CNR Events
Discover upcoming CNR events like career fairs, the Jim and Katie Krause Student Research Symposium, and more—or explore the full UWSP events calendar to see what’s happening across campus.
News
Stay informed about the latest updates, achievements, and events at the College of Natural Resources. From groundbreaking research to student success stories, explore recent highlights below showcasing how we are shaping the future of conservation, or view all the College and University news and updates.
January 14, 2026
Life After Point: CNR Alumni News and Updates
From composting innovation and raptor education to national awards and decades of public service, CNR alumni are making a real impact. Explore these inspiring stories and more—see how one CNR foundation leads to many meaningful careers.
December 30, 2025
From Glaciers to Educators: The Evolution of CWES
From glaciers shaping Sunset Lake to Scouts and students exploring its shores, the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES) has been a hub for learning, adventure, and stewardship for half a century. Discover the rich history behind CWES, from its early days as a Scout camp to its role today as a living classroom shaping future environmental leaders.
October 28, 2025
UW-Stevens Point Soil Judging Team Places Fourth at Region III Contest, Advances to Nationals
The UW–Stevens Point Soil Judging Team placed fourth at the Region III Collegiate Soil Judging Contest in Bad Axe, Michigan, earning a spot at the national competition this March. Learn more about the team and their achievements at the link below.
October 7, 2025
UW-Stevens Point to Host Talk on Leaders in Conservation
Join us at UW-Stevens Point for a special lecture by Larry Nielsen, professor emeritus of natural resources, as he shares “Lessons from the Great Conservationists of the Past.” Discover the inspiring stories of leaders like Rachel Carson, Chico Mendes, Billy Frank Jr., and Wangari Maathai.
October 1, 2025
Life After Point: CNR Alumni News and Updates
Welcome to the October 2025 edition of our quarterly alumni spotlight! This series showcases the awards, achievements, and recognitions of UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources alumni. Whether you’ve received a professional honor, reached a new milestone, or made headlines in your field, share your update and help us highlight the impact of CNR alumni across the world of natural resources. Email us at cnr@uwsp.edu.
September 26, 2025
From Campus to Career: How Three UW-Stevens Point Alumni Found Their Path in Waste and Renewables
Curious how college experiences can turn into meaningful careers? Three UW-Stevens Point alumni are making a real impact in sustainability, from managing landfill operations to turning waste into renewable energy. Their journeys show that exploring your passions and gaining hands-on experience can lead to a career that matters.
September 9, 2025
Eric Olson, UWSP Director of Extension Lakes, discusses shoreline care on the Larry Meiller Show
Eric Olson, Director of Extension Lakes at UW–Stevens Point, joined the Larry Meiller Show to discuss how shoreline owners can make simple improvements that benefit both their property and local waters. He pointed to the Healthy Lakes and Rivers program, which offers practical projects to enhance habitat and water quality.
September 3, 2025
WEAL Partners with Pierce County to Advance Water Research and Student Learning
The Water and Environmental Analysis Lab is part of the Center for Watershed Science and Education, a partnership between the UWSP College of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Together, we collaborate with state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community members to provide high-quality water testing and research, while giving students valuable applied learning opportunities. Check out the link below to learn more about a program in Pierce County.
August 1, 2025
Scharenbroch Honored with UWSP Scholar Award
Few scientists can connect the invisible workings of the soil to the urgent challenges of our modern world, and fewer still do it with the scope, energy, and human impact of Bryant Scharenbroch. This year, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point named him this year’s University Scholar Award recipient, recognizing a career that digs deep into ecosystems, data, and human potential.
July 31, 2025
Faculty in the News: Michael Demchik Discusses Impact of Wildfire Smoke
Forestry Professor Michael Demchik shared insight into the wildfire smoke affecting Wisconsin and how forest conditions play a role. Hear what he had to say at the link below.
July 11, 2025
Petrillo Recognized with UWSP Teaching Excellence Award
On any given day, Holly Petrillo, a UW-Stevens Point forestry professor, might be knee-deep in a Wisconsin forest helping students identify tree diseases or halfway around the world in rural Kenya, guiding them through a hands-on lesson on permaculture.
Spring 2025
Wildlife Professor Dubay Receives UWSP Service Award
For Wildlife Professor Shelli Dubay, wildlife isn’t just a field of study; it is a calling. After nearly 20 years shaping future conservationists at UW-Stevens Point, her dedication earned her the 2025 University Service Award, one of UWSP’s highest honors!
