AGRICULTURE

UW-River Falls Ag-Education: Site contains a draft for an updated version of the 1976 edition of the Wisconsin Forestry Manual for vocational teachers. Chapter 1: WI Forest History, Chapter #2: Man & the Forest Community, #3: Forestry Careers & Opportunities, #4: Forest ecology/botany; #5: Forestry Skills/Land Management, #6: Growing Trees, #7: Tending the Forest, #8: Harvesting, Marketing, & Processing, #9: Multiple Use Forests, #10: Forestry Laws & Programs, #11: Insects & Pests.

AIR

Bureau of Air Management (DNR) program's goal is to maintain Wisconsin's outdoor air quality so that it adequately protects public health and welfare and prevents harm to the environment and private property.

ENERGY

Energy Center of Wisconsin The Energy Center of Wisconsin is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to improving energy efficiency in Wisconsin. 

Energy Match This website offers energy conservation tips; energy fact sheets; "ask an energy expert" service, an energy college and a "schoolhouse" for kids. which is filled with activities, experiments, and projects to try. The The "schoolhouse" provides information about how things like power plants and batteries work. It also introduces individuals who made big and little discoveries in the energy field.

Green Schools An Alliance to Save Energy program designed for K-12 schools that creates energy awareness, enhances experiential learning, and saves schools money on energy costs by working at a district level

Midwest Renewable Energy Association a nonprofit network for sharing ideas, resources, and information with individuals, businesses, and communities to promote a sustainable future through renewable energy and energy efficiency. Organizers of the "renewable energy fair"

Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation:  mission is to provide customers with high-quality, valuable, and affordable opportunities to receive benefits from energy efficiency

Wisconsin Focus on Energy: Provides a comprehensive look at energy issues within Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin's 2001 Energy Policy   Governor Scott McCallum presents the 2001 Energy Policy Strategic Directions From Wisconsin's Energy and Economic Future in pdf format on the Wisconsin Department of Administration website.

Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) was created to help promote energy education in Wisconsin. The mission of KEEP is to initiate and facilitate the development, dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of energy education programs within Wisconsin schools.

Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE): A new network of individuals interested in learning more about renewable energy technologies. The first sponsored event of the group is a series of workshops designed specifically for women to be held at the "Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair" sponsored by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (Learn more about MREA and the Fair)

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (WAEE): is a statewide non-profit organization composed of people interested in learning about and helping others learn about environmental issues.  Their goal is to promote responsible environmental action through education in the classroom and in the community.   

Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education: The mission of the (WCEE) is to promote, develop, disseminate, implement, and evaluate environmental education programs for K-12 teachers and students in Wisconsin.

1. Environmental Education Resource Library includes curriculum and activity guides, children's books, reference books, video and audio tapes, computer software, games, puppets, posters, etc.

2. Environmental Education Network an association of schools and cooperating statewide agencies dedicated to promoting environmental education in Wisconsin.  Each participating school has a designated liaison who disseminates EE information received through the four EE Network mailings and electronic mailings.

3. K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) mission is to initiate and facilitate the development, dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of energy education programs within Wisconsin schools.

4. Learning Experiences and Activities in Forestry (LEAF) mission is to initiate and facilitate the development, dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of forestry education within Wisconsin Schools.

5.Global Environmental Teachings� (GET) mission is to promote a sustainable world through K-12 environmental/conservation education. One of the ways that GET accomplishes its mission is by coordinating Teacher Exchange programs for formal, K-12 Educators.  GET is now accepting applications for its 2006 programs to Puerto Rico and South Africa. To learn more and download an application, visit the Web site: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/wcee/get/

6. Governor's High School Conference on the Environment The purpose of this event is to:

• Share information on current environmental issues.

• Provide a forum where students and teachers from all over Wisconsin can network and share ideas.

• Empower students with tools to solve environmental dilemmas.

