Green Bay— The Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association (WI Land+Water) hosted its 72nd Annual Conservation Conference from March 5-7, 2025. As part of the conference, the WI Land+Water Youth Education Committee held the 68th Annual Conservation Awareness Poster and Speaking Contest, celebrating the talents of students from across Wisconsin dedicated to conservation.

In the speaking contest, 14 students—each having first won at their local contests—advanced to the state level to represent their respective areas. These students competed in elementary, junior, and senior divisions, presenting thoughtful, research-driven speeches on pressing conservation topics and their impacts on Wisconsin communities.

This year’s speaking was emceed by Geo Rutherford, social media creator, educator, and Great Lakes advocate known for her creative storytelling on environmental issues. She recently published her first book, Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes that Dot Our Planet. 

“This contest is designed to empower students to speak up for conservation,” said Kim Warkentin, WI Land+Water Youth Education Director. “Geo brought such energy to the event, reminding everyone—especially the students—why their voices are critical in conservation. She showed them how creativity and science can work together to tell important stories about our environment. That kind of connection makes the experience truly rewarding for everyone involved.”

The poster contest drew entries from students in five age divisions. This year’s theme, “Home is Where the Habitat Is,” challenged students to creatively illustrate the importance of healthy habitats in supporting wildlife and ecosystems. Posters that advanced from local contests were displayed at the conference, where attendees voted for the entries they felt best conveyed the conservation message.

First-place posters from each division will advance to represent Wisconsin at the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Poster Contest at the NACD Annual Meeting.

Wisconsin was also proud to celebrate a national champion this year. Washington County’s Jenna Collins earned first place (for Grades 10-12) at the 2024 NACD National Poster Contest, (in the 10-12 grade division) announced during NACD’s 79th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, UT. Her winning poster reflected the theme “May the Forest Be With You, Always” and showcased the creativity and conservation ethic of Wisconsin’s youth on a national stage.

The Conservation Awareness Poster and Speaking Contests are two of the many programs that WI Land+Water’s Youth Education Committee coordinates to educate and inspire Wisconsin’s youth about the importance of stewardship and caring for our natural resources. To learn more about these programs, visit: wisconsinlandwater.org/youtheducation. 

SPEAKING CONTEST RESULTS:

Elementary Division: (Grades 5-6)

• 1st Place: Adalyn Howe, Columbia County, “Together in Wisconsin: Keeping Wisconsin’s Ecosystems Native and Thriving” 
• 2nd Place: Sutton Pitlik, Oneida County, “Blue-Green Algae” 
• 3rd Place: Sydney Walters, Washburn County, “Spiny Water Flea” 

Junior Division: (Grades 7-8)

• 1st Place: Lydia Visger, Columbia County, “Responsible Boating to Protect Our Lakes” 
• 2nd Place: Miranda Kelch, Pepin County, “Blue-Green Algae” 
• 3rd Place: Ella Melby, Monroe County, “How Our Cow’s Poop Can Help Our Soil, and Our Food” 

Senior Division: (Grades 9-12)

• 1st Place: Briella Brusveen, Columbia County, “Rooted in Wisdom: The Past Teaches the Future”  
• 2nd Place: Carter Stueve, St. Croix County, “The Effects of Wisconsin’s Mining Industry” 
• 3rd Place: Brenna Lockman, Portage County, “Oak Trees in Central Wisconsin”

POSTER CONTEST RESULTS

Primary Division: (Grades K-1): 

• 1st Place: Lynnette Herrild, Sauk County
• 2nd Place:  Marley Bures, Sawyer County
• 3rd Place: Olivia Kast, Shawano County  

Elementary Division: (Grades 2-3): 

• 1st Place: Blakely Abbrederis, Marquette County
• 2nd Place:  Sasha Worley, Washington County
• 3rd Place: Dexter Kaiser, Grant County 

Middle Division: (Grades 4-6): 

• 1st Place: Calvin Faul, Fond du Lac County
• 2nd Place:  Piper Hatfield, Vernon County
• 3rd Place: Delaney Darton, Vilas County

Junior Division: (Grades 7-9): 

• 1st Place: Claire Miller, Pierce County
• 2nd Place:  Madeline Cleveland, Green County
• 3rd Place: Sierra Brantner, Monroe County 

Senior Division: (Grades 10-12): 

• 1st Place: Vivian Spencer, Sauk County
• 2nd Place:  Elizabeth Bornick, Green Lake County 
• 3rd Place: Sakora Danforth, Dunn County

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Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association (WI Land+Water) is a nonprofit organization that supports the local and statewide efforts of all county land and water conservation department staff and land conservation committee supervisors across Wisconsin. WI Land+Water’s members work directly with landowners, farmers, and citizens to improve land and water management. This boots-on-the-ground approach provides all Wisconsinites with direct access to technical assistance and professional expertise. Learn more at wisconsinlandwater.org.