About Us
About Us
Serving Wisconsin’s land, water, and communities
At Extension’s Natural Resources Institute, we tackle complex challenges, foster meaningful dialogue, and empower the next generation of community leaders. 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. Our outreach specialists, educators, researchers, affiliates, and support teams 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
From water and forestry programs to youth environmental education and conservation training, our outreach specialists, educators, researchers, affiliates, and support teams work at the intersection of knowledge and action.
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 deliver outreach and education programs supporting private landowners, woodland owners, and conservation and forest products professionals.
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.
Mission
We work to at the crossroads of natural resources and society to improve and sustain ecosystems, helping strengthen the communities and livelihoods that rely on them.
Our Shared Outcomes
Collaborative Stewardship
Our constituents have improved capacity, coordination, and social capital to implement conservation stewardship.
Informed Decisions
Our constituents have access to unbiased scientific information, grounded in relevant data and community needs, to help them support and promote healthy, resilient ecosystems.
Human – Nature Relationship
Our constituents have safe and abundant access to outdoor spaces, meaningful place‑based connections to their surrounding environment, and improved well-being from time spent outdoors.
Environmental Leadership
Our constituents are empowered leaders
who actively contribute to collecting data, making decisions, and carrying out actions that strengthen resilient ecosystems and benefit all communities.
Director
Tricia Gorby
Dr. Tricia Gorby is an Assistant Dean and the Director of the Natural Resources Institute. In her role, she provides administrative leadership for the Institute in areas of operations, budget development, human resource management, Institute communications, and external partnership development.
About UW-Madison Extension
Our Story: A Legacy of Service
At Extension, our mission is simple: connect the people of Wisconsin with the University of Wisconsin. We’re here to teach, learn, lead, and serve — transforming lives and communities along the way. The Health and Well-Being Institute is part of this effort, one of six Extension institutes that help more than 200,000 people across the state.
Rooted in the Wisconsin Idea, we believe the university’s knowledge should benefit everyone, not just those on campus. Since 1913, Extension has been bringing the university’s expertise to every corner of Wisconsin, staying true to this tradition of service.
Stay in Touch
Stay in touch on the latest natural resources news, events, and stories through our bimonthly newsletter.
Connect With Us
Connect with our outreach specialists, educators, researchers, and affiliates!