• Provide career and skill-building workshops

7. Masters Degree Program for Teachers

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:
(also see listings in categories below)

1.  EEK! (Environmental Education for Kids): This electronic magazine is for kids in grades 4-8. Surf around and learn more about the great outdoors. (a WEEB funded project)

2. Wisconsin Project Learning Tree  the Project Learning Tree Pre K-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide includes nearly 100 activities in a story-line technique covering themes of diversity, interrelationships, systems, structure and scale, and patterns of change. PLT also encompasses secondary-level modules. These issue-oriented activity guides help students investigate and define environmental issues, such as forestry and forest ecosystems, as well as build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secondary modules contain extensive background information, student activities, simulations, and case studies for exploring topics from various perspectives.

Project Learning Tree Correlation: Correlation of WI Model Academic Standards to Project Learning Tree Curriculum (a WEEB funded project)

3. Wisconsin Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) Project WET is a nonprofit water education program and publisher for educators and young people ages 5-18. The program is organized nationally, but delivered on a statewide basis. It is designed to facilitate and promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water resources through the dissemination of classroom-ready teaching aids.

4.Wisconsin Project WILD A nationwide environmental education program consisting of activity guides and supplementary environmental education materials for K-12 classrooms, youth groups, home schools, and nature centers. Completely revised in 2001, Project WILD encompasses over 165 environmental education activities

5. Children's Environmental Literature A list of environmental books for children

6. Green and Healthy Schools  A web-based, voluntary program available to all public and private elementary, middle, and high schools across Wisconsin. The program encourages teachers, staff, students and parents to work together to use the school, its grounds, and the whole community as learning tools to help teach, promote, and apply healthy, safe and environmentally sound practices.

7. EarthDay Project 

8. Kidstuff

9. Aquatic Resources Education Program (Angler Education) provides training workshops for volunteers to become Angler Education Instructors. Volunteers learn how to use Angler Education materials & ideas to educate youth about fishing, aquatic ecology, fisheries & habitat management, & outdoor ethics. Once certified, instructors have access to educational materials targeted for different age groups including younger learners (K-3), Junior Anglers (Grades 4-8), and Master Anglers (Grades 9-Adult). Fishing equipment and other supplies are also available for loan at 42 tackle loaner sites including DNR offices, state parks, forests & recreation areas.

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

1. Wisconsin Model Academic Standards (WEEB funded the environmental education standards work.)

Wisconsin Interactive Dialog with Educators from Across the State (IDEAS) network
Produced by the University of Wisconsin System and the University of Wisconsin Extension, this portal website contains a search engine/database of lesson plans and reference materials that are already on the internet. Lessons within the database have been evaluated, cataloged and aligned to the state education standards by teams of PK-16 educators. Now, you don't have to look through dozens of online listings to find the resource you need. The IDEAS search engine allows you to tell it specifically what you need to find then it searches the database for you. You can read teacher reviews of the resources and see exactly which state standards they address. IDEAS saves you time while focusing instruction and technology on Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards. Plus, you know you're getting a quality resource that other Wisconsin educators have recommended. Site also contains listings of professional development opportunities (conferences, workshops, and courses).

FORESTRY

Division of Forestry (DNR) is responsible for developing and implementing programs to protect and sustainably manage the state's forest resources. It plans, coordinates and administers current and long-range programs for the protection, improvement, perpetuation and sustainable use of Wisconsin's forests, as well as the protection of life, property and resources from wild fire.  

• Bureau of Forest Protection

• Bureau of Forest Management

• Office of Forest Sciences

• Bureau of Forestry Services

Forest Planning for Wisconsin's Future  How much forestland do we want, where do we want it and how do we want the forests to look and function? This website is divided into the three main categories to help you explore and learn more about these questions.

LEAF (Learning, Experiences, & Activities in Forestry)  This new (Spring 2002) Wisconsin K-12 forestry education program's mission is to is to initiate and facilitate the development, dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of forestry education programs within Wisconsin Schools.

