Serving Wisconsin’s Land, Water, and Communities
Our programs inform local decision-making, foster meaningful dialogue, and empower the next generation of community leaders.
Whether you are a woodland owner, educator, or outdoor enthusiast – we’ve got you covered.
About the Natural Resources Institute
From water and forestry programs to youth environmental education and conservation training, our outreach specialists, educators, researchers, affiliates, and support teams tackle complex challenges, foster meaningful dialogue, and empower the next generation of community leaders.
One of Extension’s six institutes, we embody the Wisconsin Idea — fueling innovation and working in tandem with partners to create a future where people and nature thrive — side by side. We are committed to providing the information and leadership needed to grow healthy, thriving communities and support resilient, productive natural resources, food systems, and economies.
Natural Resources Institute Focus Areas
Community Engaged Science and Education
We foster lifelong connections between people and nature, enhancing community and organizational capacity, volunteer engagement, and community science.
Earth Sciences
We map and research Wisconsin’s climate, geology, mineral resources, and water resources, and share these findings through publications, technical talks, and outreach.
Land and Forest Stewardship
We provide outreach and educational programs that support private woodland owners, forest products professionals, conservation professionals, and local governments.
Water Resource Management
We build the capacity of individuals, organizations, and communities to improve surface water and groundwater quality through research, science-based education, collaboration, and stewardship.
Wildlife Ecology and Management
We engage Wisconsinites in sustainable wildlife management by providing wildlife ecology and management training and resources for rural and urban residents and natural resources professionals.
Success Stories
UW–Madison Extreme Weather and Climate Services Roadshow Coming to Rhinelander December 2nd
Rural communities across Wisconsin are seeing firsthand the effects of shifting weather patterns and extreme events. This winter, UW–Madison climate experts are hitting the road to listen, learn, and share tools that can help. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office (SCO), the Rural Weather Extremes project, and Wisconet are teaming up to host the Extreme Weather […]
Cultivating Conservation: How Water Natural Resource Educators Support Wisconsin Farmers in Their Work to Improve Water Quality
On a humid day in late July near Appleton, Wisconsin, over 200 community members and farmers came out to Brickstead Dairy for the biannual Sunset on the Farm event. Hosted by Lower Fox Demonstration Farms Network and coordinated by staff at UW–Madison Extension, the event brought community members from across the East River Watershed to learn about the conservation practices that […]
Introducing Water WELLness: Managing Your Private Well Water System
Discover a new interactive Extension guide — Water WELLness: Managing Your Private Well Water System — empowering private well owners with the know-how to keep their water clean, safe, and reliable. The UW–Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education and the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey developed the guide with the help of the Natural Resources Institute […]
Our Impact in 2024 – By the Numbers
542
stream sites monitored across Wisconsin
6k+
youth received environmental education at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
873
Master Naturalists volunteered across Wisconsin
565k+
points of water quality data tracked the emergence of harmful algal blooms in the St. Louis River
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Connect With Us
Connect with our outreach specialists, educators, researchers, and affiliates!
