Author: sallenba

CNR Honors Key Contributors

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The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources (CNR) proudly recognized distinguished alumni, visionary leaders, and outstanding partners during its annual Celebration Evening at SentryWorld. The event brought together faculty, students, industry professionals, and supporters to celebrate those whose work continues to leave a lasting mark on natural resources, conservation, and education.

“These honorees remind us that meaningful progress is built by people who are willing to lead, serve, and invest in something bigger than themselves,” said Brian Sloss, Dean of UWSP CNR. “Their dedication has strengthened our college, our communities, and our natural resources. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and thankful for the path they continue to create for future generations.”

Heather Berklund is the 2025-2026 CNR Alumna award recipient

Heather Berklund, recipient of the 2026 CNR Outstanding Alumna Award, was honored for her remarkable leadership, pioneering spirit, and lifelong commitment to Wisconsin’s forests. A 2000 graduate of UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Soil Science Minor, Berklund now serves as Chief State Forester for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry. In 2020, she made history as the first woman appointed to the role. Over nearly three decades with the Wisconsin DNR, she has helped guide sustainable forestry efforts, strengthen wildland fire preparedness, support workforce growth, and build meaningful partnerships across the state. She has also remained closely connected to UWSP through advisory roles and collaborative initiatives. Her career reflects not only professional excellence but also a deep belief in service, stewardship, and creating opportunities for others.

Photo: Heather Berklund, a 2000 graduate of the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, was recognized as the recipient of the CNR Outstanding Alumna Award.

Tom German, recipient of the 2026 CNR Conservation Leader Award, was recognized for decades of thoughtful leadership and a profound impact on Wisconsin’s public lands. German recently retired as Executive Secretary of Wisconsin’s Board of Commissioners of Public Lands after 20 years of service. During that time, he oversaw more than $1 billion in trust assets benefiting public school libraries, municipalities, and school districts statewide. Just as importantly, he championed efforts to expand public access to forestland, reduce fragmentation, support sustainable timber markets, and improve long-term land stewardship. A strong supporter of UWSP CNR, German also helped create internship opportunities, strengthen forestry programming, and build partnerships that connected students to real-world conservation work. His influence reaches far beyond numbers and policy; it lives on in healthier landscapes, stronger communities, and new generations of leaders.

Photo: Tom German was recognized as the recipient of the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Conservation Leader Award.

Five award recipients and presenters stand together during the CNR Outstanding Contributor Award recognition ceremony. From left are CNR Dean Brian Sloss; Cathy Scheder, CNR Associate Dean for Outreach and Extension; Tricia Gorby, Natural Resources Institute Director; Patrick Robinson, Associate Dean of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Development; and Brenda Lackey, CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Natural Resources Institute, UW-Madison Division of Extension, recipient of the 2026 CNR Outstanding Contributor Award, was recognized for its exceptional partnership and lasting impact on the College of Natural Resources. Through a long-standing relationship with UWSP, the institute has helped strengthen the people, programs, and systems that allow the college to thrive. Its support has sustained faculty, staff, and program leaders, preserved continuity across important initiatives, and provided the stability needed for long-term growth. Through respected programs such as the Extension Lakes Program, Center for Land Use Education, Center for Watershed Science and Education, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife, and Wisconsin Forestry Center, the institute delivers trusted expertise in forestry, water quality, land stewardship, and community resilience. By connecting research with real-world needs and creating valuable hands-on opportunities for students, the Natural Resources Institute continues to embody the Wisconsin Idea.

Photo: Recipients and presenters of the CNR Outstanding Contributor Award gather for a photo during the recognition ceremony. Pictured from left are CNR Dean Brian Sloss, Cathy Scheder, CNR Associate Dean for Outreach and Extension; Tricia Gorby, Natural Resources Institute Director; Patrick Robinson, Associate Dean of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Development; and Brenda Lackey, CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

The 2026 Paper Industry Leader Award was presented to Spraying Systems Co. in recognition of outstanding industry leadership and extraordinary support of student learning. As the world’s leading manufacturer of spray nozzles, Spraying Systems Co. has become a valued partner to UWSP by providing essential components for pilot machine operations and ensuring equipment is installed and ready for use. Their support has greatly enhanced hands-on learning opportunities for students working with industry-level systems and technology. Beyond equipment, the company has generously shared its expertise through consultations and seminars tied to senior design projects, helping students better understand professional expectations and engineering practice. From precision nozzles to full turnkey systems, Spraying Systems Co. continues to invest in both innovation and the next generation of talent.

Photo: Representatives of Spraying Systems Co. accept recognition on behalf of the company during the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources CNR Celebration Evening. Pictured from left are Roland Gong, Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department Chair; Bernard Pyzdrowski; and Dylan Thomas.

