A recent study documented an alarming decline of nearly 3 billion breeding birds across North America since 1970. Here in Wisconsin, over 2,000 citizen scientists just completed a five-year, DNR-led survey known as the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas. Repeating a similar effort conducted two decades ago, preliminary results show a mixed bag of trends for 200-plus bird species. Many backyard feeder birds appear to have stable or increasing populations here, including rising numbers of southern species like tufted titmouse, Carolina wren and orchard oriole. The biggest exception? Evening grosbeaks were down nearly 90%, for reasons that remain unclear. Click here to learn more about project results.

DNR’s second annual Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest is under way, with students in fourth through sixth grade invited to create artwork celebrating the initiative. Keep Wildlife Wild is meant to ensure Wisconsin's wildlife stays healthy, safe and, most of all, wild. Last year’s poster contest featured more than 200 entries. “We are excited to see the students' creativity again and look forward to their help spreading the Keep Wildlife Wild message,” said Amanda Kamps, a wildlife health conservation specialist and contest chair. Posters must:

• Contain the words “Keep Wildlife Wild 2020” and follow the theme, “A young wild animal's best chance for survival is with its mother!”
• Consist of original art of Wisconsin native wildlife.
• Fit an 8 ½" x 11" sheet of paper.
• Be submitted individually; no team creations.

Entries will be accepted until Feb. 14. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected for each grade level, announced April 5-11 during Keep Wildlife Wild week. To see winning posters from last year's contest and additional details, check dnr.wi.gov, keywords “Keep Wildlife Wild.”

Need a good holiday gift idea? Consider a 2020 Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, which can be purchased from the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks online store. The store offers packages including subscriptions to Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Check it out at FWSP.org. Admission stickers and state trail passes also are available at state park facilities and DNR service centers. Park properties already have begun to honor 2020 stickers and passes for admission to parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. The 2020 sticker features a design from Mikaila Garcia, a senior at Kenosha Indian Trail High School, chosen in a contest featuring entries from high school students around the state. Annual vehicle admission stickers are just $28 for state residents. Get your sticker now and get ready to enjoy Wisconsin's beautiful state properties all year long!