DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *March 31, 2025 
*Contact: *DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]*
*

*DNR Announces 2025 Rare Species
Community-Based **Science Projects*

"*Volunteers Needed For Survey Efforts For Threatened
And Endangered Species*"

 

A volunteer shovels in a field of purple flowers.

Among other things, volunteers help manage habitats at State Natural Areas, which are home to many rare Wisconsin plants and animals. / Photo Credit: Jerry Newman/The Prairie Enthusiasts

*MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced volunteer opportunities to help monitor rare and endangered species and manage their habitats in 2025.

While many Wisconsinites appreciate the beauty of our plants, animals and natural landscapes, a special few volunteer their time to survey for rare and endangered species. These volunteers, known as community scientists, do things including learning to distinguish the calls of the 12 different frog and toad species found in Wisconsin or finding and identifying rare plants.

The DNR seeks volunteers for the following projects:

Plants and Habitats:


* State Natural Areas Volunteers [ [link removed] ]
* Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program [ [link removed] ]

Invertebrates:


* Karner Blue Butterfly Volunteer Monitoring Program [ [link removed] ]
* Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade [ [link removed] ]
* Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program [ [link removed] ]

Other Animals:


* Wisconsin Bat Program: Acoustic and Summer Roost Monitoring [ [link removed] ]
* Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey [ [link removed] ]
* Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program [ [link removed] ]

“Volunteers support critical research and monitoring for many of Wisconsin’s rarest plant and animal species and provide an effective approach to managing invasive species,” said Owen Boyle, DNR species management section manager. “We’re immensely grateful for the hours they’ve dedicated to this often complex and detailed work. When we better understand how species populations are being impacted by threats like degraded habitat, disease and climate change, we can take action before they disappear from Wisconsin.”

In 2024, volunteers completed surveys and collected data in nearly every county in the state. Volunteer opportunities are available for everyone, regardless of initial skill level, science or nature experience or time availability. No matter who you are or where you are in Wisconsin, you can contribute to the management of our precious natural resources.

Learn more about these opportunities [ [link removed] ].

*Other Ways To Help*

Training, coordination and data analysis for these projects, along with many other activities to conserve rare species by department staff, are supported in part by the Endangered Resources Fund. Contributions to the Endangered Resources Fund come from income tax form donations, Endangered Resources license plates and individual gifts.

Learn more about the Endangered Resources Fund or donate today [ [link removed] ].







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