Causes: Environment, Forest Conservation, Land Resources Conservation, Natural Resources Conservation & Protection, Water, Water Resources, Wetlands Conservation & Management

Mission: Mississippi valley conservancy (mvc) is a regional, non-profit land trust based in la crosse that has permanently conserved blufflands, prairies, wetlands, and streams in southwestern wisconsin since its founding in 1997.Mvc works with private landowners and local communities on voluntary conservation projects in nine counties along the mississippi river. The counties include buffalo, trempealeau, la crosse, monroe, vernon, crawford, grant, jackson, and richland. Mvc uses voluntary tools such as conservation easements, land purchases, land donations, and cooperative acquisitions to protect lands for their ecology, scenic beauty, outdoor recreation potential, and prime agricultural soils. We also work hard to restore native natural communities by removing invasive species and conducting prescribed burns. Mvc works cooperatively with individuals, businesses, conservation groups, local units of government, state and federal agencies.

Programs: Mississippi valley conservancy has protected more than 18,500 acres of wildlife habitat, rare natural communities, and working farms since its founding. The conservancy provided educational materials about land conservation to more than 1,000 people and created online videos to promote appreciation of nature and protection of habitat. The conservancy also led more than 1,000 young people in the outdoors to learn about nature and ecological restoration.