Join us in Madison on March 12, 2025 to advocate for the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. We’ll share success stories with legislators and demonstrate why its continued funding is essential for preserving Wisconsin’s outdoor legacy.
Lobby Day will kick off at the Wisconsin Masonic Center with a morning of advocacy programming to prepare you for meetings with your legislators. We’ll provide materials and key talking points about the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Then, you’ll head to the Capitol for pre-scheduled meetings with legislators and their staff. As meetings wrap up, we’ll reconvene with an informal networking session to debrief and connect with fellow advocates.
All are welcome and encouraged to participate in this important day for our state’s future. Together, we will make a difference in shaping conservation policy.
On March 12, 2025, advocates gathered in Madison to support the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Participants shared success stories with legislators and demonstrated why its continued funding is essential for preserving Wisconsin’s outdoor legacy.
The day kicked off at the Wisconsin Masonic Center with morning advocacy programming featuring remarks from Governor Tony Evers, Rep. Deb Andraca, and Rep. Tony Kurtz. Attendees then headed to the Capitol for meetings with legislators and their staff. As meetings wrapped up, advocates came together for a reception that provided an opportunity to debrief, connect, strategize, and celebrate.
The event was a success, with over 170 participants representing more than 70 organizations, resulting in 96 legislative meetings. Hunters, hikers, land stewards, and local government leaders worked together to find the common ground that will strengthen and move the Stewardship Program forward.
Check-in at the Wisconsin Masonic Center, located at 301 Wisconsin Ave. Please enter through the Wisconsin Avenue entrance. A light breakfast of coffee, pastries, and fruit will be available as you arrive.
10:15 AM • Educational Program, Speakers & Issue Briefing (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE)
Our program will begin promptly at 10:15 AM (15 minutes earlier than originally planned) to accommodate our VIP guest speakers. This session will include welcome remarks, presentations from special guests, and a briefing on the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. You’ll receive training on effective advocacy techniques and storytelling.
11:45 am • Working Lunch
Enjoy lunch while participating in small group discussions to practice your advocacy skills. This working lunch will help you refine your “Knowles-Nelson elevator pitch” and prepare for your upcoming legislative meetings.
12:30 pm • Walk to the Capitol
We’ll walk together from the Masonic Center to the Wisconsin State Capitol. The walk is approximately 0.3 miles (about 5-7 minutes).
12:45 pm • Group Photo at the Capitol
Pics or it didn’t happen! We’ll gather for a group photo on the Capitol steps to document our collective advocacy efforts. This photo may be used in future communications about the Team Knowles Nelson’s work.
1:00 – 4:30 pm • Pre-scheduled legislator meetings at the Capitol
Your schedule of legislative meetings will be provided at check-in. Meetings typically last 20-25 minutes and will be conducted in small groups. Staff will be available in the Capitol rotunda to assist with any questions.
4:00 – 6:00 pm • Lobby Day Networking Happy Hour
Return to the Wisconsin Masonic Center for a casual reception to connect with fellow advocates, share experiences from your legislative meetings, and discuss next steps for supporting the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.
Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day is set for Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Madison. We invite all Wisconsinites who value our state’s outdoor resources to join us – from weekend hikers to lifelong conservationists, and everyone in between.
301 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703
Knowles-Nelson Lobby day will be held at the Wisconsin Masonic Center in downtown Madison. The facility is historic and unique, crafted in Art Deco style, and versatile with a variety of meeting spaces.
Dayton/Pickney Ramp (2 blocks from WMC)
29 E. Dayton Street
Capitol Square ー North Ramp (3 blocks from WMC)
218 E. Mifflin Street
State Street Capitol Garage (3 blocks from WMC)
200 N. Carroll Street
Overture Center Ramp (4 blocks from WMC)
318 W. Mifflin Street
Buckey Lot (5 blocks from WMC)
214 W. Gorham Street
Brayton Ramp (5 blocks from WMC)
1 S. Butler Street
East Main Street Ramp (6 blocks from WMC)
114 E. Main Street
Judge Doyle Garage (7 blocks from WMC)
215 S. Pickney Street
Dane County Ramp (8 blocks from WMC)
113 S. Henry Street
City of Madison MLK Lot (8 blocks from WMC)
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703
Lodging will be available at the nearby Madison Concourse Hotel. The hotel is within walking distance of the Masonic Center (about 1 block away). If you have mobility issues, talk with us about how we can help make your experience as easy as possible.
Everyone’s voice matters, regardless of where you live in Wisconsin. While Lobby Day is a free event, we understand that traveling to Madison can be a significant expense for many participants, especially those coming from further parts of the state.
Contact morgan@gatheringwaters.org to discuss ways we can support your travel to Madison. We want to make sure distance isn’t a barrier to your participation.
Please contact Morgan Rusnak, Advocacy Manager, at morgan@gatheringwaters.org or 608-251-9131 x10 with questions about Lobby Day.
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