UW-Stevens Point Takes 2nd at Midwestern Foresters Conclave Return

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The Forestry Sports team from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point returned to competition for the first time since the pandemic at the 69th Midwestern Foresters Conclave on April 11, hosted by Southern Illinois University at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

UW-Stevens Point placed second overall. Teams from Iowa State, Michigan State, Missouri State, Purdue, the University of Missouri, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale also competed. Southern Illinois won the event, followed by UW-Stevens Point, Missouri, Missouri State, Iowa State, Michigan State, and Purdue.

This year’s return marks a major milestone for the program, which had paused competition during the pandemic. Since then, the team has been revitalized through the support of new forestry professor Artur Stefanski and the dedicated efforts of motivated students who helped rebuild the program and guide their peers back into the regional forestry sports circuit.

The conclave featured more than a dozen forestry and timber sports events testing both physical skill and technical expertise. Events included tree identification, axe throwing, log rolling, underhand chopping, pulp tossing, bolt throwing, knife throwing, DBH estimation, wildlife identification, and sawing contests such as single-buck and double-buck.

UW-Stevens Point athletes earned numerous podium finishes.

In sawing events, Nick Williams placed third in both men’s single buck and men’s knife throw. Jesse Huckstep and Jason Bartlet finished third in men’s double buck, while Katie Vogt and Hunter Bahl took third in Jack and Jill double buck.

Vogt led the women’s division, winning women’s single buck and placing second in women’s double buck.

In team events, Bahl and Michael Steinhoff won men’s log roll. Luke Endris, Gunnar Westenmeyer, Jason Bartlett and Cullen White placed second in men’s pulp toss. White also finished third in men’s bolt throw, and Steinhoff took second in match split.

In technical forestry events, Bartlet placed third in DBH estimation, and Merrek Kowalski won wildlife identification.

Beyond competition results, the conclave offered students valuable academic and professional benefits. Many events mirror real-world forestry skills—such as tree identification, DBH estimation, and wildlife knowledge—allowing students to apply classroom learning in a hands-on, high-pressure environment. The experience also strengthens teamwork, problem‑solving, field readiness, and professional networking, while fostering new friendships, all essential skills for careers in natural resources.

With strong results across disciplines, UW-Stevens Point secured second place overall, an impressive achievement marking the program’s successful return to competition.

The team’s performance highlights the program’s renewed momentum and UW-Stevens Point’s commitment to preparing students academically and professionally. By excelling in both technical forestry knowledge and traditional timber sports, students are building the skills, confidence, and experience that will carry them into future leadership roles in the field.

UW–Stevens Point Soil Judging Team Places 13th at National Contest in North Carolina

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The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) Soil Judging team placed 13th overall at the National Soil Judging Contest in North Carolina the end of March, earning a top-tier national ranking among collegiate programs.

Nearly 80 universities field soil judging teams nationwide, with 29 advancing to this year’s national competition. UW-Stevens Point’s finish placed it in the upper group of qualifying teams.

The team is advised by soil and waste resources professor Bryant Scharenbroch, with assistant coach Owen Turner supporting training and field preparation. Although the program includes nearly 40 members, only about 20 students travel to nationals, and four students compete.

This year’s competitive team included Elliot Nimmer, Mary Chesnut, Erin Tschida, and Nora Hunt. Nimmer led UWSP with a 17th-place individual finish out of 112 competitors, one of the strongest placements at the event.

Soil judging provides students with intensive, field-based experience in soil science. Competitors examine soil pits, identify horizons, evaluate landscape features, and classify soils under timed conditions. The work mirrors professional tasks in agriculture, land management, conservation, and environmental consulting, giving students practical skills in field analysis, environmental interpretation, and rapid decision-making.

UW-Stevens Point has a strong record of national success, including a second-place finish at the 2021 national contest. The team consistently qualifies for nationals through Region III, one of the most competitive regions in the country.

Soil judging is one of the many hands-on opportunities available to UWSP students, offering a deeper, more immersive learning experience than classroom instruction alone. By working directly with soils in the field, students strengthen their technical skills, build confidence in real-world analysis, and gain practical preparation for careers in natural resources, agriculture, and environmental science.

UW-Stevens Point student turns farmers market data into an interactive StoryMap

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Abrahamson smiles at the camera. She is standing outside.
UWSP student Elina Abrahamson served as a grant research intern on a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant awarded to the Wood County Health Department and several partners, including UW-Stevens Point.

