Madison Reporter

Connie Ramthun has been recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the 2025 State Natural Areas Volunteer of the Year. The announcement was made in Madison, Wisconsin, highlighting Ramthun’s significant efforts in removing invasive species from the northern Kettle Moraine region.

Ramthun, a lifelong resident of Kettle Moraine, has witnessed firsthand how native plants have been threatened by invasive species such as garlic mustard, buckthorn, and honeysuckle. Through her involvement with the DNR's State Natural Areas Volunteer Program and as a board member of the Friends of Kettle Moraine State Forest, she has played an active role in helping native plants recover and controlling invasive species.

Since joining the State Natural Areas Volunteer Program in 2018, Ramthun established the Stewards of the Northern Kettle Moraine. This group coordinated workdays at Haskell Noyes Woods State Natural Area focused on removing garlic mustard and also worked to remove reed canary grass at Spruce Lake Bog State Natural Area. The team maintained areas around boardwalks to ensure native plants could thrive. Ramthun also led successful grant applications for these projects through Friends of the Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest.

According to Ramthun, volunteer efforts have resulted in a 90% reduction of garlic mustard at Haskell Noyes Woods. This reduction has allowed native plant communities to return and flourish. The Stewards group has since expanded its activities into other parts of Kettle Moraine forest.

“Connie has dedicated many years to conserving and restoring native ecosystems,” said Samantha Lindquist, superintendent of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. “She brings extensive skills and knowledge of native species and invasive eradication to her efforts and strives to inspire others to action. Connie’s commitment to the health of native landscapes is commendable and appreciated.”

The Stewards of the Northern Kettle Moraine have averaged about 150 volunteer hours annually on state natural areas since 2020. Their events are typically held during May and June each year. They have successfully managed garlic mustard across 62 acres at Haskell Noyes Woods annually so that diverse ground layers of native plants can support local ecosystems.

Looking ahead, Ramthun hopes to find an apprentice volunteer who can continue this work in future years.

Wisconsin’s state natural areas are set aside to conserve some of its best examples of prairies, forests, wetlands, and other habitats. These locations are home to about 90% of rare plant species and roughly three-quarters of rare wildlife species found in Wisconsin. Nearly all these properties are open for public recreation including bird watching, hiking, hunting, and fishing.

The DNR continues recruiting volunteers for its programs caring for these lands statewide; training and equipment are provided for new participants on-site. More information about volunteering opportunities is available on the DNR's State Natural Areas Volunteer Program webpage. Additional details about Stewards’ work can be found via Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest website.