Gov. Tony Evers announced the completion of his 2025 tour of all 72 Wisconsin counties in a press release that was also published by Urban Milwaukee. This year’s tour included a wide range of visits, from schools and small businesses to parks and public spaces, with several stops tied directly to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
In April, the governor hiked Faville Grove Sanctuary in Lake Mills in Jefferson County. The property is owned and managed by the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and has been protected with Knowles-Nelson funding to conserve grassland, wetland, and woodland habitat.
In May, the governor visited Pattison State Park alongside Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. During the stop, they discussed the park’s role in regional tourism and the impact of Knowles-Nelson–supported projects at the park.
In July, the governor celebrated the expansion of Beloit’s riverwalk in Rock County. This project, also supported in part by Knowles-Nelson, expanded public access along the Rock River and improved connections between the riverfront, downtown, and nearby neighborhoods.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program supports land protection, park improvements, and public access projects carried out by local governments and conservation organizations across Wisconsin.
Featured image by Creal Zearing, 2025