Wisconsin's Champion Trees - A guide to Wisconsin's largest and most magnificient trees. Includes directions for measuring champion trees, nomination forms, Wisconsin's Big Tree Society chapters, a list of the 10 largest trees of each species including their measurements and locations, and information about Project Learning tree. Read more about the program by clicking the title link or order the guide by calling the Bureau of Communication and Education at: (608) 267-7375.

Wisconsin Forestree: The site complements the existing Wisconsin  Forestree: Bridging the Gap Between Environment and Economy curriculum and also features teacher resources, links to forestry related websites and forest maps. The target audience is middle school students/teachers but the site has features appealing to all ages including tree identification, virtual field trips, forest issues and "Treevia".

Wisconsin Forest Productivity Council

Wisconsin Forest Resource Education Alliance is an nonprofit organization whose mission is to teach Sustainable Forestry - the practice of managing dynamic forest ecosystems to provide ecological, economic, social, and cultural benefits to present and future generations by providing a coordinated outlet for forestry education 

Wisconsin Paper Council

Wisconsin Project Learning Tree  the Project Learning Tree Pre K-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide includes nearly 100 activities in a story-line technique covering themes of diversity, interrelationships, systems, structure and scale, and patterns of change. PLT also encompasses secondary-level modules. These issue-oriented activity guides help students investigate and define environmental issues, such as forestry and forest ecosystems, as well as build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secondary modules contain extensive background information, student activities, simulations, and case studies for exploring topics from various perspectives.

Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association 

University of Wisconsin-Extension: Forestry Facts Site

Threatened and Endangered Species in Forests of Wisconsin
 

GARDENING/HABITAT RESTORATION/PLANTS

Aquatic Plant Management and Protection Program (DNR)

Bureau of Endangered Resources (DNR) works to conserve Wisconsin's biodiversity for present and future generations. Our goals are to identify, protect and manage native plants, animals and natural communities from the very common to critically endangered. We work with others to promote knowledge, appreciation and stewardship of Wisconsin's native species and ecosystems

Native Plants

Non Native Plants

Threatened and Endangered Species in Forests of Wisconsin

UW-Madison-Arboretum: When you arrive at the site, scroll down for "Earth Partnership for Schools" and "Resources for Educators and Parents"

UW-Madison Dept. of Botany Virtual Foliage Homepage: over 5000 downloadable images of plants

UW-Madison Wisconsin State Herbarium: Wisconsin Vascular Plants-searchable database, photographs

UW-Stevens Point Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium website  Vascular plants, natural communities, bryophytes of Wisconsin and ethnobotany.

LAND USE

Center for Land Use Education

Forest Planning for Wisconsin's Future  How much forestland do we want, where do we want it and how do we want the forests to look and function? This website is divided into the three main categories to help you explore and learn more about these questions.

State Natural Areas

State Parks

Wetland Compensatory Mitigation

WASTE/RECYCLING

Bureau of Remediation and Redevelopment (DNR) The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program oversees the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties

Bureau of Waste Management (DNR)  in partnership with the public, industry and other government agencies, protects public health and the environment by encouraging:

• recycling, waste minimization and pollution prevention;

• proper management of solid and hazardous wastes and mining activities

• voluntary compliance and participation in preferred waste management practices by providing a balance of technical assistance and compliance assurance activities.

Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center (SHWEC) Mission is to enhance Wisconsin's environment and economy by providing education and technical assistance programs to business and communities on source reduction, recycling, solid waste management, and pollution prevention

WATER

Aquatic Resources Education Program (Angler Education) provides training workshops for volunteers to become Angler Education Instructors. Volunteers learn how to use Angler Education materials & ideas to educate youth about fishing, aquatic ecology, fisheries & habitat management, & outdoor ethics. Once certified, instructors have access to educational materials targeted for different age groups including younger learners (K-3), Junior Anglers (Grades 4-8), and Master Anglers (Grades 9-Adult). Fishing equipment and other supplies are also available for loan at 42 tackle loaner sites including DNR offices, state parks, forests & recreation areas.

