Capitol Day with UWSP Students

Wisconsin Capitol building and grounds, Photo by Carolyn Pralle

Capitol Day with the UW-Stevens Point Student Chapter of Wisconsin’s Green Fire

As part of our work to engage the next generation of conservation leaders, WGF Policy Director Paul Heinen spent a day in Madison with members of our student chapter at UW Stevens Point, Olivia Franklin, Brittany Torzala, and Emily Mueller.

They met for an hour in a Capitol hearing room talking about current legislation, the 2025-2027 State Budget, and how to get engaged in changing environmental and conservation policy by talking with legislators and their staff.

Later on, they were joined by Department of Natural Resources Legislative Policy Director Calvin Boldebuck who spent ½ hour briefing them on current agency legislation and rules and how they proceed through the legislative process.

The group finished up their day with UWSP alum Paula McGuire, chief of staff to Senator Bob Wirch, who went through the new state budget proposal with them and explained the best way for their voices to be heard by Senators and Representatives.

Members of WGF’s student chapter at UWSP: (left to right) Emily Mueller, Olivia Franklin, and Brittany Torzala, 2025.

More ways to Connect

Are you curious about the environmental and conservation policies in the Capitol for the 2025-26 legislative session? Check out our legislative tracker spreadsheet, a living record of the legislation WGF is currently tracking. View our legislative tracker here. You can send questions or comments to Paul Heinen, our Policy Director at pheinen@wigreenfire.org.

Are you a student or early-career professional interested in conservation policy? Contact us!

Student membership in Wisconsin’s Green Fire is free.

For non-students, a gift of any amount makes you a member. Join us!