Are you planning on going to the Wisconsin Science Festival? You can participate from the comfort of your own home through a virtual field trip to the WGNHS Research Collections and Education Center - aka the core repository! . For more information:

Healthy Lakes and Rivers is celebrating their 10th program anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than a photo contest! Share what you are doing to keep our lakes and rivers healthy with a picture of your favorite lake or river. Submit photos:

Curious to learn more about our forestry programming? Check our informational programming sheet and how we are working to serve private landowners, farmers, foresters, and the forest products industry. Read here:

Save the Date! On September 20, new Wisconsin Master Naturalist volunteers will share their new knowledge via exciting interactive displays and hands-on activities at Mirror Lake State at the Backyard Nature Expo. For more info:

A new study by Extension Specialist Bret Shaw and co-authors shows many Americans are searching online for ways to avoid PFAS, “forever chemicals” found in nonstick pans and takeout containers. Read more here:

Calling all conservation researchers and professionals! The Lake Superior Collaborative is now accepting abstracts for the Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium! The deadline is September 5th. For more information:

Copper and gold drilling in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, done by Green Light Wisconsin, sparks Tribal and community concern about ecological and cultural impacts. WGNHS tracks groundwater and wetlands to guide decisions. Read more here:

Josh Bendorf from the Wisconsin State Climatology Office gave 3 presentations on weather and climate at the Master Naturalist training at Hunt Hill Nature Center on August 11. The map behind Josh on the screen in the photo is the oldest known climatological map of Wisconsin.

Between the Lakes Demonstration Farm Network is hosting Beyond the Rows: Conservation, Critters & Crop Potential on September 18th in Plymouth - a field day exploring crop health, conservation, and pest management! . Register here:

Upham Woods recently hosted seven military teens as they challenged themselves at the Wisconsin National Guard’s Epic Journey High Adventure Camp. These teens embarked on a 3-night excursion to better their outdoor skills. Read more here:

Cultural prescribed fire, “ishkode,” is set to return to Wisconsin Point in September. Representatives from the Lake Superior area have been discussing strategies for reintroducing prescribed burns to Wisconsin Point. Read more here:

UW Extension Forestry reports that Japanese stiltgrass, an invasive plant that disrupts nutrient cycling and raises wildfire risk, has been found in a private woodland in Rock County. We urge landowners to be on the lookout. Read more:

Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center Director Amy Workman was recently a guest on Wisconsin Today discussing an Upham Woods program where students are testing for invasive carp using eDNA on the Wisconsin River. Listen here:

Join Extension Specialists Dr. Steven Hubbard and Dr. Scott Bowe as they lead their workshop "Growing Shiitake Mushrooms" at the overnight camp Chasing Autumn. For more information:

Upham Woods is hosting two WisCorps Individual placement roles this fall! Thank you to our partners at WisCorps for securing the funding for these opportunities. Teach, lead conservation efforts, and inspire the next generation. Apply here:

NRI's Forestry and Wildlife Extension program will be at WI Farm Deck Days this year in the progress pavilion - talking with landowners about forest management, agroforestry, and forest farming. Come see us! . For more information:

Congrats to restoration scientist Amy Carrozzino-Lyon on being awarded the 2025 Lake Michigan Champions of Conservation award! She leads efforts to restore native wild rice to Green Bay’s west shore wetlands. For more info:

Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day 2025 is tomorrow! Local sites around Wisconsin will train volunteers on how to monitor Wisconsin's aquatic invasive species. Volunteers will keep an eye out for invasive species beyond Snapshot Day. Read more here:

Extension Specialist Scott Bowe is hosting a Kiln Drying Shore Course on drying quality lumber August 12-14th in Antigo! The workshop will focus on drying systems, controlling lumber quality, wood structure, and drying science. For more info:

NRI Outreach Student Assistant Job Opening. Looking for our next outstanding UW-Madison student to support our programs at the Natural Resources Institute! Apply by 8-15-25; details on the position are in the posting. For more information: