​

Vision

 
To increase awareness, knowledge, skills, and engagement of students, professionals, landowners, and the public in the conservation of wildlife and their habitats in Wisconsin and beyond.

Goals

 
In Wisconsin and beyond, we will:
  1. Increase public literacy regarding natural resources.

  2. Improve networking and engagement within the natural resources  community.

  3. Increase knowledge and skills of wildlife students and professionals.

  4. Increase conservation of wildlife and their habitats.
     
  5. Resolve human-wildlife conflicts.

​History

The wildlife faculty of UW-Stevens Point developed the concept for the Wisconsin Center for Wildlife (WCW) many years ago. During her tenure, Dean Emeritus Christine Thomas secured funding for an Endowed Chair in wildlife to increase the WCW's outreach efforts.  

The Endowed Chair position includes public outreach and engagement opportunities through and in cooperation with UW-Extension. Regular outreach activities for private landowners and citizens expand awareness and knowledge of wildlife issues and bolster the reputation of UW-Stevens Point as a valuable source of information and service within the community. Training programs, workshops, online materials, and other resources are being developed to increase the knowledge and skills of professionals regarding current and emerging wildlife management issues. The WCW is an important mechanism at the UWSP College of Natural Resources for enhancing the education of our undergraduates, strengthening our ties with stakeholders, and extending the reach of our programs into the professional wildlife community.

Funding

The WCW primarily is funded by an endowment from Gerald and Helen Stephens, as a memorial to their son Douglas. The endowment supports the Douglas R. Stephens Chair in Wildlife and provides operating funds for the WCW. The Director is funded in part by UW-Stevens Point and UW- Extension. Several smaller donations have been provided to the UWSP Foundation in support of the Wildlife Fund. In addition, several grants and fundraising activities support the WCW.
​