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
Cracking the Field Day Code: Extension and NRCS team up to create meaningful farmer learning
Are your farmers experiencing field day fatigue? Do declining attendance numbers leave your conservation group feeling discouraged? According to Whitney Prestby, Demonstration Farms Outreach Team Lead at UW–Madison Extension, it may be time to recognize the value of the small field day. Large events often shine in end-of-year reports, but if attendance has declined or […]
Conservation Professional Training Program Team Honored with 2026 Regional Excellence in Extension Award
The Conservation Professional Training Program (CPTP), a program of UW–Madison Extension, has been honored with the 2026 North Central Region Team Excellence in Extension Award by the Association of Public and Land–grant Universities. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in Extension research, technical assistance, and outreach education, and shines a light on the program’s long track […]
From Confusion to Clarity: New Resources Help Wisconsin Communities Navigate PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water
The effects of PFAS contamination, whether in a private well or a municipal water supply, are rarely straightforward. And research shows that public understanding of PFAS contamination and mitigation options is limited. Those impacted have to make sense of unfamiliar science, interpret complex test results, and decide what actions to take, often while navigating fear […]
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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