The Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. (WCHF) was established to recognize and encourage the growth and practice of a conservation ethic as a legacy for the people of the State. It is a non-profit organization supported by many individual donors, over 30 conservation-related organizations and a volunteer Board of Directors who believe in the mission.
The Inductees into the Hall of Fame have significantly contributed to conservation programs, projects, public understanding, and conservation ethics within the state of Wisconsin and the nation.
History
In the early 1980s, Bill Horvath and Dan Trainer formulated the original idea for the WCHF. The WCHF became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a founding membership of 16 organizations in 1985. Additional organizations became members over time, each having a representative on the board. Currently there are more than 30 Voting Member Organizations supporting the WCHF.
In 2021, the WCHF underwent a transformation to support its longevity into the future. Guided by a strategic plan and Organizational Member input, the organization moved from an operational board of 35 representatives to a smaller Foundation Board. Voting Member Organizations maintain their supporting role and voting rights for annual Inductees. The Foundation Board oversees the operational, policy, business, and fiduciary responsibilities for the WCHF Foundation, Inc.
Due to its central location in Wisconsin and strong commitment to natural resource education, UW–Stevens Point was chosen as the location of the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame. Schmeeckle Reserve, a 285-acre natural area on the university campus, includes a Visitor Center open to the public. The Visitor Center was expanded in 1990 by the Wisconsin Conservation Corps (WCC) to house the WCHF Conservation History Museum and Hall of Fame Gallery. The exhibits were designed, fabricated and installed by UW–Stevens Point graduate and undergraduate students through the 1990s.
The Hall of Fame accomplishes its mission of advancing the conservation ideal by inducting individuals who have contributed significantly to conservation in Wisconsin and in the nation. The first induction ceremony was held in April 1985 for Aldo Leopold and John Muir. To maintain objectivity in the selection of Inductees, a Board of Governors was created to recommend inductees for selection.
The Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. was the first such organization in the United States. This is fitting, since Wisconsin has historically been recognized for its environmental leadership – much of which is due to the foresight of leaders such as the WCHF Inductees. Going forward, the WCHF strives to share the stories of our Inductees through our website and outreach programs to inspire the next generation of conservation heroes.
WCHF’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Social Justice
The Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame is committed to promoting Diversity, Equality and Social Justice. We will do this as we advance our mission and refine our organizational structure, administration, and operations. We will strive to achieve this by reflecting the full vibrancy and diversity of our state and country including, but not limited to, gender, age, ability, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, sexual identity and political philosophy.
The overall mission of the WCHF is to promote conservation by Celebrating, Advancing, and Sharing the Conservation Legacy of Wisconsin. As we continue to advance our mission, we will, as in the past, honor the principles of Diversity, Equality and Social Justice. The WCHF is committed to recognizing diverse aspects of Wisconsin’s conservation legacy and the conservationists who led the way. We will continue to strive to include, engage, and inspire all Wisconsinites to join us in moving our mission and organization forward.