Project Update – October 2025
As weather patterns become more unpredictable, rural communities across Wisconsin are finding new ways to adapt. Our Extreme Weather Project brings together farmers, local officials, educators, and youth to better understand and prepare for the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Engaging with Agriculture
Farming has always required flexibility, but extreme weather is testing that resilience in new ways. Over the past year, we’ve met with dozens of producers and agricultural advisors across the state to hear directly how they’re adapting to droughts, heavy rains, and shifting seasons. These conversations are helping us identify practical strategies that can strengthen rural and agricultural economies in the face of extreme weather
We are also developing a statewide survey to gather input from thousands of farmers on their experiences and approaches to extreme weather. Their perspectives will guide the development of tools and training to help agricultural communities plan for future weather extremes.
Partnering with Local Leaders and Public Health
We continue to support emergency managers, hazard planners, and public health professionals who are on the front lines when storms, floods, or heatwaves strike. Over the past year, we’ve collaborated with these local leaders to share climate data and discuss how communities can integrate climate readiness and improved weather data into local hazard mitigation plans.
These efforts are taking root in rural counties across the state. In some areas, we are connecting public health officials with data to measure and communicate winter severity to help public health departments develop messaging about weather-related risks. We are exploring additional applications of cyanobacteria and water quality forecasting tools in rural communities modeled after the annual forecast in Dane County’s Lake Mendota.
Inspiring Youth Through Hands-On Science
Our project team continue to engage youth in climate education programs. Our Schools and Youth programs are connecting students with hands-on learning experiences that make climate science tangible through the Global Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program and microclimate monitoring at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center. Through programs and citizen-science projects, students collect weather and environmental data, observe seasonal changes, and learn about climate science in their communities. We have also expanded application of Upham Wood’s youth microclimate monitoring program to rural communities in Northern Wisconsin. These experiences are helping the next generation build both environmental literacy and a sense of stewardship.