Lomira’s Milosch Wins Conservation Educator of the Year

Jennifer Milosch, Lomira High School Science Teacher and Outdoor Club Advisor, was chosen by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress to receive the 2025 Conservation Educator of the Year Award will receive this prestigious award on May 15 at the Tundra Lodge in Green Bay.
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress recognizes individuals and organizations annually who have dedicated themselves and their time to the conservation of Wisconsin’s natural resources.
This award acknowledges the hard work, exemplary leadership, and commitment Milosch has made to continuing our outdoor legacy for generations to come.
“I am completely shocked and humbled,” said Jennifer Milosch. “I had no idea anyone nominated me, and it brought on so many emotions to find out how many people rallied together in support of me.”

Milosch has been a teacher for the past eight years at Lomira High School, teaching biology, anatomy, and physiology, and currently, fish and water.
The Lomira Outdoor Club started as a passion project for Milosch, with it being born out of the love of the outdoors, fishing, and hunting.
“I realized I could offer students in Lomira a unique opportunity to learn and participate in the healthy hobbies I love,” said Milosch. “I ran with that goal in mind and created the club, which started with a few kids coming to my classroom for various meetings to learn about a few things, fishing mostly.”
Once she saw the interest of the club, she decided to go through the paperwork to make it a non-profit organization so we could have more official aspects for the club and fundraise to acquire equipment and provide guided trip opportunities.
“It has been a bit crazy to reflect on where it started in 2019, what it took to build, and now seeing it as an official school-sponsored club that offers year-round activities in the fishing, hunting, and conservation realm,” said Milosch. “ It brings tears to my eyes to see the students take pride and ownership of this club, adding more ideas for more offerings, and seeing how proud they are of not only their own achievements but also those successes of others in the group (successful hunt, catching their first fish, building duck boxes, and then learning ducks used them etc).”
Typical club activities that get repeated each year would be our hunting contest in the fall, fishing contests in summer and winter, seminars done by Milosch or guest speakers (guides, organization reps from WWA, and Pheasants Forever).
The outdoor club is doing more learn-to-hunt events in collaboration with organizations to teach kids how to hunt in a safe manner.
“This club is my pride and joy because hunting and fishing can be intimidating hobbies to participate in if you don’t have people around you to show you how or help you with gear/equipment,” said Milosch. “I want to make these hobbies accessible for anyone who may be interested, so the club is meant to help teach and supply equipment via our checkout program, so kids can participate in safe ways and not be limited by the financial cost of the hobby.”
The Lomira outdoor club has consistently had about 30 students in the club each year, and consistent involvement has grown each year.
Milosch’s future goals are to continue providing students with these opportunities to learn about what the great outdoors has to offer.
“I want to make sure kids understand that it isn’t just about the fishing and hunting, but that preservation of our natural resources is vital,” said Milosch. “You simply cannot have one without the other, so I have incorporated more conservation management opportunities and lessons into the club to show the kids how crucial it is to take care of the world around us, don’t just take, but give back. It can be a healthy give and take as long as we are conscious of the big picture.”
She wants students to find a place to belong and a hobby they may be able to cherish throughout an entire lifetime.
Milosch wouldn’t have been able to persevere through the hard work of starting the club and growing the club if it weren’t for the support of others.
“My parents have always been, and continue to be, my number one fans and supporters, helping me with club events and just supporting me through any challenges,” said Milosch. “The support also extends to my fiancé, family, friends, coworkers, Luke Skic from the slinger outdoor club, and organization partners like Dave Elwing, who has been a staple in conservation events and efforts for the club.”
“It truly takes a village, and the fact that I have had one supporting me and this passion of mine is more heartwarming and meaningful than words can express. I simply wouldn’t have been able to do this without them,” said Milosch.