Adopt-A-Lake

Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater (DNR) manages activities that affect the safety, quality and availability of drinking water by preventing contamination of drinking water and groundwater to protect public health. Our program sets groundwater and drinking water quality standards and ensures that water remains available to citizens served by public drinking water utilities and provides useful information to owners of private wells to maintain safe drinking water.

Bureau of Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection (DNR) manages in-water activities and is responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and monitoring aquatic based resources such as aquatic ecosystems, sport and commercial fisheries, lakes and wetlands. In addition, the bureau assesses the quality of surface water and the biological health of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The bureau develops regulations and strategies to protect habitat for fish and other aquatic life, and coordinates the state fish hatchery operations.
     Aquatic Plant Management and Protection Program

     Citizen Lake Monitoring Program

     Wisconsin Wetlands

Bureau of Watershed Management (DNR) A Watershed can be defined as an interconnected area of land draining from surrounding ridge tops to a common point such as a lake or stream confluence with a neighboring watershed. All lands and waterways can be found in one watershed or another. Programs administered by this bureau include:

       Dam Safety, Floodplain and Shoreland Management

     Office of Great Lakes

      Runoff Management Program

     Water Quality Planning Program

      Water Quality Modeling Section

      Water Quality Standards

      WPDES Permits Program

      The Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program

Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center: Mission is to help Wisconsin citizens and governments manage the groundwater resource wisely, through education, public information, applied research, and technical assistance.

Marquette High School Riverstudies Program: This webpage deals with water quality of local rivers and streams. The site includes factors that determine water quality; water quality data of the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers from over 30 schools participating in the "Testing the Waters" program; a bibliography; and a newsletter.

Portage County Groundwater This site was created by the Groundwater Citizens
Advisory Committee. It contains "Understanding Groundwater" "Teaching and Learning" "Managing the Resource" "Taking Action" and "Kid Stuff" sections as well as links to other sites and a calendar of upcoming events.

UW-Extension Water Resources Program: Provides information about water quality programs and related environmental concerns. Site includes links to Water Action Volunteers, WI Lakes Partnerships, Project WET, Adopt-A-Lake, and Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center among others.

Water Action Volunteers is a statewide program for Wisconsin citizens who want to learn about and improve the quality of Wisconsin�s streams and rivers.  The program is coordinated through a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin � Cooperative Extension.

Wisconsin Groundwater Guardians Program Groundwater guardian community teams consist of volunteers who annually implement activities that  help raise awareness of and/or protect their local groundwater resource.  Website links participating communities, identifies available resources, and provides background information on groundwater and groundwater issues. 

Wisconsin Lakes Directory Site includes data and interactive maps.

Wisconsin Lakes Partnership: a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) and the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX). Collaboratavie site contains information about "Adopt-A-Lake" program, "Project WET", Lake Organizations, Lake Ecology, Lake Law, Conventions, Training, Human Impact, and Grants.

Wisconsin Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) Project WET is a nonprofit water education program and publisher for educators and young people ages 5-18. The program is organized nationally, but delivered on a statewide basis. It is designed to facilitate and promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water resources through the dissemination of classroom-ready teaching aids.

WEATHER

Cycles of the Earth and Atmosphere This on-line teaching module for middle school science teachers uses cycles to introduce the atmosphere as a whole, climate, the greenhouse effect, global climate change, and ozone both the "good" ozone in the stratospheric ozone shield and the "bad" ozone that pollutes our cities. Each section offers background materials and several classroom activities that let students become hands-on participants in the scientific discovery process. Materials are aligned with the national standards for science and math education.

