October was filled with school visits, including returning groups from Randall Consolidated, Badger Ridge, County Line Elementary, Bay View Montessori, and Sauk County Middle Schools, who participated in Conservation Days organized by the Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department Conservation Educator!

Visiting groups participating in our pilot environmental DNA (eDNA) program, supported by Wisconsin Sea Grant and the University of Wisconsin - Madison Division of Extension, with funding from the Innovation Grant Program, have continued through November. By the end of November, we'll have had almost 20 groups participate and learn more about eDNA for invasive species monitoring!

In addition to our school groups, we hosted the 4-H Arts Camp, two Girl Scout troops, and the Youth Partners in Civic Leadership Conference. In addition to our visiting groups, the 2nd rendition of our Early Childhood Nature Club is wrapping up with registration for a late winter session set to open in December

We're looking for Outdoor Educators to join our team, starting as early as March 30th, or join us on May 18th, 2026! 

Upham Woods Seasonal Outdoor Educators are the primary programmatic personnel for Upham Woods during the summer season. These positions are responsible for teaching programming and recreational activities to user groups, interacting with 4-H Youth educators and adult volunteers, other group leaders, and caring for programmatic, outpost, and recreational equipment, which includes our live animal ambassadors. All of the above is to be done with a focus on customer service and effective educational methods in a safe environment.

This NEW specialized role will focus on our Outpost Program and outdoor recreation programs such as hiking, canoeing, orienteering, outdoor survival, team building, and archery.

*Lifeguard certification is required for this role

Applications for all three positions close on Sunday, November 30th, at 11:55 PM

Youth will explore Wisconsin Winter Wildlife at Upham Woods! Drop your youth off for winter fun with the Upham Woods Outdoor Educators!

Who: Youth ages 7-11 

When: Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM

Cost: $45.00 per youth (includes Lunch and afternoon snack)

Registration closes Sunday, February 1, 2026. 

Learn more about the camp.

Rural Partnerships Institute (RPI) has made funding available for rural school districts across the state to participate in a microclimate monitoring program at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center. Funding allows Upham Woods staff to host field trips at a reduced cost (for some this may be no cost).

Students in grades 3-12 will be able to investigate microclimate data, including air and soil temperature, canopy cover, and wind speed, in forest communities of Upham Woods. Students will also make predictions about climate change implications and propose solutions for actions to help mitigate impacts on the forest ecosystems, and collect climate monitoring data on site using protocols to create longitudinal data sets that track changes over time. The activities support youth interpretation of cause and effect relationships, evidence and reasoning to support a scientific claim, how to plan, justify and carry out investigations, and developing and revising models to explain or predict scientific phenomena. 

Click "Learn More!" to view available Spring 2026 dates, submit a visit inquiry, and book your trip.

Consider supporting Upham Woods this Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2nd! Follow our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram to learn how.

Upham Woods is looking for ATV Safety Project Volunteers to support our new ATV Safety Instruction Program! A full volunteer position description is here: WI 4-H Youth ATV Safety Project Volunteer. Please email our Facilities and Operations Manager, Craig Boehlke at cjboehlke@wisc.edu for more information and to become a volunteer.

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.