Happy 75^th birthday to Wisconsin's State Natural Areas Program created in 1951—the first program of its kind in the country and the largest. There are nearly 700 natural sites cared for and protected through the program. Our very first state natural area was Parfrey’s Glen in the Baraboo Hills. How often do you think about the Mississippi River? Unless you live near the river, maybe not as much as you should, considering more than half of Wisconsin is in the River’s watershed. But now, it’s getting its very own day. June 2^nd is National Mississippi River Day, a moment to pause and celebrate, protect, and connect with our nation’s most iconic waterway! The Mighty Mississippi and its wetlands provide critical habitat for countless species, and the Upper Mississippi brings $24 billion in tourism to our region. For a deep dive into Wisconsin’s most pressing environmental issues, check out the Defender podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.