Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC) is a statewide collaborative that brings together women farmers and landowners to learn about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
WiWiC works with women from traditional farmers to urban gardeners and backyard growers. The project provides conservation resources applicable on any scale, whether a farmer is experienced or a novice, managing a large piece of land they own or a rented plot in a community garden.
A significant part of WiWiC’s resources is its team of conservation coaches. Patti Schevers is one of these coaches. She manages her family’s 100-acre farm in Oneida and is the fourth-generation steward of the land.
When Schevers’ family decided to no longer be active farmers, she and her partner worked quickly to restore more than 90 of the acres to native prairie and wildflowers in just one year. This was a challenging project, but Schevers was able to complete it with the help of guidance from the USDA and her own determination.
These days, Schevers relishes her role as a WiWiC conservation coach. She enjoys meeting other landowners, learning what they’re doing, and traversing the joys and pains of land management together.
WiWiC offers women farmers and landowners many opportunities to connect and learn from each other. The project hosts events all year round around the state. WiWiC coordinator Noemy Serrano is proud to work on a project that uplifts women, pushes for change, and creates inclusive spaces.
WiWiC is an important resource for women farmers and landowners in Wisconsin. The project provides conservation resources, connects women with each other, and creates a supportive environment for land management.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-scharfsinn86
Categories: Wisconsin, Business