Center for Watershed Science and Education

04/10/2026

We love Groundwater Workshops! The year is flying by, and we are looking forward to welcoming Wisconsin educators for TWO Groundwater Model Workshops later this month! Attending educators will receive a free sand-tank groundwater model for their school or organization. These workshops provide hands-on, place-based groundwater lessons for Wisconsin educators to share with their students.
Division of Extension Natural Resources InstituteWisconsin Geological & Natural History SurveyWisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Groundwater Workshop for County Health and Conservation! We welcomed 37 participants from across Wisconsin, a mix of conservation staff, educators, and public health professionals, who spent the day learning hands‑on with groundwater sand‑tank models and exploring tools for communicating about private well contamination and emerging contaminants.

Mel Reusche, Communications and Outreach Specialist with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey and workshop host, shared:

“These groundwater models are a great educational tool for visualizing the crucial, yet abstract, concept of groundwater. With 2/3 of the state relying on groundwater for drinking water and industry, we want educators to have interactive ways to engage their constituents while sharing how to protect this vital resource.”

Its clear this work strengthens Wisconsin’s ability to protect clean, safe groundwater for all.

We're grateful to everyone who participated, to our additional hosts AJ Jeninga‑Nehls (Emerging Contaminants Outreach Specialist), and Cayla Cavey (Outreach Specialist, UW–Stevens Point), and to our partners, the Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey, the Center for Watershed Science and Education, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, for helping make this training possible.

04/10/2026

Spring is in full swing here in central Wisconsin! Does that have you planning ahead for summer lake and river monitoring? If so, be sure to view our updated analytical prices on our website. https://www.uwsp.edu/cwse/research-and-monitoring/

What about well testing? If you are thinking about testing your well in the upcoming months, our updated well water testing prices — and packages — can also be found on our website. https://www.uwsp.edu/cwse/test-your-drinking-water/

Speaking of updated packages, we are excited to announce that we have added three new elements to our newly named “Standard Metals Package” (formerly Metals A)! The package now includes 14 total elements with the new additions of aluminum, strontium, and uranium.

Have questions? We are here to answer all of your water testing questions, big or small, lake, river, or well. Just give us a call at 715-346-3209 or email at [email protected]

01/12/2026

2026 WI Groundwater Model Workshops-- NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!📣 Receive a FREE sand-tank groundwater model for your school or nature center and other resources to enhance your Wisconsin geology and groundwater management curriculum or outreach education. 💧 Training provided by staff from WI DNR, Division of Extension, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and UWSP.
💧 Attend a one-day workshop where you will receive your model and training
💧 Schools eligible for substitute teacher reimbursement
💧 Twenty applications will be accepted
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 16th, 2025! The application only takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
Visit the website for more details and to apply.
https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/watershed/Pages/GroundwaterModelWorkshop.aspx

Apply for this year's Groundwater Model Workshops for Wisconsin Educators! Get support, supplies, and skills from groundwater experts to teach about groundwater in Wisconsin.
More information:

• 1-day workshop (April 21st or April 28th)
• Learn where drinking water comes from in Wisconsin and how to protect it
• Hands-on learning and additional resources
• Reimbursement available for your time
• FREE sand-tank groundwater model for your organization! (See photo in flyer)

Learn more and apply by Feb. 16th: https://forms.gle/My969awgFfka8rdB6

11/17/2025

Thumbs up for community well water monitoring! 👍👏

The turnout for the first year of our community well water monitoring network has been fantastic! When this photo was taken last week over 300 samples had reached the lab!

Thanks to our partners at the UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab for facilitating this program, processing our samples, and sending us this enthusiastic photo!

10/13/2025

1943 – 2016 Inducted 2023 BYRON HERBERT SHAW (1943 - 2016) What we do above ground affects what is below ground. To protect the health and well-being of our citizens, we should be concerned about contaminates going into our drinking water. –Byron Herbert Shaw Byron Herbert Shaw is widely known f...

10/13/2025

📣📣 Tomorrow! Tuesday, 10/14: Event on campus in TNR 120 at 5 PM! Hear from Dr. Larry Nielsen, Professor Emeritus of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University, about what we can learn from conservation heroes who changed the world. The event is free and open to all. We hope to see you there! 📣📣

09/23/2025

💧💧Making WELL informed decisions about your private well water quality begins here, with the newly released “Water WELLness: Managing Your Private Well Water System” informational guide. A collaboration between the Center for Watershed Science and Education, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute and the Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey, the interactive, self-paced guide is the perfect tool for learning about your private well, groundwater in Wisconsin, interpreting water quality results, and even more! 💧💧

Check out the Water WELLness guide here:

09/16/2025

We are thrilled to be involved with this wonderful opportunity for Wisconsin County Health and Conservation professionals! Be sure to apply by October 15th if you are a County Health or Conservation professional interested in attending!

An opportunity for Wisconsin County Health and Conservation professionals!

, Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute, and UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education Center are holding a Groundwater Model Workshop this winter:

- Learn about WI aquifers & groundwater quality
- Obtain information & resources connecting groundwater and health
- Hands-on learning with sand-tank groundwater model

Details:
1-day workshop (January 26th or 30th), Hancock Agricultural Research Station
Applications due October 15th!

Learn more, and apply here: https://forms.gle/72UWpBL6UPt2YhrT9
Any questions, contact [email protected]

Wisconsin Land+Water Conservation Association

09/11/2025

We are so excited about this new project!

Pierce County launched a five-year study to track groundwater quality changes by testing 350 wells annually. In partnership with our Water and Environmental Analysis Lab (WEAL), the project will provide consistent, long-term data on nitrate, chloride, pH, and more. This study will help these communities gain a better understanding of their water resources while providing our students working within the WEAL with invaluable, hands-on lab experience.

Learn more about the study here --> https://www.piercecountyjournal.news/stories/pierce-county-initiating-community-well-water-5-year-study,150765

The WEAL at UW–Stevens Point is part of the Center for Watershed Science and Education, a partnership between the UWSP College of Natural Resources and University of Wisconsin - Madison Division of Extension.

08/21/2025

This video provides step-by-step instructions for collecting samples through the Water and Environmental Analysis Lab. If performing more than one test pack...

07/24/2025

Learning about groundwater quality in Wisconsin just got easier! An UPDATED version of the Wisconsin Well Water Quality Interactive Viewer is now available for use. Improved functionality, a new look, and as easy to use as ever, the Viewer is a great way to learn about groundwater quality across the state.

The WI Well Water Quality Viewer can be accessed here or by the QR code below:
https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/watershed/Pages/WellWaterViewer.aspx