. They may have different perspectives on how to protect our natural resources, but most share a deep appreciation for the landscapes that define our state.
Look for common ground in your conversations—whether it’s economic development, public health, tourism, flood mitigation, or preserving hunting and fishing traditions. Listen as much as you speak, acknowledge their viewpoints respectfully, and remember that building consensus requires understanding diverse perspectives.
By engaging with legislators as fellow Wisconsinites who share a stake in our state’s future, we strengthen the collaborative spirit that has made the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program successful for generations. Together, we can ensure this vital program continues to protect the places that make Wisconsin special for all who call it home.
Featured image by Dennis James, 2025
