Join conservation biologist Thomas Meyer to learn about the Wisconsin DNR’s State Natural Areas Program, the oldest and largest state-wide nature preserve protection program in the nation, celebrating its 70th year in 2021. Thomas will give a brief history and highlights of the program and then take a virtual tour of some of the state’s most outstanding natural areas — from old-growth forests to vibrant prairies to biologically diverse wetlands — and learn more about what makes them so special.

Thomas Meyer is a conservation biologist with the Wisconsin DNR. His 35-year career with the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation in Madison has focused on protecting native ecosystems and habitat for rare species of plants and animals. He helps guide the State Natural Areas Program, which protects some of the best remaining ecological communities in the state (some of which are also Wetland Gems®!).