Every farmers market visit leaves a small trail behind, where shoppers come from, how they get there and how their spending supports the community. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student Elina Abrahamson spent her summer bringing those trails together into an interactive StoryMap that shows how Central Wisconsin farmers markets really work.

Abrahamson, a conservation and community planning major, completed the project during a summer internship with Wood County government. She served as a grant research intern on a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant awarded to the Wood County Health Department and several partners, including UW–Stevens Point. The three-year project, “Central Wisconsin Farmers Market Collaborative: Demonstrating a Return on Investment from Improving Food Equity at Farmers Markets,” focuses on strengthening access to local food and understanding its broader impact.

Starting in late May 2025, Abrahamson spent much of her summer traveling to farmers markets across Central Wisconsin, with some follow-up data collection continuing into September and October. The internship fulfilled a graduation requirement for her major and earned her four academic credits, along with a summer stipend. She was supervised by Meliss Haack, regional farmers market coordinator for multiple counties in the region.

At each market, Abrahamson talked with visitors and gathered information on how often they attend, how they travel, where they live, how much they spend at the market and nearby businesses, and whether they use or would use Electronic Benefit Transfer services. She also paid close attention to accessibility and how markets serve different community needs.

All of that information came together in an interactive StoryMap designed to be easy to explore. Users can click on ZIP codes to see where shoppers are coming from, learn more about individual markets and spot patterns in how people engage with these spaces. For market managers and local planners, the tool offers clear, practical insights they can use to improve access, build participation and better support local farmers.

Elina stands beside two pads of paper on easels, gathering information for her project at a farmers' market.
UWSP student Elina Abrahamson gathers information from the public at a local farmers market.

Abrahamson shared her work in December at a Central Wisconsin Farmers Market Collaborative meeting, giving organizers and vendors a chance to see the data behind the day-to-day bustle of their markets.

“Over the summer, I saw how much work farmers and community members put into organizing a successful farmers market, often as a volunteer,” Abrahamson said. “These people put in countless hours of their own time to provide an invaluable resource to their communities. It is inspiring to see people so dedicated to supporting their local food economy, and I learned how important it is to have active community members.”

For Abrahamson, the internship was a chance to step beyond the classroom and apply what she’s learned about community systems, GIS and data analysis to a project with real impact. Her StoryMap shows that farmers markets aren’t just about fresh food, they are gathering places that strengthen local economies, build connections and support long-term sustainability.

The project reflects the hands-on approach of a UW-Stevens Point education, where students turn academic knowledge into work that matters to the communities around them.

Take a closer look at her work by visiting the storymap.

From Glaciers to Educators: The Evolution of CWES

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Ten thousand years ago, glaciers made their way across central Wisconsin, leaving behind a sparkling jewel, Sunset Lake, a deep-blue kettle lake nestled among rolling hills. For thousands of years, Early Woodland people walked these shores, building mounds, shaping arrowheads, and leaving behind pottery fragments that still whisper of their lives here.

Fast-forward to 1910, when Norwegian immigrant Mark Nelson bought forty acres on the lake’s southwest shore. He built a small hunting cabin and lived there until 1940, unknowingly planting the seeds for a legacy far bigger than himself. By 1921, his land became the heart of Camp Chickagami, a Boy Scout haven that soon welcomed Girl Scouts, too. Scouts swam across the lake, camped under the stars, and filled pillowcase “ticks” with hay for mattresses. The Order of the Arrow took root here, ceremonies lit by firelight on Arrow Head Hill, its reflection in Sunset Lake forming the perfect namesake.

Through the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s, cabins rose, lodges expanded, and the camp was filled with summer energy. Then, in 1974, the Scouts closed their summer camp, and a new idea began to stir. Local attorney and trustee Hiram Anderson approached UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Lee Sherman Dreyfus with a vision: turn this beloved camp into a living, breathing classroom for environmental education.

Photograph of Ron Zimmerman, first Assistant Director of the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, and Rick Wilke, first Director, shown with a map displaying the original layout of the station.
Ron Zimmerman (left), the first Assistant Director, and Rick Wilke (right), the first Director of the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, pictured with a map illustrating the station’s original layout.

By 1975, the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES) was born. The first school programs rolled out within months, and that summer, a new tradition began, one that would forever link CWES with UWSP’s College of Natural Resources. The University’s Environmental Education and Interpretation program’s teaching practicum found its home here, giving undergraduates a chance to swap lecture halls for lakeshores, and theory for real teaching. At CWES, future environmental educators lead school field trips, guide nature hikes, design lessons, and gain the kind of confidence no textbook can offer. For many, it’s the moment their career paths click.

