Division of Extension
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The UW-Madison Extension’s outreach creates key connection points for families, communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, government, and more. We support local volunteers and leaders to take action and serve as role models in their communities, and we make sure Wisconsinites have the latest research, best practices, and educational opportunities.
Promoting healthy relationships:We embrace the philosophy that each stage of life is unique, exciting and filled with potential. Our programs promote aging-friendly communities, coach parents and help families put technology, mindfulness and financial awareness into everyday use.
Empowering health & well-being: We provide individuals, families, and communities the tools and guidance they need to reduce stress, improve nutrition, and support physical activity. We work with community partners to increase access to healthy affordable food, create environments that promote well-being, and address access to quality health care.
Fostering civic & economic leadership: From educating elected officials to training the next generation of local leaders, we’re committed to empowering citizens to make positive, transformative change in their communities.
Enhancing resilient natural resource systems: We work with partners across the state to ensure that our diverse natural resources remain resilient and productive. From water and forestry programming to conservation training and youth environmental education, our educators and researchers navigate complex issues, facilitate challenging conversations, and help develop innovative solutions.
Supporting positive youth development: Our research-based youth enrichment programs give young people the hands-on experiences they need to grow into the global leaders of tomorrow. From youth governance to Wisconsin 4-H clubs, we provide diverse educational opportunities to prepare youth for success in Wisconsin and beyond.
Supporting Wisconsin’s agriculture industry: Whether on the farm or in the field, we’re on the front lines of modern agriculture, helping producers build stronger and more productive food systems. From managing livestock to crops to strategic financial planning for farms, our educators and researchers help solve challenges that Wisconsin producers face.
Sub-communities within this community
Recent Submissions
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Quantifying Nitrate Leaching from Agricultural Soils
(UW-Madison Division of Extension, 2025-12-10)Minimizing nitrogen (N) loss to groundwater is important for human health, the environment, and long-term farm profitability. Quantifying nitrate leaching – a primary pathway of nitrogen loss from agricultural fields – can ... -
Harmful Algae Bloom (HABs) Dynamics in Mixing Zones of Lake Superior
(Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, 2025-12)Phytoplankton, commonly referred to as algae, are found in water and create the base of the food web in aquatic ecosystems. When an ecosystem becomes unbalanced, phytoplankton can grow too much which can result in an algal ... -
Designing and implementing a pre-burn monitoring protocol for Wisconsin Point
(2025-07-28)Wisconsin Point is a baymouth bar separating the St. Louis River Estuary from Lake Superior. Its forests have long been stewarded by Ojibwe people, including regular use of ishkode (fire) on the landscape before fire ... -
Lake Superior Reserve Strategic Communications Plan
(Roca Communications, 2020-09)This communications plan seeks to build on this strong foundation and enhance the impact of Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve communications in support of its strategic objectives. It is a framework for ... -
Recommendations from NOAA's Marine and Coastal Area-based Management Advisory Committee: Supporting Indigenous-led conservation and co-stewardship
(2025-02-26)As an agency of the US Government, NOAA has a legal and moral obligation to protect the interests of Tribal Nations, including their lands, resources, and treaty or other tribal rights, based on the unique relationship ... -
Advancing Green Schoolyards: Equity Leadership and Project Based Learning
(University of Wisconsin- Milaukee, 2024-08-01)Green schoolyards are described as an intervention implemented at an educational facility designed to incorporate nature into a child’s environment to integrate natural elements that support local climate, ecology, and ... -
Waterway Benefits Study Fact Sheet
(2024-10)The Waterway Benefits Study was conducted in 2021–2022 to explore the St. Louis River estuary community’s deep connections to our local waterways including Gichigami (Lake Superior), Gichigami-Ziibi (the St. Louis River ... -
Stewardship Plan for Nekuk Island (Nigigo-minis)
(2025-08-01)Nekuk Island (Nigigo-minis, otter island, in Ojibwe) is an important source of habitat and a significant cultural site located in the upper St. Louis River Estuary. Two centuries ago, the island was part of the Ojibwe ... -
The Other Side of the River
(2025-07-24)“All his life, Beau had looked forward to the Voyage, but the forced circumstances of his departure, the impending threat of humans, and the change of landscape as he traveled onward, weighed heavily on him. A great ... -
Capturing Your Environment Framework: Exploring Microclimates Using Infrared Thermometers and Kestrel Weather Stations
(UW Madison- Division of Extension, 2025-07-29)Background Digital Observation Technology Skills (DOTS) Using technology has the potential to deepen learning for all ages. As skills increase with technology use, learners can explore their environment in a new ... -
Engaging At-Risk Populations Outdoors, Digitally: Researching Youth Attitudes, Confidence, and Interest in Technology and the Outdoors.
(Association for Experiential Education, 2016-11-01)By using technology to enhance outdoor observation, students have significantly more interest in the use of technology outdoors and interest in observing plants and birds. This study also increased student’s confidence ... -
ArcGIS StoryMaps as a transitional tool for HEI sustainability culture
(Journal of Sustainability Education, 2024-12)Abstract: Higher education institutions (HEIs), educating the leaders of tomorrow and influencing regional trends, have been implementing sustainable practices for decades. Though many of these practices are effective, ... -
Accuracy of Rapid Test Strips for the Detection of the Cyanotoxin Microcystin
(Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, 2025-06)Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) pose significant risks to water quality, public health, and aquatic ecosystems, including in the Great Lakes. Traditional methods for detecting microcystin, a common cyanotoxin, often take several ... -
Building a collaborative monitoring strategy for a changing St. Louis River Estuary: a recommendation report
(2025-06-16)As the St. Louis River Estuary (SLRE) approaches delisting as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC), emerging stressors, particularly cyanobacteria blooms, raise new questions about the estuary’s longterm condition. To ... -
2024 Lake Superior Bloom Bulletin
(Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, 2025-05) -
Tile Drainage in Wisconsin: Maintaining Tile Drainage Systems
(UW-Madison Division of Extension, 2009-01-01)Tile drains play an important role in Wisconsin’s agricultural production systems. Drains alleviate saturated soil conditions, maintaining optimal root zone moisture for plant growth. Saturated soils can kill or damage ... -
EQUITABLE LEARNING IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
(Association for Experiential Education, 2025-01-10)The purpose of this study is to identify the status and needs of EE institutions across Wisconsin, with special consideration to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and efforts to center and service students ... -
AN EXPLORATION OF BARRIERS FOR DEI EFFORTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN WISCONSIN
(Association for Experiential Education, 2025-01-10)The purpose of this study is to determine and characterize the status and needs of EE organizations across the state of Wisconsin, with an intentional focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and obstacles ... -
2025 Status and Needs Report of Wisconsin Environmental Education Related Organizations
(University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2025-04-04) -
2025 St. Louis River Summit Proceedings
(Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, 2025-03)
