The Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve was established in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are a fully volunteer organization.

The UW–Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve is a 300-acre nature preserve that encompasses about one third of UW–Madison’s campus and protects one-fifth of the shoreline of Lake Mendota. A three-person team of professional UW–Madison staff manage the Preserve and work toward their mission of sheltering natural environments and cultural resources through active learning, research, and outreach in a place of respite and well-being. The construction of a new visitor and education center in the next few years will transform the way people engage with the land and waters of the Preserve.

Mission and Goals of the Friends

The mission of the Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve is to inspire people to connect to and care for the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.

• Friend-raising
  • Advance public awareness and enjoyment of the Preserve through field trips and indoor events.
  • Partner with community groups to expand our reach and make our events welcoming to people who might not otherwise spend time in the Preserve.
  • Create social opportunities for Friends to build a sense of community with each other.
  • Support Friends’ and community members’ participation in community science projects in the Preserve.
• Advocacy
  • Serve as an independent voice of advocacy to protect the Preserve’s lands and waters.
• Operations
  • Maintain a robust board according to the standards in our bylaws.
  • Have a strategic communication plan to advance our friend-raising goals.
  • Raise funds to support the activities of the Friends.

Goals updated in 2025.

Current Board Members

Board members serve three-year terms starting at the annual meeting of the membership in April. Board members are eligible to serve up to two consecutive terms.

• First year (2025–2026) of first term: Don Sanford, Scott Hershberger, Makeela Magomolla, Maddie Aalto 
• First year (2025–2026) of second term: Tom Zinnen (President)
• Second year (2025–2026) of second term: Matt Chotlos (resigning as of April 7, 2026) and Anne Pearce 
• Second year (2025–2026) of their first term: Steve Holtzman, Jeff Koziol, Thomas Jilk