In the years that followed, CWES has continued to evolve. It began renting farmland in the Town of New Hope to grow fresh produce and raise chickens for its food service program. The next year, CWES secured a major three-year Margaret A. Cargill Foundation grant, allowing up to 200 central Wisconsin youth each year to participate in camp-themed after-school programs during the school year, and return for a week of summer camp with partial scholarships.

A significant milestone came in 2013 when the Tomorrow River Community Charter School (TRCCS) opened on-site, becoming Wisconsin’s first Waldorf-inspired public charter school. The campus quickly adapted to its new role, renovating former scout cabins into classrooms and transforming the old maintenance building into the Sunrise Classroom. That same year, a new stone-based entrance sign was installed, crafted by UWSP Schmeeckle Reserve sign makers.

Accreditation from the American Camp Association was secured, alongside new water bottle filling stations in Sunset and Walker Lodges to reduce plastic waste. CWES completed construction of the Byron and Margaret Shaw Cabin and a new bathhouse, and added a gaga ball pit for campers.

Practicum student leading a group of students on a guided hike at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station.
A practicum student leads students on a guided hike at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station as part of an outdoor learning experience.

Innovation hasn’t slowed down. Mid-State Technical College students, working with TRCCS students, installed solar panels funded by a Constellation Energy to Educate grant. That same year saw the addition of a hoop house for extended growing seasons and the launch of a Nike Running Camp led by Wisconsin native and American record-holder Chris Solinsky. The “Lead the Pack” orientation program for incoming UWSP students debuted, helping new Pointers build friendships and leadership skills in the great outdoors.

Over the decades, CWES has grown into a year-round hub: Sunset Lodge was winterized, Walker Lodge added, and Anderson Lodge built. Natural Resource Career Camps, Elderhostels, family camps, and international programs flourished. From its earliest roots as a Scout camp to its present-day role as a cornerstone of UWSP’s EEI program, CWES has shaped lives.

Today, when a practicum student stands on the Firebowl’s stone steps, looking out over Sunset Lake before leading a group of fifth graders into the woods, they are part of a long tradition of learning, adventure, and stewardship. The glaciers may have carved Sunset Lake, but its people have carved CWES into what it is now: a place where past and future meet on the shoreline.

Have a story about our Central Wisconsin Environmental Station? Share it here.

Explore a little more CWES history here.

UW-Stevens Point Soil Judging Team Places Fourth at Region III Contest, Advances to Nationals

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The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point soil judging team earned a strong fourth-place finish out of nine universities at the Region III Collegiate Soil Judging Contest, held October 20–23 in Bad Axe, Michigan. The event was hosted by Michigan State University. With this result, UW–Stevens Point qualified to compete at the National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest in March at North Carolina State University.

Group photo of the UW–Stevens Point Soil Judging Team standing together outdoors at a soil pit during the Region III competition in Bad Axe, Michigan. Team members are smiling, wearing casual field gear.
The UW–Stevens Point Soil Judging Team shows off their teamwork and skills at the Region III Collegiate Soil Judging Contest in Bad Axe, Michigan.

The regional competition brought together teams from Purdue University, UW–Platteville, Michigan State University, the University of Illinois, Ohio State University, Grand Valley State University, UW–Madison and Southern Illinois University.

In individual results, Elliot Nimmer tied for seventh place, Will Watry placed eighth, Mary Chesnut finished 12th, Nora Hunt 17th, Erin Tschida 19th, Ronny Ruedinger 30th, Jacob Kuhnke 33rd and Nick Eidenschink 54th out of 62 competitors.

The UW–Stevens Point team included Nick Eidenschink, Austin Kahl, Hannah Rumney, Jacob Kuhnke, Justin Konopacki, Nora Hunt, Ronny Ruedinger, Elliot Nimmer, Ryan Winter, Erin Tschida, Miley Sickels, Mary Chesnut, Will Watry, Sydney Recker, Sam Watson, Maya Muth, Benjamin Puuri, Gabe Bowman, Abby Leis, Lydia Kunkel, Rachel Boehlke and Gabby Barca.

The team is advised by Bryant Scharenbroch, associate professor of soil and waste resources.

Collegiate soil judging competitions challenge students to apply their scientific knowledge outside the classroom. Over several days, participants evaluate real soil pits in the field, describing and classifying soil horizons, textures, colors and structures. They also interpret how soils influence land use, water movement and ecosystem health.

The experience provides students with valuable, hands-on training that prepares them for careers in environmental consulting, agriculture, land management and natural resource conservation. Students develop teamwork, problem-solving and analytical skills, all while gaining a deeper understanding of how soils form and function across different landscapes.

Life After Point: CNR Alumni News and Updates

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Celebrating the accomplishments and impact of CNR alumni in their careers, communities, and beyond. If you have a highlight to share, email us at cnr@uwsp.edu.

