(October 17, 2025) -- On an autumn day, Goose Pond Sanctuary bursts with color—orange-red grasses sway in the wind, bright white Tundra Swans dip into the water for food, and a striking Northern Harrier flies low over the prairie.
The Sanctuary, which is 15 miles north of Madison, is managed by the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and is home to a remarkable 271 species of birds. In Wisconsin, where less than 0.1% of the state's historic prairies remain, Goose Pond Sanctuary provides 500 acres of restored mesic (or wet) tallgrass prairie—one of the rarest prairie habitats in the Midwest.
This landscape is a haven for threatened and at-risk grassland birds, like the Northern Harrier, Henslow’s Sparrow, and Eastern and Western Meadowlarks. These prairies and wetlands also provide crucial migratory stopover habitat for species such as Rough-legged Hawks, Short-eared Owls, Tree Swallows, Bobolinks, and monarch butterflies.
When visiting the colorful expanse of prairie in places like Goose Pond Sanctuary, and hearing the calls of many different birds, it can be difficult to remember how fragile this landscape can be and how much the survival of many of these species relies on actively protecting Wisconsin’s land and water.
What makes a place like Goose Pond Sanctuary possible? Vital conservation funding, in combination with the incredible commitment and energy of Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon Society) staff and volunteers. Much of the necessary funding to acquire land for Goose Pond Sanctuary has come from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is Wisconsin’s largest and most impactful conservation program. Since 1989, this bipartisan-supported program has provided grants to preserve the places that birds, other wildlife, and communities depend on across the state.
In the past 35 years, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has received Knowles-Nelson grants totaling more than $5.6M, allowing them to permanently protect more than 3,200 acres of habitat (including Goose Pond Sanctuary), and that’s just the start! From urban Madison to rural Chippewa County, Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program grants have safeguarded over 700,000 acres of land and waterways—impacting every single one of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.
Protecting Wisconsin Birds
Hundreds of bird species rely on Wisconsin’s forests, wetlands and prairies to breed, feed, raise their young and rest during long migration journeys. In recent years, Knowles-Nelson has protected waterfowl habitat in southeastern Wisconsin, helped establish wildlife corridors on the western side of the state, and aided in the successful preservation of neo-tropical migratory bird habitat near the coast of Lake Superior—among other projects.
One especially striking success story is the Wild Rivers Legacy Forest project, in which Knowles-Nelson was key to the successful protection for 64,600 acres of Wisconsin’s beautiful northern forests. In addition to hosting a wealth of bird species, including many migratory marsh birds and songbirds, the Wild Rivers Legacy Forest provides important nesting and feeding spots for eagles, ospreys, and loons.
Continuing Wisconsin’s Bipartisan Conservation Legacy
Conservation in Wisconsin has a long bipartisan tradition, and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program is a prime example. The program was named for two former Wisconsin governors: Warren Knowles, a Republican, and Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat. Throughout its history, voters on both sides of the aisle have championed the program, with 9 out of 10 Wisconsinites supporting the program and its mission to preserve the state’s land and water.
Despite this bipartisan history and the vast benefits it has provided to communities across Wisconsin, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was not funded in this year’s state budget—for the first time since its establishment. Without action from the state legislature, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program will end in June 2026.
By welcoming residents and tourists to experience our great outdoors, conservation fuels our recreation and tourism industries, driving economic growth while preserving the places that make our state special. Losing the Knowles-Nelson program removes crucial support from local economies and threatens birds and other wildlife that depend on healthy native habitats for their survival. Additionally, we know that protecting what’s good for birds is also good for people. Protecting land across the state ensures that future generations of Wisconsinites can explore the vast forests of the Northwoods, fish in clear creeks, and hear the calls and songs of their favorite birds.
Get Involved
This year, Audubon members have sent close to 1,000 letters to lawmakers on the importance of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, and many members joined us at Wisconsin Advocacy Day to speak directly with their lawmakers about the importance of protecting our natural spaces.
We’re encouraged by recent legislative efforts that signal a path forward—but the future of this vital conservation program is still at risk. Lawmakers must act to ensure Wisconsin’s lands and waters remain protected for generations to come.
You can help! Sign up to become a Great Lakes Bird Advocate and we’ll keep you informed about key moments to raise your voice and make a difference to save the Knowles- Nelson Stewardship Program. Together, we can ensure that Wisconsin’s wild places—and the birds and people who depend on them—continue to thrive.
