Wisconsin's natural resources belong to each and every state resident. With that gift comes a responsibility to care for those resources through careful management and conservation efforts. WI Master Naturalist Volunteers can assist land managers and scientists in these efforts by participating in a variety of stewardship opportunities. For example:

• Stabilize threatened stream banks.
• Remove invasive species, such as buckthorn or garlic mustard, and restore native plants.
• Clean up urban waterways.
• Construct and install nesting boxes and feeders.
• Build an observation deck or blind in a wildlife refuge.
• Construct and maintain a trail system.

Stewardship activities can be physically demanding, but there are components of a stewardship project, such as planning and organizing, for those looking for a less rigorous activity.

Volunteers initially need to work with land managers to learn the skills needed to take on a successful stewardship project. Once those skills have been developed, volunteers may be ready to take a leadership role in a conservation effort in community conservation efforts.