UWSP Alum Eli Halverson stands outdoors, holding a shovel with a large clump of soil on the blade.
Eli Halverson, a UW-Stevens Point CNR Conservation and Community Planning graduate.

Leslie Petrie (B.S. Paper Science and Engineering ’89), Vice President of Global Environment, Health, and Safety at International Paper, has been elected to the TAPPI Board of Directors. Petrie has over 30 years of experience with the company, spanning manufacturing, conversion, and leadership roles. She currently leads its EHS Council and serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Council. In 2018, she received the NAM STEP Ahead Award recognizing women in STEM leadership, and she also serves on the board of the UWSP Paper Science Foundation.

Eli Halverson (B.S. Conservation and Community Planning ’22) is an agricultural field specialist for the Sand County Foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He works with agricultural stakeholders in the Midwest and beyond to conduct research, facilitate conservation, and promote ethical land stewardship.

Eric Michel (B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Management ’09) has been named assistant professor and coordinator of the Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction at Mississippi State University. He also serves as co-director of the MSU Deer Lab, where he advances applied deer research and mentors future wildlife professionals. An MSU Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture alum originally from Wisconsin, Michel specializes in the ecology and management of white-tailed deer. He earned his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Mississippi State University, where he studied deer under the guidance of Drs. Steve Demarais and Bronson Strickland. Michel previously served as a postdoctoral research associate at South Dakota State University and as an ungulate research scientist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. At MSU, he continues to support biologists and land managers while guiding the next generation of wildlife professionals.

UW-Stevens Point alumni Alejandra, Lindsey and Alex are putting the skills they learned at UWSP to work in Dane County’s waste and renewables programs.
UW-Stevens Point alumni Alejandra, Lindsey and Alex are putting the skills they learned at UWSP to work in Dane County’s waste and renewables programs.

Jillian Hesse (B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Management ’24) was recently hired as a full-time animal care specialist at Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah, New Mexico.

Three UW-Stevens Point alumni—Alejandra Viso (B.S. Fisheries and Water Resources – Water Resources ’17), Lindsey Carlson (B.S. Soil and Waste Resources – Waste Management ’18), and Alex Thomas (B.S. Soil and Waste Resources ’12, M.S. Natural Resource ’17) —are making their mark at Dane County Waste and Renewables. Alejandra manages landfill operations, Lindsey operates a renewable natural gas facility, and Alex develops carbon offset projects. Learn more.

Heidi Putnam (B.S. Natural Resource Planning ’20) is an environmental planner at Snyder & Associates in Madison, Wisconsin. She was recently honored with the inaugural Commitment to Partnership Award from UniverCity Alliance for her dedication to community involvement.

Scott Storms (B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Management ’01) serves as a water resources supervisor for the Idaho Department of Natural Resources.

Jon Mayer (B.S. Fisheries and Water Resources ’21) is a public health sanitarian for Public Health Madison and Dane County. He works to ensure the safety and compliance of private wells and on-site wastewater treatment systems, conducting inspections, verifying soil tests, and guiding residents and contractors on state and county regulations.

In Memoriam

Honoring the lives and legacies of CNR alumni and supporters who have passed.

Ann Agnew, a longtime Tomahawk resident and dedicated supporter of Treehaven, passed away after decades of community involvement and environmental stewardship. Agnew moved to the Northwoods in 1978 with her husband, Bob, where they built both a home and the Tomahawk Ace Hardware Store, which they operated until 1993. Her connection to Treehaven began in 1982 at its grand opening, and in 1995, she became a founding member of the Friends of Treehaven, later serving on the Treehaven Board of Advisors. Agnew played a key role in establishing the Treehaven Endowment, which continues to fund student research, renewable energy projects, gardens, and scholarships. She also established the Agnew Leadership Scholarship in 2004. She later created the Ann Agnew Environmental Leadership Program at Tomahawk High School, which enables students to develop leadership skills and educate their community about natural resources. Through her vision and generosity, Agnew left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit UW-Stevens Point students, local youth, and the Tomahawk community.

Daniel F. Connolly, of Green Bay, passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. A UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources alum, Dan pursued a degree in Natural Resource Management and Soil and Water Conservation, reflecting his lifelong passion for the outdoors and conservation. An Eagle Scout and lifelong advocate for youth development, he most recently served as Executive Director of the Voyageur District of the Boy Scouts of America Bay-Lakes Council, a role he considered a dream job. Known for his warmth, inclusivity, and boundless energy, Dan inspired those around him to engage with nature and their communities. From his first camping trip at five months old to his many adventures in Wisconsin’s woods and lakes, Dan’s love of the outdoors was central to his life and his legacy.

