DNR Honors Diane Perschbacher And Rory Williams As State Natural Areas Volunteers Of The Year

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources today announced Diane Perschbacher and Rory Williams as the 2026 State Natural Areas Volunteers of the Year for their dedication to natural areas stewardship at Oshkosh-Larsen Trail Prairies State Natural Area.

Perschbacker and Williams have volunteered since 2018 and after only one year became volunteer stewards at Oshkosh-Larsen Trail Prairies State Natural Area. Much of the volunteer effort that’s taken place there wouldn’t have been possible without their leadership and initiative. Since they became stewards, nearly 1,500 volunteer hours have been dedicated to the site.

Because the trail and agricultural fields surround the narrow corridor of prairie, it is vulnerable to invasive pressure. They have worked on over 18 different kinds of invasive plants, making progress to reduce many of them. 

“We enjoy seeing the rare species reappear each year. By removing invasives, we give space for these species to live. There’s such a great contrast between the state natural area, where the majority of flora is native, and the surrounding trail and roadways,” Williams said.

In addition to controlling invasives, they also spend time monitoring rare plants, collecting seed and even surveying for bumble bees and butterflies. They have even put together calendars of when all the different native plants bloom and are in seed collection status (to help improve site management).

This duo encourages folks to join a volunteer group at a state natural area.

“Spending time in nature can reset your body and allow you to refocus your thoughts away from your normal tasks. It gives us the opportunity to slowly walk the state natural area, which is when we find many exciting new flora and fauna. Volunteering is a means to both enjoy nature and to help support it,” Perschbacher said.

Volunteer At Your Local State Natural Area

Wisconsin’s state natural areas, established 75 years ago, are designated to conserve the best of our state’s prairies, forests, wetlands and other habitats. These unique places support 90% of Wisconsin’s rare plant species and 75% of its rare wildlife species. Nearly all properties are open to the public to enjoy while bird watching, hiking, hunting and fishing.

The DNR is actively recruiting volunteers to help care for these unique places. No experience is necessary, and training and equipment are provided on-site.

To get involved and receive notifications about upcoming workdays, sign up for email invites on the DNR's State Natural Areas Volunteer Program webpage. You can also support Wisconsin’s state natural areas by giving to the Endangered Resources Fund.