MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced Connie Ramthun as the 2025 State Natural Areas Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to invasive species removal in the northern Kettle Moraine.
As a lifelong resident of the Kettle Moraine area, Ramthun has seen native plants being overtaken by invasive plants like garlic mustard, buckthorn and honeysuckle. She has taken an active role helping native plants recover and controlling invasive species through the DNR’s State Natural Areas Volunteer Program and as a board member with the Friends of Kettle Moraine State Forest.
She has been a part of the State Natural Areas Volunteer Program since 2018, establishing the Stewards of the Northern Kettle Moraine, which coordinated workdays at Haskell Noyes Woods State Natural Area for garlic mustard removal, worked on removing reed canary grass at Spruce Lake Bog State Natural Area and kept the boardwalk area full of showy native plants. She also spearheaded successful grant applications for this work through the Friends of the Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest. According to Ramthun, volunteers have been able to reduce garlic mustard by 90% at Haskell Noyes Woods, which has allowed native plants to return and flourish. The Stewards of the Northern Kettle Moraine has also expanded their work into other parts of the 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.”
Since 2020, the Stewards of the Northern Kettle Moraine has averaged 150 volunteer hours per year on state natural areas alone, with events held regularly in May and June. They have worked to successfully control garlic mustard across 62 acres of woods each year at Haskell Noyes Woods so that the diverse ground layer of native plants flourishes and helps support the entire ecosystem. Looking ahead, Ramthun hopes to find an apprentice volunteer to train and pass the work on to.
Volunteer At Your Local State Natural Area
Wisconsin’s state natural areas are designated to conserve the best of our state’s prairies, forests, wetlands and other habitats. These unique places support 90% of rare plant species and 75% of 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.
Learn more about the Stewards of the Northern Kettle Moraine through the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest website.
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