Adam Zirbel, of Plymouth, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2025. A UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources alum (B.S., Forest Management, 2001), Adam dedicated 24 years to forestry and wildland firefighting, most recently serving as Forester-Senior of the Kettle Moraine State Forest–Northern Unit. Born in Madison, he was known for his humor, love of the outdoors, and devotion to his family, including his wife Beth and their three children, Lincoln, Lennex, and Stormy. Adam’s passion for natural resources and his commitment to protecting Wisconsin’s forests left a lasting impact on the communities and landscapes he served.

Nominate an Outstanding UW-Stevens Point CNR Alum

Every year, we shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding alumni. These are individuals who go above and beyond in their careers, inspire others, lead with purpose, give back generously, or break new ground in their field.

This year, we are reaching out to all of you to help us celebrate these remarkable people. Think of a CNR alum who has made a difference, whether as a quiet changemaker, a bold innovator, or anything in between, and share their story with us by submitting a nomination.

Nominations are due the second Friday in November by midnight. Award recipients will be contacted in February, and honorees will be recognized at the CNR Celebration Evening on the third Friday in April at SentryWorld.

Join us in honoring the alumni who continue to make a lasting impact.

Submit your nomination today.

Heather Berklund, the 2026 CNR Outstanding Alum Award Recipient.

Have a general alumni update to share? We would love to hear from you! Email us at cnr@uwsp.edu.

From Campus to Career: How Three UW-Stevens Point Alumni Found Their Path in Waste and Renewables

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When you are in high school, it can feel like everyone else has their future figured out. The truth? Most students explore, change direction, and discover new passions along the way.

Just ask Alejandra, Lindsey, and Alex, three University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point alumni who now work for Dane County Waste and Renewables. Their stories show that you don’t need a perfect plan. What matters is being curious, saying yes to opportunities, and finding a career that makes an impact.

Alejandra, a UWSP alum, works as a solid waste engineer.
Alejandra, a solid waste engineer for Dane County, oversees landfill operations and connects with the community through sustainability outreach.

Alejandra: Turning Curiosity into Community Impact

Alejandra always cared about the environment but wasn’t sure how to make it her career. She started college studying biology and chemistry, but a report predicting clean drinking water could become one of the scarcest resources by 2050 changed everything.

“That really stuck with me,” she said. “The more I learned about water management—treatment, protection, and the way it impacts communities, the more I knew this was the field for me.”

At UW-Stevens Point, she found the best of both worlds: a strong biology program and one of the nation’s top natural resources programs. After graduation, she managed wastewater projects for a beverage company but longed for something with more environmental impact.

When a position opened at Dane County Waste and Renewables, she took the leap.

Now a solid waste engineer, Alejandra manages landfill operations and projects like the county’s new Sustainability Campus. She also gets to connect with community members through outreach.

“My friends are probably tired of me talking about trash,” she said. “But it affects everyone, every day. I love knowing the work I do helps people rethink their own choices and creates a broader impact.”

Lindsey, a UWSP alum, works as a biogas specialist.
Lindsey, a biogas specialist at Dane County Waste and Renewables, helps operate a renewable natural gas facility that converts landfill gas into vehicle fuel.

Lindsey: From the Field to the Biogas Plant

Lindsey’s path began at UW-Madison, where an environmental science course made her realize just how much human choices shape the planet. Wanting more hands-on experience, she joined WisCorps, spending a semester restoring Wisconsin parks.

“Being outside, directly stewarding our natural resources, it was so powerful,” she said. “That’s when I knew I needed a degree with real-world applications.”

She transferred to UW-Stevens Point, joined the Waste Management Society and attended conferences that led to her first internship. Alongside her service in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, those experiences gave her technical skills and resilience.

Today she’s a biogas specialist at Dane County Waste and Renewables. She helps operate a renewable natural gas facility that turns landfill gas into vehicle fuel. Her job ranges from analyzing data to managing contracts and tracking millions of dollars in equipment.

“Waste management may not sound glamorous, but it’s never going away,” Lindsey said. “It’s essential work, and it’s incredibly fulfilling. Everything we do contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future.”

Alex works as a carbon offset manager.
As carbon offset manager at Dane County Waste and Renewables, Alex splits his time between fieldwork at the landfill and managing projects that turn carbon dioxide into usable products.

Alex: Bringing Numbers to Life in Sustainability

For Alex, waste management stood out because of its universal relevance.

“It’s something everyone is involved with, but not many people want to work in,” he said. “That challenge, and the potential to make an impact, sparked my interest.”

