The past few weeks have brought more than just April showers. Between the floods, tornadoes, and heavy rain, nature has certainly kept us on our toes! However, the weather couldn't dampen the spirits of our outdoor explorers. We were thrilled to host a fantastic lineup of schools for their spring adventures. A huge thank you to the students and staff from Wingra, Westfield, Nikolay, Viroqua, Bay View, Hustisford, La Crosse, Core Knowledge, Lemonweir Academy, and Willowbrook for joining us!

Beyond our school programs, we also branched out with several unique events this month. From Chainsaw and ATV Safety Trainings to empowering Girl Scouts EcoExplorers, Camp Counselor Training, and the Spark Learning Community, these sessions offered fresh ways for our community to connect with the great outdoors.

We are also overflowing with gratitude for our incredible supporters! Thanks to you, our Day of the Badger was a resounding success. Together, we raised over $10,000 to support our mission. To top it off, your engagement helped us win the Facebook Comment Contest, securing an additional $500 for our programs! We truly appreciate everyone who has supported us so far this year—your generosity ensures we can keep providing these vital outdoor experiences, rain or shine.

We have sad news: the recent severe flooding on the Wisconsin River damaged our docks and swept away our historic barge, which for decades was the vehicle of youth-powered transport to and from Blackhawk Island. While we cannot replace the barge with an exact replica, we have been investigating alternatives of similar capacity that youth can paddle. Our best estimate of the cost to replace the barge and repair the docks is $40,000.If you would like to make a donation to the Upham Woods Fund in support of this effort, your gift in any amount is welcome and appreciated!

Outpost Camp is an exciting introductory camping experience where youth spend time canoeing and sleeping in tents. The camp will spend the first night at Upham Woods as everyone learns the basics of camping, cooking outside and canoe safety before we head out as a group to paddle across the Wisconsin River and spend the next 2 nights camping on Blackhawk Island. Note: Blackhawk Island is a rustic camping experience with no running water or flush toilets.

Get ready for summer fun at Upham Woods! We’re kicking off the season with a fantastic lineup of programs for all ages. From family adventures to adult explorations, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to read the program details for age restrictions and to find your perfect summer experience.

Nature’s Navigators STEM Camp aims to broaden science opportunities for autistic youth by providing a summer camp that supports inquisitiveness in a non-threatening, nontraditional, and inclusive learning environment. The camp is open to all autistic youth within grades 5-12. That includes youth with a medical diagnosis, self-diagnosis, or suspected diagnosis.  Nature’s Navigators embraces neurodivergence and the associated unique thinking and learning of autistic youth through flexible teaching strategies.

Bring your youth group to Upham Woods

Did you know that we serve groups as small as 10 and as large as 150? You can come for a half-day or stay a few nights!

If you care deeply for the work and mission of Upham Woods and want to help provide a sustaining source of support for the next generation, consider creating a legacy gift by including the University of Wisconsin Foundation and specifying a restricted gift to Upham Woods in your estate plans. You may prefer to include in your will or trust a sum of money, a percentage of your estate, a specific asset, a work of art, or a piece of real estate that you wish to give. Our most sincere gratitude for your lasting support! 

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.