Conservation Corner is a weekly article produced by the Forest County Land & Water Conservation Department.
For more information contact Kayla Littleton, County Conservationist-Land Information/GIS Director at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at
When the last patches of snow begin to melt and the air carries a hint of warmth, many people in North America look for one familiar sign, and that is the return of the American robin. With its warm reddish-orange breast, bright eyes, and cheerful song, this bird has...
Ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, are among the most recognizable insects in the world. Their bright colors and spotted patterns make them a favorite sight in gardens, but their charm is matched by their ecological importance. Found on every continent except...
As spring approaches many of us will get out to start our Maple Syrup operations. Wisconsin is ranked third in the nation for Maple Syrup production, trailing Vermont and New York. Our state produced 556,000 gallons in 2025, up 98,000 gallons from 2024, according to...
The Forest County native plant sale is in full swing. With there being just under 3 weeks left to order, there is still time for you to get your native plants! Native plants are a great way to attract birds butterflies, and bees to your property. They can also help to...
Winter landscapes often seem still and lifeless, with most insects hidden away until spring. Yet, on certain sunny days, you might notice the snow peppered with tiny black specks that suddenly leap into the air. These are snow...
This story is courtesy of the Vilas County News Review. Vilas and Oneida counties have received more than $1.1 million in grant funding to help combat, prevent and study aquatic invasive species (AIS) in local waterbodies. The funding comes as part of Wisconsin DNR’s...
For more than a century, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been at the forefront of reforestation efforts, supplying landowners with the seedlings needed to restore and sustain the state’s forests. Since the program’s inception in 1911, the DNR...
Once again, we are going to have our Annual Native Plant Sale! Native plants are a great way to attract birds, butterflies, and bees to your property. They can also help to stop erosion and sediment loss on shorelines. Consider planting native plants this summer...
Late ice fishing season can be both exciting and frustrating. On one hand, the days are longer, the sun in warmer, and the ice often feels safer to travel on than in the unpredictable early season. On the other hand, many anglers notice a trend that the fish don’t...
The theme for the 2026 Conservation Poster Contest this year was “Soil, where it all begins”. The poster contest was open to kindergarten through 12th grade students, and posters were evaluated on the following criteria: conservation message, visual effectiveness,...
Every winter, something remarkable happens in the deer world: male bucks drop their antlers. To the casual observer, this might seem strange that an animal would give up such an impressive and seemingly useful weapon. Yet, antler shedding is not a sign of weakness;...
Winter can be a season of beauty, but for trees, it can also be a time of hidden stress. One of the most dramatic, and sometimes startling winter occurrences is frost cracks. This is a sudden split in a tree’s trunk that can make loud noises. While the term “exploding...