Through UW-Stevens Point, Alex gained hands-on experience in clubs, fieldwork and internships. After finishing graduate school, he joined Dane County Waste and Renewables as a carbon offset manager.

He now tracks the department’s carbon footprint and supports projects like adding carbon separation equipment to the gas plant. The goal: turning carbon dioxide into a usable product instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.

“No two days look the same,” he said. “Some days I’m out at the landfill, other days I’m working through contracts or reviewing data. What excites me most is that the work we do today creates solutions for tomorrow.”

Finding Your Own Path

Alejandra, Lindsey, and Alex all took different routes, but they agree on one thing: UW-Stevens Point gave them the tools to succeed by combining strong academics with real-world experience.

Whether through internships, student organizations, or fieldwork, they left campus with the skills and confidence to pursue careers that matter.

Their advice to high school students? Stay curious, get involved, and don’t worry if your path takes a few turns.

“The important part,” Alejandra said, “is finding work that excites you and contributes to something bigger.”

And one last tip, they agreed: visit a landfill.

“It changes the way you see waste,” Lindsey said. “And it changes the way you see the impact you can make.”

Life After Point: CNR Alumni News and Updates

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Celebrating the accomplishments and impact of CNR alumni in their careers, communities, and beyond. If you have a highlight to share, email us at cnr@uwsp.edu.

Jacob stands outdoors in front of a controlled burn.
Jacob Tepsa, UWSP alumnus, is supporting fire operations in Idaho while advancing UAS work and research at the University of Montana FireCenter.

Jacob Tepsa (B.S. Wildlife Ecology ’24) is currently wrapping up a fire assignment in Idaho, where he’s been supporting dispatch operations. He recently confirmed his master’s committee and will be conducting a qualitative analysis of Montana landowners’ land management needs to support the state’s new prescribed burn manager program, all while continuing his full-time role at the University of Montana’s FireCenter. Jacob also received a promotion and is now coordinating many of the FireCenter’s UAS operations. He’s been focused on expanding hands-on prescribed fire opportunities for students, setting up a newly acquired aerial ignition UAS platform, and developing tools for private landowners. His work continues to build vital partnerships and enhance workforce development in the fire management field. Learn more about his role at the University of Montana.

Riley Hubanks, a May 2025 Natural Resource Planning graduate from UW-Stevens Point, has joined the North Central Conservancy Trust team as Outreach and Development Coordinator. Originally from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Riley is passionate about conservation and excited to educate the public while gaining hands-on experience in land conservation. Learn More about her role and NCCT.

Patrick Arndt (M.S. Natural Resources ’95) was awarded the 2025 Gibbs Award from the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers for his outstanding life-long work with Science Education in Wisconsin. Learn more about Patrick and why he was honored for this award.

UW-Stevens Point alumnus Joel Gebhard, now a soil scientist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, played a key role in organizing this year’s National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest, hosted by UWSP. Quoted in this feature article covering the event, Joel shared insights into soil techniques that enhance farming practices.

Governor Tony Evers appointed UW-Stevens Point alumnus Jeff Hastings to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. Hastings, a leader in conservation and a longtime project manager with Trout Unlimited’s Driftless Area Restoration Effort, brings decades of experience to the role. He holds degrees in wildlife management and biology from UWSP. Learn more.

In Memoriam

Honoring the lives and legacies of CNR alumni who have passed.

On June 2, 2025, the Grassroots Wildlife Firefighters remembered Tim Hart, a UW-Stevens Point alumnus who served as a smokejumper, hotshot, and wildland firefighter. Tim lost his life four years ago from injuries sustained while responding to the Eicks Fire in New Mexico. Tim served over 16 years in wildland fire, including roles on several hotshot crews and as a squad leader with the West Yellowstone Smokejumpers. Known for his unwavering dedication, infectious spirit, and love for service, Tim was posthumously honored on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Roll of Honor in 2022. His legacy lives on through the advocacy of his wife, Michelle, whose tireless efforts continue to elevate the voices and well-being of wildland firefighters nationwide.

James Louis Arndt (B.S. Soil Science ’80), age 73, passed away on May 2, 2025, in Bloomington, MN. A key collaborator in foundational hydrology research on depressional wetlands, his work is closely tied to the legacy of Dr. Curtis Richardson. Jim earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science and dedicated his career to advancing wetland science.

Kevin Daw, a UW-Stevens Point alumnus and lifelong steward of the land, passed away on June 15, 2025, in Duluth, MN. A dedicated Natural Resource Soil Conservationist with the USDA, Kevin spent his career helping farmers and landowners across Minnesota protect soil, wildlife, and waterways. His love for the outdoors and Lake Superior shaped both his life and legacy.

