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What is Knowles-Nelson?

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is Wisconsin’s commitment to preserving our state’s natural beauty and ensuring it’s accessible for everyone to enjoy. Since 1989, it has funded the creation, protection, and maintenance of the outdoor spaces that make Wisconsin special. From pristine lakes to lush forests, scenic hiking trails to well-maintained campgrounds, Knowles-Nelson benefits nearly every corner of the state. The program also supports the preservation of natural and cultural heritage sites, ensuring that each part of Wisconsin maintains its distinct character.

How Knowles-Nelson Works for WI

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program protects Wisconsin’s natural spaces and enhances outdoor recreation. It supports $17.9 billion outdoor recreation industry, which provides over 168,000 jobs. For just $11 per resident annually, Knowles-Nelson delivers $2 billion in natural services back to the state, ensuring cleaner water, healthier forests, and increased outdoor opportunities for all Wisconsinites. By protecting our environment and supporting our economy, Knowles-Nelson makes Wisconsin a better place to live, work, and play. In Door County, the program has contributed $58.8M that has protected over 12,600 acres.

Knowles-Nelson at The Ridges

Preservation is critical to maintaining the diversity and rarity of The Ridges Sanctuary and surrounding areas. In 1937, our founders set forth a vision for this protection through land ownership and stewardship, ensuring that future generations would have the opportunity to enjoy the land forever. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund has made a significant impact on this vision. Since the program was created, we have been fortunate to receive over $1.5M that has protected nearly 600 acres, which includes: 

– Appels Bluff: The geologically unique 200-acre property features dense lowland cedar forests, ephemeral ponds, and wetlands in the southern portion, along with upland forests of maple and birch in the middle. Appels Bluff plays a critical role in our Orchid Restoration Project.

– 2024 Baileys Harbor Acquisition: The 12-acre parcel helps protect groundwater quality and migratory bird foraging habitats near coastal wetlands. The addition of this land also allows us to safeguard wildlife corridors, and reduce landscape fragmentation from development and human-wildlife conflict. 

– Family Discovery Trail and Logan Creek and Ridges Road Segments: Stewardship funds improved access, research opportunities and valuable habitat protection.

– Jacksonport Acquisition: With over 160 acres along the banks of Logan Creek and Clark Lake, this northern wet-mesic forest is home to a diverse community of hardwoods, native shrubs, and wildflowers. It has become a great spot for birdwatching and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007. 

– Family Discovery Trail Expansion: In 2005 and 2006, 160 acres were acquired using Stewardship Funds created The Family Discovery Trail. With another 15 acres added in 2009, the Family Discovery Trail is a unique learning experience for children and families and is a primary destination for the beloved Ridges Summer Camp.  

What’s at Stake?

For more than 30 years, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has been the best source of state funding to protect Wisconsin’s land and water conservation. Initially funded at $25 million on a 10-year cycle, the Stewardship Fund peaked at $86 million in the 2000s before being cut by state legislators in 2015. Currently, Knowles-Nelson is funded at $33.25 million on a 2-year cycle and will expire this year if not renewed during the current state budget debate.

In recognition of the ecological and economic benefits to the state that a strong land conservation program provides, state legislators have proposed reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to $70 million a year through 2030. That 10-year reauthorization will provide the long-term certainty that non-profits and local governments need in order to plan and carry out environmental conservation projects.

Take Action

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is currently funded through June 2026. Without renewed support, Wisconsin risks losing a vital tool for preserving the landscapes that define our state, from pristine lakes and rivers to lush forests and prairies. You can take action by:

1. Creating a custom Knowles-Nelson postcard to share your story with lawmakers. Visit the “Take Action – Send a Postcard to Your Legislator” section on the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship website. Upload a photo and write a short message explaining why Wisconsin’s land and water are important to you and your community. A physical postcard will be printed and sent to your legislators. Alternatively, visit The Ridges Nature Center to fill out a custom postcard that will be mailed on your behalf. Share your personal story with lawmakers and make your voice heard!
2. Contact your state legislator: Reach out to your representatives and express your support for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Let them know why protecting Wisconsin’s natural spaces matters to you and that you expect them to show up in support for stewardship. Go to KnowlesNelson.org to send your legislator a letter of support today or contact your legislator directly: call (608) 266-3512 for Senator Andre Jacque and (608) 266-5350 for Representative Joel Kitchens. Every message counts!
3. Inspire friends and family: Spread the word about Knowles-Nelson to your network. Invite them to learn more about the program and its impact on Wisconsin’s natural resources by visiting KnowlesNelson.org. Encourage them to create their own postcards and connect with their legislators by sharing their personal stories about Wisconsin’s outdoors.

Our founders’ vision has never been more critical than today as we work to protect and preserve The Ridges. By supporting the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, you help us expand the role we play in safeguarding these natural resources. Together, we can protect Wisconsin’s cherished natural resources and continue making a lasting difference at The Ridges and beyond.