Note from the Director

As we close out February in Wisconsin, we are in a state of in-between, reminded one day of the pleasures of winter while the next day delivers sensory reminders of the coming spring— muddy and melting trails, the welcome “Hey, sweetie” call of the first chickadee song, tapping maple trees for the start of syruping season and the lingering daylight that facilitates an extended evening dog walk. It is a time of promise and early preparation for the coming spring and summer seasons. We look forward to sharing opportunities to reflect with you (read about the joys of winter trout fishing with Water Action Volunteers program student assistant Sean Bertalot) and to plan and prepare for the seasons ahead (sign up for upcoming training and events, and learn about the “sweetness” of tapping maple trees). We hope you enjoy the in-between season!

Tricia A. Gorby, Director of the Natural Resources Institute

Become a Master Naturalist

Want to learn more about Wisconsin's natural world? Consider becoming a Master Naturalist this summer or fall! Spots are still available in trainings across the state, including one at our very own Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center.

CWSE offering educators free groundwater models

This April, the Center for Watershed Science and Education (CWSE) is offering Wisconsin teachers, naturalists and other educators the opportunity to attend a one-day workshop about groundwater. Participants will receive a FREE groundwater model for their school, nature center or organization.

A groundwater workshop participant watches as dye filters through a groundwater model

An illustration of hands forming a circle around a drop of water with the text ''Building Trust Around Water Together''

Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention returns in April

The annual conference about protecting, restoring and celebrating Wisconsin's waters returns April 19–21 as part of Wisconsin Water Week. The theme this year is "Building trust around water together," and the conference will feature both in-person and virtual events. Poster and lightning talk submissions are due March 1, as is early-bird registration.

Upham Woods hosting chainsaw safety course

Looking to learn a new skill this spring? Upham Woods is hosting two 8-hour chainsaw safety courses from Forest Safety Instruction. Level 1 will be offered on April 7 and Level 2 on April 21.

Seven people in bright orange chainsaw safety gear kneel in a circle

A clear rain gauge holds 10cm of precipitation

Calling all weather enthusiasts!

This March, the Conservation Professional Training Program is partnering with the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) to recruit volunteers to measure snow, rain and hail in their backyards. Why? These data help the National Weather Service improve weather forecasts, river stage predictions and flash flood warnings across the state. Sign up today!

NRI offering Wisconsin Idea internships

UW–Madison students, work with NRI this summer! We will be offering four internships in the following areas:

Cure winter blues with trout fishing

Need some new ideas on how to spend your winter? Sean Bertalot, a student assistant with the Water Action Volunteers program (WAV), reflects on his favorite part of winter: trout fishing.

TIMELY TIP

How to tap maple trees

Cold nights and warm days mean maple syrup season is almost here! Learn how to properly drill a tap hole with Extension Forestry.

Find more resources about maple syrup production and sugar bush management on the Extension Maple Syrup Program website.

A metal bucket hanging on a maple tree collect sap

A pile of white salt used for deicing sits on a sidewalk

FROM THE NRI BLOG

Is that road salt in my water?

What happens to the salt we sprinkle on roads and walkways in winter? According to former WGNHS director Ken Bradbury, it can end up in drinking water.

STAFF CORNER

Matt Becraft

Matt Becraft is serving as a naturalist at Upham Woods through the WisCorps program, which connects young conservation professionals with environmental opportunities across the state. He's been busy with outreach and education since his term began in September 2022.

Matt holds up Larry, Upham's three-toed box turtle on a Zoom call

Hometown?

Baraboo, WI

Tell us briefly about what you do at Upham Woods.

As a WisCorps service member at Upham Woods, I am serving in a naturalist position, which means I get to teach kids the programs we offer at Upham Woods. Some of those activities include the Peanut Butter Mountain challenge course, outdoor survival and hiking on Blackhawk Island. Another one of the fun things I get to do here is take care of the animals housed in our nature center. Our snapping turtle Egor is one of my favorites. In addition to teaching kids at Upham Woods, I also do outreach where I get to visit classrooms and libraries.

What has been your favorite work project?

I was involved in a service day with River Valley middle schoolers where we had conservation professionals teach some classes and speak a little about their work. With the help of the kids, we were able to make a brand-new stretch of trail to our south beach! I am also working on a lesson plan dedicated to white-tailed deer and their role as a keystone species, which I look forward to teaching this spring.

Favorite way to connect with the outdoors?

I am an avid morel mushroom hunter and spend a good portion of my time in the woods in May and June searching for them. Although I don’t always find mushrooms, this is my favorite way to connect with the outdoors, and I look forward to this upcoming season.