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Landmark Conservancy Grant Request

Background

Landmark Conservancy envisions a future Wisconsin with wild and scenic places conserved and accessible to people for generations to come. As a non-profit land trust, we seek to deepen a land ethic among those who value the unique resources of northwest Wisconsin, creating an engaged community that strengthens and sustains the stewardship of natural areas and special places in our care.

We are committed to protecting significant ecological features, natural communities, and habitats that will continue to host biodiversity as our climate changes. Landmark has prioritized new protection utilizing climate science in coordination with conservation partners. Our long-term focus is creating connectivity across protected landscapes, preserving intact forests, and providing needed corridors for wildlife to adapt to a changing environment.

Program Description

While land protection is the focus of our work, our foundation is built with people. We work with landowners who wish to conserve their land in perpetuity, and also with local municipalities, state, and federal entities to create public preserves and trails for all to enjoy. As a result of our conservation work, more than 16,000 acres in northwest Wisconsin are protected forever with varying levels of public access. We regularly host hikes on protected land to educate the public about our work.

Disconnection from nature is increasing as are physical and mental health challenges. According to a 2018 Nielsen study, the average American spends 11 hours daily in front of screens and interacting with digital media. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we spend 90% of our lives indoors. To make meaningful progress on environmental issues, a renewed connection between people and the Earth is critical and that cannot happen unless we have outdoor experiences.

Guided Events on the Land

Our community engagement programming is growing across our region. Examples of past and upcoming events in Dunn County include:

• Winter Fun Day & Snowshoe Hike: A free family-friendly event offering snowshoes, guided hikes, bonfire, cocoa, and s'mores.
• Candlelight Snowshoe Hike in partnership with the Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail.
• Invasive garlic mustard removal workdays at Kiel Birch Creek Preserve State Natural Area.
• Prairie restoration workdays at Meridean Barrens and the Devil's Punchbowl.
• Wildflower and bird walks at Elk Creek Bottoms.
• Geology talk at the Devil's Punchbowl.
• Invasive Buckthorn & Honeysuckle Forest Restoration Workdays at Elk Creek Bottoms and Meridean Barrens.
• Fall Hike with a Naturalist.
• Beginner Fungi Discovery Hike.

Impact

Landmark serves as a bridge for individuals to deepen their relationship with the natural world. As conservationist Aldo Leopold said, "When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." Fostering a land ethic through community engagement is one way to influence the current and future stewardship of our natural resources, which supports not only the health of the land but also individuals and our communities.

The Free Clinic of the Greater Menomonie Area serves individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and have no other healthcare options. Approximately 50% of our patients report a history of smoking. Many of these patients express a desire to quit but lack the necessary resources.

Common medical diagnoses at our clinic include mental health concerns, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Nicotine addiction often exacerbates these conditions. Financial barriers prevent many uninsured or underinsured individuals from seeking regular healthcare, leading to late diagnoses, poorer treatment outcomes, and missed opportunities to address tobacco-related risk factors early on (Source: CDC).

Program Description

The goal of this grant is to provide a 28-day supply of nicotine patches, valued at $80, to patients who commit to quitting smoking. Patients will be enrolled in the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, a free online service, and receive one month of nicotine patches funded through this grant.

Implementation Plan

1. Enrollment: Patients who commit to quitting smoking will be enrolled in the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line. An iPad is available at the Free Clinic to assist in enrollment.
2. Initial Supply: Patients will receive a 28-day supply of nicotine patches.
3. Monthly Follow-Up: Patients will return to the clinic monthly for a progress check with the RN clinic coordinator. During these visits, successes will be celebrated, and challenges will be discussed.
4. Continued Support: Patients will receive their next 28-day supply of nicotine patches after each follow-up visit.

This program aims to support our patients in their journey to quit smoking, ultimately improving their overall health and well-being.

This grant amount will provide 36 single-month smoking cessation supplies for patients committed to quitting smoking. At a cost of $80 per month, this funding will support three patients for a full year (36 months of supplies).