Have an alumni update to share? We would love to hear from you! Email us at cnr@uwsp.edu.

UW-Stevens Point Students Tackle Real-World City Planning in Capstone Project

Posted on by sallenba
UWSP student speaking with two community members during a public input session for a capstone planning project.
UWSP student engages with local residents during a Spring 2025 capstone event focused on reimagining the Sisters of Saint Joseph Convent site.

A group of students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, majoring in Conservation and Community Planning, spent their final semester preparing for their careers and playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of a real Wisconsin city.

As part of their senior capstone course, taught by faculty member Austin Holland, these Conservation and Community Planning majors teamed up with the City of Stevens Point to assess and propose innovative improvements in areas such as recreation, housing, and public space development. This hands-on course was designed to replicate the dynamics of a professional planning firm, allowing students to collaborate on meaningful, real-world projects that would have a lasting impact on the community. Each year, students work with a different municipality; past partnerships have included Plover, Pittsville, and Amherst.

Conservation and Community Planning is a multidisciplinary field combining environmental stewardship with urban and rural development strategies. Students in this major are trained to address complex challenges at the intersection of natural resources, community needs, and sustainable growth. By working on projects like this, they gain practical experience in creating solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

The semester-long initiative revolved around four key questions from city leaders: How do college-aged students view housing and recreational spaces? What can diversify recreation in Stevens Point? How can the city offer more diverse housing options? And how might a new community space complement nearby development?

UWSP student speaking with four community members during a public input session for a capstone planning project.
UWSP student engages with local residents during a Spring 2025 capstone event focused on reimagining the Sisters of Saint Joseph Convent site.

“We were essentially treated like professional consultants,” said senior Riley Hubanks. “The city gave us a starting point, but from there, it was up to us to conduct research, analyze data, and meet with community members. That freedom made the work feel meaningful.”

The course featured three significant projects: an initial impressions study of the city, followed by the development of three separate plans—an open space concept, a niche housing proposal, and a flexible third project addressing broader community integration. Students were divided into teams responsible for planning, analysis, stakeholder input, and final presentations.

Ella Stadel, a member of the outdoor recreation team, helped design a plan around 20 acres of wetlands intended to complement a proposed assisted living community. “My favorite part has been how well our group worked together,” she said. “We came to class each day with professionalism, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. These efforts came through in our public presentation when stakeholders told us they were impressed with our ideas.”

Audrey Webster, who focused on public engagement, said the project taught her how to communicate complex ideas across a broad audience. “Explaining concepts in ways the general public could understand was incredibly valuable,” she said. “It’s something I’ll take into my professional life.”

Holland said that the course’s hands-on approach was intentional. He treated the students like junior professionals rather than relying on traditional coursework deadlines. “I act as the ‘manager’, so I identify the client about a year in advance and work with them to create the loose structure of the project, but the students were responsible for managing the entire project cycle, from site visits to the final community presentation,” he said. “This also means that students have the final say in planning decisions, because they are the ones who have to justify their work to the public.”

Student Anna Menominee reflected on how much the course integrated everything she had learned over the past four years. “We created a master plan based on real input, not just what we thought would work,” she said. “And if I could go back, I’d just remind myself to enjoy the process, it all comes together in the end.”

Students presented their findings directly to community members, culminating in a final input session on April 24.

Five UWSP students from the Spring 2025 capstone planning course standing together after their first public input session on the Sisters of Saint Joseph Convent site project.
UWSP capstone team gathers after their first public engagement session for the Spring 2025 planning project in partnership with the City of Stevens Point.

City officials praised the students’ professionalism and the quality of their work. “Working with Professor Holland and the planning capstone students was truly invaluable – we presented the students with a few elements and an open canvas with complex environmental considerations, both natural and social,” Chris Klesmith, the neighborhood planner and economic development specialist for the City of Stevens Point, said. “The students were very professional, which is a testament to both their individual character and the strength of the University. We intend to discuss this plan set with the community partners that the students and our department have identified to implement collaborative projects the students researched. Additionally, the students’ research and recommendations for residential development will be referenced before releasing the land for development.”

The experience proved more than academic—it gave students the kind of experience they say they can already reference in job interviews.

“I’ve already used this capstone to talk about real planning challenges in interviews,” said Hubanks, who will join the North Central Conservancy Trust full-time after graduating this May. “We learned how to navigate uncertainty, work as a team, and stay accountable for our work, just like we will in our careers.”

The partnership offered fresh ideas and valuable community feedback for the City of Stevens Point. It was a capstone in name and a launching point in practice for the students. You can view their final report here.