Gathering Waters

Could Wisconsin have a new state insect soon? A campaign by the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society to make the rare Hine's emerald dragonfly Wisconsin's official state insect recently gained support in the Wisconsin Conservation Congress survey.

Once feared extinct, this federally endangered species was rediscovered in Door County in 1987. The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc. stewards one of the rarest and most vital habitats on earth for its survival.

Learn more here:

'Beautiful Emerald Eyes': Wisconsin nature preserve promotes a dragonfly as state insect A campaign by the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society to name the rare Hine's emerald dragonfly the state's official insect is gaining ground.

Our kudos go out to Groundswell Conservancy for their tireless efforts that are resulting in a conservation win. Read more below.

This weekend’s front-page Wisconsin State Journal story shines a spotlight on the Herro property along the Yahara River in the Town of Dunn—an extraordinary landscape with both ecological importance and deep cultural significance.

Groundswell Conservancy is proud to be part of the ongoing effort to ensure this land is permanently protected for future generations.

Read the story here: https://madison.com/article_61e12c0d-ec3b-5150-ba31-80df6446ff27.html

Image descriptions: A view of part of the land to be protected and donated to the Ho-Chunk Nation, looking east where the Yahara River meets Lower Mud Lake. Photo credit: Ben Jones

Gathering Waters is excited to announce the winners of the 2026 Land Conservation Leadership Awards!

Our congratulations and thanks go out to:

- Abbie Church (Mississippi Valley Conservancy) – Land Trust Professional of the Year

- Mark Lesko (Seno K/RLT Conservancy) – Land Trust Volunteer of the Year

- Andrew Struck (Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department) – Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award

- Ron and Darla Giordano (The Prairie Enthusiasts /Groundswell Conservancy) – Land Legacy Award

- Cody Kamrowski (Wisconsin Wildlife Federation) – Advocacy Champion

We extend our thanks and gratitude to this year's award winners for their efforts to further land conservation resulting in lasting changes around the state. We’re excited to celebrate their accomplishments!

Read about each of the award winners here: https://gatheringwaters.org/announcing-the-2026-land-conservation-leadership-award-winners/