2020Annual Meeting Programs
There is no charge for these programs, but we ask you to consider a special donation to help cover costs of bringing these programs to you.
Age, Race, Politics, and Conservation -Addressing the Elephants in the Room
As much as we enjoy getting together for our fall annual meeting, this year we are following a virtual format to keep everyone safe. Our annual meeting events are available to everyone. Join us for a bang up series of webinars by Zoom throughout September, exploring pressing issues for the conservation community and opportunities for Wisconsin’s Green Fire. On three Wednesday evenings (Sept 9, 16, 23) we will explore issues of race, equity, the concerns and interests of students, and hear from political leaders on what we can expect in 2021 and beyond. Spend a fascinating evening with our annual meeting keynote speaker, former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, on Friday Sept. 25. Then join us for our virtual annual meeting on Saturday morning, Sept. 26 to hear the latest on WGF work and contribute your insights and ideas in our virtual break out groups. You can participate in any or all of the programs, but advance registration is required.
Register for each session you are interested in attending by clicking the registration buttons below. You will be taken to a registration page for the Zoom webinar or meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with your unique link to join the on-line session. You will have a unique link for each session.
Wednesday, September 9, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Conference Welcome: Young Voices, New Members, and New Opportunities
Join Wisconsin’s Green Fire leaders in learning more about who we are and what we do. We extend a special invitation to students and student-led conservation groups. Student leaders will share their projects and ideas on how WGF can more effectively collaborate with young, aspiring professionals and student organizations. WGF leaders will share information about our work.
Wednesday, September 16, 4:00 - 6:30 pmUnderstanding Racial Equity and Inclusion in Conservation
August Ball
Cream City Conservation
In this special interactive workshop, we'll work to better understand racial inequities, and especially ways in which inequities have existed in the field of conservation. August Ball, founder and CEO of Cream City Conservation, will present on the history and concepts behind racial inequities and lead our interactive discussion. Wisconsin's Green Fire is co-hosting this unique program with our allied organizations Gathering Waters and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. August will challenge us to look at race on personal and societal levels to help us integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work. Check out Cream City Conservation at http://www.creamcityconservation.org/
Wednesday, September 23, 4:30 - 6:00 pmTransformative Opportunities and New Challenges in Conservation
The COVID-19 pandemic, the associated economic downturn, and a heightened awareness of racial and environmental justice have brought new challenges and new opportunities to conservation work in Wisconsin. Our panel of legislative and agency leaders will help us unpack some of today’s biggest trends, predict what we can expect in 2021 and beyond, and help us identify opportunities for WGF to make a difference in conservation.
Our panel includes Senator Rob Cowles (R - Green Bay), Senator Janet Bewley (D - Mason), Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), and Wisconsin DNR Assistant Deputy Secretary Todd Ambs.
Friday, September 25, 4:30 - 6:00 pmKeynote: Russ Feingold on Global Conservation, Policy, and Science
Russ Feingold
Former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is a member of Wisconsin’s Green Fire because he supports our unique role in conservation in Wisconsin. Russ will share insights from his long career as a statesman and his more recent efforts as Global Ambassador for the Campaign for Nature. From the campaign to save biodiversity in Africa to the growing threats to conservation closer to home, Russ will help us navigate our work in a global context in challenging times.
Saturday, September 26, 9:00 - 11:30 am Annual Meeting Summary Session: Updates, Breakout Sessions, and Business Meeting
Download the full agenda for this session here. This session caps off a full month of diverse programs. Now come meet our staff and members and learn more about our work! Hear about our work with natural and working lands and climate change, oil pipelines, and the forever chemicals PFAS. Meet our work group chairs. We will distill and discuss what we’ve learned over the past year and how we can be most effective. We will share our thoughts on future directions for Wisconsin's Green Fire and ask for your input using breakout groups. We will have a ten-minute business meeting where we will review minutes from the 2019 annual meeting and our financial report. Meet our new board members and read their bios here.