Environmental Protection Agency Online Greenhouse Gas Calculator provides a fast, easy- to-use way to obtain a rough estimate of your family's annual greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, home energy use, and waste disposal. After you calculate your emissions, the calculator enables you to see how many pounds of carbon dioxide you could shave off your total by taking some cost-effective actions to reduce your impact on the environment.

National Weather Service - Green Bay Weather forecasts, maps, radar images and various educational links about weather.

WILDLIFE

Aquatic Resources Education Program (Angler Education) provides training workshops for volunteers to become Angler Education Instructors. Volunteers learn how to use Angler Education materials & ideas to educate youth about fishing, aquatic ecology, fisheries & habitat management, & outdoor ethics. Once certified, instructors have access to educational materials targeted for different age groups including younger learners (K-3), Junior Anglers (Grades 4-8), and Master Anglers (Grades 9-Adult). Fishing equipment and other supplies are also available for loan at 42 tackle loaner sites including DNR offices, state parks, forests & recreation areas.

Bureau of Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection (DNR) manages in-water activities and is responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and monitoring aquatic based resources such as aquatic ecosystems, sport and commercial fisheries, lakes and wetlands. In addition, the bureau assesses the quality of surface water and the biological health of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The bureau develops regulations and strategies to protect habitat for fish and other aquatic life, and coordinates the state fish hatchery operations. Programs include:

• Fishing Regulations

• Season Dates

• New to Fishing?

• Where to Fish

• Frequently Asked Questions

Bureau of Endangered Resources (DNR) works to conserve Wisconsin's biodiversity for present and future generations. Our goals are to identify, protect and manage native plants, animals and natural communities from the very common to critically endangered. We work with others to promote knowledge, appreciation and stewardship of Wisconsin's native species and ecosystems

       Threatened and Endangered Species in Forests of Wisconsin

Bureau of Wildlife Management (DNR) Working with people to protect and manage Wisconsin wildlife populations and their habitats, and promoting wildlife enjoyment and appreciation for the benefit of current and future generations

Non Native Animals

Wisconsin Elk Reintroduction Study

Wisconsin Project WILD A nationwide environmental education program consisting of activity guides and supplementary environmental education materials for K-12 classrooms, youth groups, home schools, and nature centers. Completely revised in 2001, Project WILD encompasses over 165 environmental education activities

OTHER

Marquette High School Science Club: The club performs "recycling" shows for area grade school students. The show consists of a series of vignettes in which club members involve the audience in activities that emphasize the importance of energy and resource conservation, and demonstrate how recycling is creating new business and making existing businesses more profitable. The show "The Journey of Garbage: From the Recycling Bin to the Store Shelf" and script recently won the Governor's Waste Reduction and Recycling Award.

Milwaukee-Naturally: Site contains a calendar, list of places to go, contests, puzzles, arts & craft ideas, job search and resume posting services, and a "nature chat" forum.

NatureResources.com A new site that hopes to eventually serve as an online resource for nature related activities, organizations and products.

UW-System Collaborative BioWeb Project: In 1997, over forty-three UW System biology faculty members developed a collaborative website that covers a broad range of subjects within the field.   At present, project BioWeb contains an electronic library of images and an extensive archives of links to a variety of sites.

Wisconsin Environmental Education Resource Directory (WEERD):  Lists resource materials and directories on a variety of topics including: air, endangered resources, energy, fisheries, forestry, parks and recreation, pollution, soil and land use, waste management, water and wildlife.

Wisconsin Manufactures & Commerce-Wisconsin Environmental Working Group (WEWG): Mission: by providing complete and reliable information to state policymakers, the Wisconsin Environmental Working Group (WEWG) helps assure that whatever legislative or regulatory path is chosen, it is chosen based on facts rather than perceptions. WEWG, with the input of educators, developed a program for middle and high school students. The Environmental Speakers Bureau reaches approximately 1,200 every year and receives rave reviews from teachers and students. View sample activities.