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Students testing a water sample on a shoreline

Freshwater Science Summer Field Experience

Explore Wisconsin's freshwaters

Wisconsin’s freshwater lakes, streams, and groundwater are an important resource and vital to a sustainable future. Faculty from UW-Eau Claire, UW-Oshkosh, UW-River Falls and UW-Stout invite you to spend a week with us exploring western Wisconsin’s freshwater resources, and to learn about freshwater-related degree programs and potential careers.

Students smile for a photograph as they wade in a creek conducting an experiment

We will explore:

  • Freshwater Systems of Western Wisconsin
  • Groundwater Systems and Drinking Water
  • Biodiversity in Streams
  • Stream Restoration
  • Lake Water Quality and Ecology
  • Impact of Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Water and Agriculture
  • Careers in Freshwater Science

 

Course Details

Dates: June 16-21, 2024
Details: Participants will arrive at UW-Eau Claire on Sunday, June 16 at 5pm to check into dorms. Two teaching assistants will stay in the dorms with participants as chaperones. We will provide dinner and a meet & greet Sunday evening. Field experiences will take place during the day Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21. The program will end on Friday, June 21 at 2pm. Participants are responsible for finding transportation to/from UWEC on June 16 and June 21. All transportation the program will be provided. Additional details about the program will be communicated with participants after acceptance to the program.

Example of schedule from past course offerings:

Day of Field Experience Activity
1 Fish biology in streams: estimating fish population on the Little Niagara Creek at UWEC
2 Impact of dam removal on the Kinnickinnic River: measuring stream velocity, pebble size, identification of invasive species
3 Ecological impact of stream restoration: measuring water quality and insect populations in Gilbert Creek
4 Groundwater resources: measuring groundwater flow and water quality in monitoring wells at UWEC
5 Lake water quality: measuring bacteria, nitrates, and other human/agricultural contaminants
Students crouch on a sandy beach and search straw-like artifacts inside a plastic bag

Eligibility and Application Information

We are no longer accepting applications for summer 2024.

If you have any questions about this program or the application, please email Sarah Vitale.

Program Instructors

Meet the UWEC, UWS, UWRF and UWO faculty who are instructing the Freshwater Science Summer Field Experience.

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