Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers

September 26-28, 2024

Mąąną Pįį Hirakara – Caring for Grandmother Earth

Recording provided by Hoocąk Language Division.

Phonetically: Maahnaah pee (nasal e’s) hee-rrrah-kahrah (rolling r’s rrahh)

A group of people wearing colorful jackets, stand on a trail with trees in the background. Most of the trees have leaves in fall colors. Some trees are dead with bare branches.

Two people in a room with long tables. They are looking at a bumble bee identification guide.

Two people stand next to a tree, looking at the bark with the help of a phone camera and a hand lens.

Wisconsin Dells (Nįįš Hakisųc) and surrounding area

Phonetically: Neesh Hahkeesooch Hear it spoken by Ho-Chunk (Hoocąk) speakers.

Nįįš means rock (formation), bluff, rock, big stone. Hakisųc means very close by

The Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers is an event led and co-hosted by the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program, UW–Madison Division of Extension, and local partners. The Summit brings people and nature together to:

Learn during small group workshops, hikes, and field events.
Serve with volunteer opportunities.
Connect with volunteers, citizen scientists, natural resources professionals, educators, and land and water stewards.

Schedule

Registration

Map

The Summit is open to all adults interested in nature-based volunteerism. Master Naturalist certification is not required. A full day of indoor learning and networking events will occur on Friday, September 27 at the Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells Convention Center with presentations, workshops, Native artisan vendors, awards luncheon with special guests – the Wisconsin Dells Singers – a Ho-Chunk Drum Group, volunteer fair, and an evening social and keynote speaker during dinner. Thursday, September 26 and Saturday, September 28 will feature activities at multiple field sites in the greater Baraboo/Wisconsin Dells area with a focus on small group outdoor field explorations, workshops and volunteer activities.

Co-hosted by the Ho-Chunk (Hoocąk) Nation

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program, along with the UW–Madison Division of Extension, is pleased to be working collaboratively with the Ho-Chunk (Hoocąk) Nation as a co-host for the statewide Summit. While reaching the goals of expanding volunteerism in nature, this event will also expand appreciation and understanding of the Ho-Chunk (Hoocąk) Nation culture, knowledge, and traditions.