JUNE 2022 NEWSLETTER

A Note from Your Executive Director

We are sorry to be reaching out to you after the tragic events that took place in Texas last week. As everyone deals with their respective sadness and anger over the senseless violence, we hope you are able to find the space you need to cope and remember the goodness of the world. 

We stand in solidarity with all the victims of gun violence across the country. The link between cruelty to animals, both domestic and wild, and interpersonal human violence is clear. Studies by the FBI have shown that young people who abuse animals are more likely to act violently toward human beings later in life. In order to reduce violence effectively, we must take all allegations of cruelty to wildlife seriously and teach young people that the abuse of any victim is unacceptable. Wisconsin has a law that makes wildlife exempt from cruelty laws and we aim to change this!

Gun violence involves not only humans but also animals, who cannot defend themselves against humans and NRA power, which is why we must stand up for them. And these same NRA-loving politicians are also responsible for trying to delist wolves, derail the Endangered Species Act and back nonsense bills which seek to destroy the natural world. 

One of the more serious problems in wildlife conservation is to make wildlife restoration funding less dependent on human events. When a mass shooting happens, gun control is discussed. When gun control is discussed, gun sales rise. And when gun sales rise, wildlife restoration gets more funding. 

We aim to not only reduce gun violence for both people and animals, but to change the Pittman-Robertson Act to add a permanent, stable funding source for the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program. This fall, we intend to introduce legislation to make funding for wildlife more all-inclusive, however, we need your continued activism and support.

On a more positive note, I wanted to share with you a presentation Pat Clark and I recently gave at the 17th Annual Endangered Species Day celebration. Every year on the third Friday in May, thousands of people around the world participate in Endangered Species Day by celebrating, learning about, and taking action to protect threatened and endangered species. You can view a recording of our presentation here.

Make sure to come see the bog for our Wolves and Wildflowers Event later this month! Restoring Wisconsin with all of its native species works best if we build strong relationships with advocates like you. Creative, collaborative strategies are how we can ensure wildlife is allowed to live freely and is no longer perceived as a threat. And as a generous donor, you are one of our most important partners. Please consider a gift today to keep our important work going. Right now, we have a matching donor for the month of June where you can double your donation!

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– VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH –

I volunteer with GLWA because they have a focused goal for helping wildlife and in particular, grey wolves. The wolf is the most misunderstood mammal. Here in Wisconsin, ecology balance is only possible with the presence of grey wolves. Wolves are the ultimate biologists. Through their actions they bring balance to the fauna and flora, and they do this for free. We need more wolves in the bogs, forests and wetlands of Wisconsin. GLWA is the hope of this occurring. The group focuses energy and resources on changing or making laws to make that balance possible. Through their partnerships and a vast network of advocates they do this. Stopping the wolf hunt is just one example of how effective the group is. Please get involved and help save our endangered and threatening wildlife. ~ Pat Clark

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When: Saturday, June 18th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Lewiston, WI  (directions: on the north side of WI hwy 127, 4 miles east of the Wisconsin Dells, 8 miles west of Portage)

Enjoy an up-close experience to Wisconsin’s natural world and learn about the critical conservation work we are doing to protect these areas for future generations. Our field trip will be led by naturalist, Pat Clark who will share his love and knowledge of Wisconsin’s lands, waters and wildlife. 

We’ll be putting out trail cameras, hiking into the bog, and learning how to remove invasive species. Join us to learn more about how to we can tell OUR story about why wildlife is so important to us. All ages are welcome!

For those who wish to venture back into the bog on a more advanced-level hike, be sure to bring waders or tall rubber boots, work gloves, and full-length clothing for potential hazards (i.e. poison sumac, mosquitos, flies). Prepare to get a little muddy! You may also want to bring binoculars and a folding chair or blanket. 

Join us afterward for a casual lunch at the Triple Play Bar and Grill (about 1/4 mile away). We will be sending a more detailed map to participants who register. Please carpool if possible to reduce your carbon footprint. We hope to see you there!