MNF Conservation Diversity
Robin eggs, raspberries, wildflower blooms inside the bark of a sugar maple tree show MNF's efforts in simple conservation diversity. Wild Canada Geese migrating to MNF's partner The Milewski Lake show MNF's efforts in a more complex conservation diversity. The conservation work around Milewski Lake has taken over 40 years to reveal a stunning ecological diversity which many migrant birds and animals depend upon. The geese shown here have flown in from New Mexico wintering areas in order to nest and have their young, from Milewski Lake the geese fly to the Arctic circle and places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska before returning to Milewski Lake for a few weeks each fall. Neither of these images would be known if not for the tireless work of conservationist Lenard Milewski's efforts to give a portion of his Wisconsin farm "back to nature".
Preservationists
MNF partners with local, state and national preservationists to assist in efforts to preserve historic structures and the land around them. MNF is currently working on the A.E. & Georgiana White House in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This 1905 Queen Anne style structure is in the process of being preserved with a historic structure report being prepared, historic records collected and educational tours, literature and media being created to honor the diversity of ideas , people and architecture this structure has. A.E. & Georgiana White built this house, but it was Georgiana who lived in it until 1944 after A.E.'s untimely death in 1925. Her story should be told since she not only raised her family but kept the business her and her husband founded, called White Machine Works, which made the patents A.E. & Georgianna invented.
Conservationists
MNF works with several farms in following the lead of Lenard Milewski in giving part of their farms "back to nature". Watching these small tracts of land being conserved for ecological purposes and for the future is exciting work. MNF has begun working on wildlife corridors which allow migratory animals safe passage on their annual treks across our country. There is no hunting or trapping allowed on the main Farm MNF assists in managing. There are also no food plots or other supports in place for animals to ensure wildlife are left as wild as possible.
Farmers
Soil conservation is on the top of MNF's agricultural conservation efforts. Conserving soil requires a historical perspective in understanding soil health, erosional activity and depth of top soil among other conserns. MNF works with the main Farm and area farmers in finding and implementing best practices like buffer zones as wind breaks against the erosional force of wind and rain, rotational cropping and angle plowing are some of the best practices MNF has found to be successful soil conservation efforts.
Balance
MNF seeks to find a balance between the agricultural pursuits and the conservation efforts they are leading with the hope that these activities will inspire local farmers and community members to actively preserve their bioculture, support environmentally sustainable farming and conservation practices and assist in continuing the family farm tradition which is the strength of this landscape.
MNF travels widely to display their work and have conversations about the future of where our food comes from. The Memorial Nature Fund Seed Library Project has become a part of these travels and we thank Vivien Sansour for her inspiratonal Palestine Heirloom Seed Library which has assisted MNF in the formation of their Seed Library Project. MNF travels locally, nationally and internationally to engage with others socially, professionally and at their dinner tables—“promoting cultural preservation through food choices.”