July 14, 2025
Faculty in the News: Cady Sartini Shares Black Bear Expertise
Cady Sartini, wildlife faculty member at UW–Stevens Point and principal investigator of the Wisconsin Black Bear Project, was recently featured in the news following a black bear encounter in Barron County. She provided insight into black bear behavior and offered essential safety tips for anyone who may encounter a bear in the wild.
Spring 2025
UWSP Students Tackle Real-World City Planning in Capstone Project
Conservation and Community Planning students at UW-Stevens Point spent their spring semester collaborating with the City of Stevens Point on real-world planning projects. Their capstone course focused on developing innovative solutions for housing, recreation, and public spaces, giving students hands-on experience and making a lasting impact on the community.
July 1, 2025
Life After Point: CNR Alumni News and Updates
We are excited to launch a new quarterly alumni spotlight series showcasing the awards, achievements, and recognitions of UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources alumni. Whether you have received a professional honor, reached a new milestone, or made headlines in your field, share your update and help us highlight the impact of CNR alumni across the world of natural resources. Email us at cnr@uwsp.edu
June 26, 2025
UW-Stevens Point students support Heritage Park redevelopment plan
A hidden gem in the Village of Plover will benefit from the work of UWSP students in the College of Letters and Science and College of Natural Resources. Their collaborative projects and research will make history come alive at Heritage Park to attract and connect more visitors.
June 19, 2025
Wisconsin Forestry Center Hosts Skills Camp
Our Wisconsin Forestry Center hosted a Forestry Skills Camp at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, where high school students explored forestry careers, gained hands-on field skills, and earned college credit, all while learning from industry professionals in a real-world setting.
May 26, 2025
Groundbreaking Training Sawmill Launches to Boost Wisconsin’s Lumber Workforce
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources is proud to support a first-of-its-kind initiative made possible through an $8 million Workforce Innovation Grant awarded by the state of Wisconsin to our Wisconsin Forestry Center. As part of this transformative effort, a commercial-scale training sawmill—the only facility of its kind in the United States—has been established at Northcentral Technical College. This sawmill will serve as a critical resource in addressing workforce shortages by providing hands-on training for in-demand careers in the lumber and forest products industry. Photo credit: Ross Vetterkind, NTC
May 21, 2025
UW-Stevens Point Hosts National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest
The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point was honored to host the 2025 National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest, welcoming top student teams from across the country to demonstrate their expertise in soil science. We were proud to support this prestigious event that fosters academic excellence, hands-on learning, and collaboration among the next generation of environmental and agricultural professionals.
April 20, 2025
In Focus: Rural areas face unique challenges when it comes to water
Kevin Masarik, a groundwater specialist and director of the Center for Watershed Science and Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, joined Spectrum News 1 to discuss the challenges that rural communities across Wisconsin face regarding water, as well as what he and other researchers have learned from well testing throughout the state.
April 18, 2025
UW-Stevens Point CNR Honors Leaders in Conservation, Innovation
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources has announced this year’s award recipients. These honors recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to natural resources education, conservation, and industry innovation. See who is making a difference.
March 26, 2025
2025 Flow Project Art Exhibit
Five University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students created art inspired by water and water professionals as part of the 2025 Flow Project Art Exhibit.
Making its debut at the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention, held in Stevens Point March 26-28, the exhibit pairs Universities of Wisconsin students with water professionals across the state to create paintings, sculptures, dances, drawings and other artistic works that celebrate lakes and rivers. Pieces from the exhibit will also be featured at UW-Stevens Point in the display windows outside the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room in April and May.
February 20, 2025
UWSP graduate student uncovers secrets of Wisconsin’s little-known buffalo fish
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate student Ryan Bohen is shedding light on a little-known native fish species in Wisconsin, spearheading research that could inform how fisheries are managed across the state.
Bohen, a student in UW-Stevens Point’s College of Natural Resources, is studying the population dynamics of bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo. These two native fish species often go unnoticed in traditional fisheries management. Despite their longevity—some live up to 70 years—and their ecological importance, they have rarely been the focus of scientific inquiry.
January 22, 2025
Graduate researcher takes conservation to new heights with drone technology
In Wisconsin’s serene wetlands, wildlife conservation is soaring to new heights.
Amanda Griswold, a graduate student in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, is using drones equipped with thermal cameras to transform how biologists monitor waterfowl populations and protect critical habitats.
December 23, 2025
Students across Wisconsin helping the DNR to repopulate forests
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s LEAF – Wisconsin’s K-12 Forestry Education Program and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – Division of Forestry’s Reforestation Program have been collaborating to get Wisconsin’s School Forests more involved in tree seed collection. Stay informed about the latest updates, achievements, and events at the College of Natural Resources. From groundbreaking research to student success stories, explore how we are shaping the future of conservation.