Our Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Initiatives
Our Mission
To support conservation through education that awakens curiosity, engages the body, and explores connections to nature for all people.
Our Vision
Healthier human and natural communities
Our values
Inclusivity
As a community-focused organization, we believe that high-quality experiences in nature should be accessible to all people and inclusive of all people. By embracing the richness of varied perspectives, lived experiences, and backgrounds, we can inspire broader action and achieve more effective outcomes for people and the environment. We are committed to providing a welcoming culture for our staff, volunteers, visitors, partners, and wider community.
Stewardship
We are driven by a responsibility to protect and preserve Southeastern Wisconsin’s natural heritage for current and future generations. It is our charge to ensure that all aspects of our organization are cared for with the future in mind; from conservation of natural resources, to responsible stewardship of financial resources, to ensuring the scientific and personal integrity of our programming, to prioritizing environmentally sustainable solutions wherever possible. We believe that active stewardship is catalyzed by meaningful environmental education.
Discovery
For people of all ages, we prioritize joyful discovery in nature through experiential education. Rooted in immersive experiences within natural ecosystems, these hands-on interactions inspire continual engagement with the natural world, deepening environmental advocacy throughout one’s life. We believe that a sense of discovery is an entry point to meaningful growth, whether through exploration, observation, experimentation, or play. In every corner of our organization, we are committed to discovering new ideas, solutions, and partnerships.
Strategic Initiatives
Nature-Rich Lifestyles for All
Everyone deserves equitable access to opportunities to develop nature-rich lifestyles. We strive to make this possible at Riveredge and throughout Southeastern Wisconsin by creating experiences that make learning, exploring, and enjoying the outdoors more accessible for all.
Wellness in Nature
The healing powers of nature are as important as ever for people and communities. We create opportunities for time in nature to encourage active living, inspire healthy eating, reduce stress, and promote positive mental health.
Nurturing the Next Generation
Riveredge has a strong tradition of promoting environmental literacy. We aim to build on this work and help grow the next generation of conservationists, environmental educators, and researchers, knowing it is critical to invest in, connect with, and nurture a new group of environmental stewards.
Putting Conservation Into Action
Putting conservation practices into action is essential to turn ideals into impact. Ecological restoration, research, and protection requires collective action. We continue to build connections with partners and communities to answer the call to be active, engaged stewards of our natural resources.
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