March at Upham Woods was a whirlwind of learning and adventure, as we welcomed diverse groups eager to explore nature and deepen their understanding of environmental stewardship. From hosting college students at the Hoofer Midwest Outdoor Leadership Conference to facilitating a retreat for the National Guard 115th Fighter Wing, every visit brought unique perspectives and opportunities for growth. 

We guided Nature Walk and Crystal Lake Montessori Schools students through immersive outdoor experiences, welcomed the WI School of Business MBA Consulting Practicum to explore our site, and trained Winnebago County 4-H Camp Counselors in environmental leadership. We did outreach at STEM Day at North Freedom Elementary, welcomed St. Ann's School for a visit of hands-on learning, and engaged with State 4-H Art Beat participants to showcase the beauty of nature through creative expression. Wrapping up March was a week of visits from Sennett Middle School, a Saturday visit from Lakeview Elementary School, and we closed out the month with a week-long spring break day camp. Throughout March we were reminded of the profound impact of connecting with nature and fostering environmental responsibility. 

Last year we raised over $15,000 on Day of the Badger and were able to rebuild our trails near the beloved caves on Black Hawk Island through the WisCorps roving crew. 

This year, we are continuing to focus our efforts on Blackhawk Island access improvements so that we can facilitate positive experiences in the diverse forest communities of this amazing natural resource. 

We are excited to announce a $10,000 match challenge from Robin C Buerki so that your gift goes twice as far! 

Thank you to all of our past, present and future Day of the Badger donors for helping to make this fundraising year a success! 

Spend time at Upham Woods canoeing, exploring Blackhawk Island, and making new friends. 

Who: Any youth entering 4th-8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year.

When: July 7-10, 2024

Cost: $305.00

View last year’s schedule here! This year’s schedule will have some changes to make camp exciting for returning youth but many camp favorites like swimming and water carnival will remain the same!

3 spots remaining, waitlist available.

Who: Any youth entering 8th-10th grade for the 2024-2025 school year.

When: August 3-6, 2024

Cost: $315.00

Outpost Camp is an exciting camp experience where youth with spend time canoeing and camping. Camp will start at Upham Woods as everyone learns the basics of camping and canoeing before heading out to paddle the Wisconsin river and spend the next few nights camping on Blackhawk Island. 

13 spots remaining, waitlist available

Nature's Navigators

Hosted in partnership with the Center for Climatic Research of the Nelson Institute, Nature's Navigators STEM Camp is open to autistic youth in grades 6–12. Nature’s Navigators embraces neurodivergence and the associated unique thinking and learning of autistic youth through flexible teaching strategies.

Attendees will participate in hands-on outdoor and indoor activities, such as learning to fly a drone, steering a remote-controlled TerraRover car, meeting live animals, collecting soil and water samples, and hiking through beautiful landscapes. 

Nature’s Navigators is funded in part by a Wisconsin Idea Collaboration Grant. Please view the website for updates by early spring. 

Update for 2024: Based on feedback from 2023, this year we will not be requiring caretakers to accompany all campers. Additional details will be updated prior to registration launch.

SAWW I: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm

SAWW II: Wednesday, May 15, 2024: 8:00 am -4:00 pm

Limited spaces still available for each session

Area organizations will be accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants --no questions asked.

There will be animal ambassadors you can meet and learn about, and a photobooth where you can take your picture with a rescued pet!

Please keep in mind that we have the following community resources available at Upham Woods!

Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) and Upham Woods are working together on “Outdoors Access 4 All!” ™ We are proud to promote access, inclusion, equity, and healthy living within our programs. As a partner, we work with AAW to increase access to the outdoors by planning inclusive, accessible events and being a host location for their all-terrain outdoor wheelchair (OWC) to use on-site at our location and off-site in the community. 

If you care deeply for the work and mission of Upham Woods and want to help provide a sustaining source of support in the future, 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.