Wisconsin Green Building Alliance: Gearing up for June 30X30 Nature Challenge

Media Contact:

Korinne Haeffel

Executive Director

Phone: (414) 224-9422

Email address: korinne@wgba.org

Heather Goetsch

Program Manager

Phone: (414) 224-9422

Email address: hgoetsch@wgba.org

WISCONSIN GREEN BUILDING ALLIANCE GEARING UP FOR JUNE 30X30 NATURE CHALLENGE

First statewide effort to cultivate the nature habit

MILWAUKEE | MAY 22, 2014 – More than 300 Wisconsin residents have joined the 30×30 Nature Challenge by pledging to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during the month of June in an effort to unplug from daily stresses and reconnect with nature. The Wisconsin Green Building Alliance is spearheading the first statewide effort in the United States to highlight the positive impact nature can have in our lives, and to emphasize the importance of preserving a connection between the natural and built environments

The effort is a replication of the David Suzuki Foundation’s 30×30 Nature Challenge in Canada. The Foundation created the challenge in 2012. “We are lucky to have a great organization like the David Suzuki Foundation, which enabled us to hold the challenge in Wisconsin,” says Korinne Haeffel, Executive Director. “The key to this initiative is participation and we’re looking to Wisconsin residents and companies to help spread the word about the great benefits of spending time in nature.”

Registration for the 30×30 Nature Challenge will remain open the entire month of June. “The Challenge isn’t about perfection. We want to encourage Wisconsinites to get outside and enjoy nature more often,” continues Korinne. “It’s okay if someone misses a day or starts the challenge late.”

Wisconsin’s challenge is supported by sponsors: American Family Insurance, Evolution Marketing, and GRAEF. Each sponsor will contribute to a weekly blog effort to illustrate the transforming experience. The challenge is also supported by the Mequon Nature Preserve, Waukesha County Retzer Nature Center, and Riveredge Nature Center. The nature centers are offering outdoor activities for 30×30 Nature Challenge participants to engage in.

“Nature isn’t a destination – it’s literally in your backyard. Green space is as close as your neighborhood park or garden,” says Korinne. “Our challenge is about creating a habit of connecting with nature. We hope participants will walk away with a greater appreciation for how we interact with nature — especially how we develop our urban areas.”

Visit www.wgba.org/challenge to register or learn more.

About the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance

The Wisconsin Green Building Alliance (WGBA) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization that serves the state of Wisconsin and is the official Wisconsin Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). WGBA seeks to shape Wisconsin’s future by facilitating and promoting ecologically sustainable practices within the built environment. WGBA works toward its mission through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Learn more about WGBA at http://www.wgba.org.