Water@UW Issue #280
February 19, 2026

Tap-In: Water@UW-Madison News


Helping Ice Anglers Stay Safe Amid Changing Winter Conditions
A new Wisconsin Sea Grant–funded project is exploring how ice anglers across the western Great Lakes are adapting to increasingly unpredictable winter ice. Led by Dr. Nan Li and Dr. Bret Shaw from UW–Madison’s Department of Life Sciences Communication, the research focuses on improving public safety as warming winters make ice conditions less reliable.

The team interviewed 15 stakeholders - including anglers, guides, and safety officials - and surveyed more than 350 ice anglers in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. Their findings shed light on how anglers assess risk, make decisions on the ice, and access safety information.

Using this insight, the team created a series of practical outreach tools—such as magazine ads, safety kits, and targeted messaging—under the campaign “Know Your Ice, Know Your Odds.”

Project materials are being shared directly with anglers at events like the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo and through local partners. The research has also been featured at national conferences, including IAGLR and the Society for Risk Analysis. By combining social science research with hands‑on outreach, the project aims to reduce ice‑related accidents while supporting the long-standing tradition of Great Lakes ice fishing.

Upcoming Events
TUESDAY 2/24
CPEP seminar: Drivers of Change: Advancing Process-based Models of Flood Hazard & Risk
Join us for this weeks CPEP seminar given by Antonia Sebastian, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 12:30-1:30PM; RM 811 Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences. Livestream
2026 Wetland Science Conference: Day 1
The annual Wetland Science Conference is a program of Wisconsin Wetlands Association.
WEDNESDAY 2/25
Limnology Seminar: Jackie Lemaire and Sophia Skoglund
Join us for this weeks Limnology Seminar. The first seminar will be given by Jackie Lemaire, from UW-Madison Microbiology on Exploring the Impacts of Zebra Mussels on the Microbial Communities in a Eutrophic Lake. The second seminar will be Sophia Skoglund from the UW-Madison CFL on Capturing Lake Mendota Seasonal Phenology with an Airborne Hyperspectral Field Campaign. 12:05-12:55pm; Water Science Engineering Lab and Online. Zoom Link
Integrating Hydrology and Geophysics Webinar: Innovative Methods and Tools to do Hydrology-Geophysics research
This webinar series, jointly hosted by the EarthScope-operated NSF National Geophysical Facility and CUAHSI aims to highlight the work being done at the intersection of hydrology and geophysics and foster collaboration between geophysicists and hydrologists to broaden critical zone scientific communities. Tune in to learn about interesting research, cutting edge techniques, and opportunities in this interdisciplinary field! 1:00 - 2:00pm; Online. Register Here
2026 Wetland Science Conference: Day 2
The annual Wetland Science Conference is a program of Wisconsin Wetlands Association
THURSDAY 2/26
2026 Wetland Science Conference: Day 3
The annual Wetland Science Conference is a program of Wisconsin Wetlands Association

Opportunities
Highlighted deadlines occur prior to our next newsletter.
★ next to opportunities are new this week!
Click on blue text for more information.
JOBS
Check the Wisconsin Wetlands Job Board and WiscJobs for more opportunities.
Geologist 1 - Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
WGNHS seeks to hire a full time, Geologist 1 position. We are seeking a candidate to assist with fieldwork, data collection, and some geochemistry work on several geologic and hydrologic projects. For more information and application instructions, please visit: Geologist 1. If you have questions about the position, please feel free to reach out to Carsyn Ames (carsyn.ames@wisc.edu). Application due Feb. 22.
Assistant Professor in Water Resources Engineering - University of Maryland, College Park
This is a full-time tenure-track position in water resources engineering at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). The successful candidate in this position can integrate the physical and practical fundamentals of water resources engineering with emerging artificial intelligence and sensing technologies. Application due Mar. 1.
Invasive Plant Research Technicians - U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center (Ann Arbor, MI) is seeking up to three research technicians for full-time (40 hours/week), 6-month (with possibility of extension) positions to support research on invasive wetland plants. These positions are excellent opportunities for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in ecological research prior to graduate school or at the beginning of a related career. Applicants MUST be either currently enrolled in, or successful graduates of an BS/MS degree program within 12 months of beginning contract to meet eligibility requirements. Application due Mar. 1.
INTERNSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS/RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
UW-Madison Center for Limnology - Summer Undergraduate Interns
The UW-Madison Center for Limnology is hiring summer undergraduate interns at Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction, WI, and in Madison! Full-time positions are available in ecology, limnology, chemistry, wild rice, fishes, communication, and outreach. Part-time positions are available in research operations support and chemistry. For priority consideration, apply by Feb. 27, 2026.
Flood Mitigation Program Management Intern - Stormwater Management Commission
The intern will primarily work in the office, with limited field visits under the guidance of SMC staff and will support multiple phases of flood mitigation program implementation. Responsibilities include assisting with coordination and communication among SMC staff, homeowners, municipal partners, and other governmental entities; supporting project documentation, administrative records, and cost tracking; and assisting with property transfer activities related to voluntary floodplain buyout projects. Application deadline is Feb. 27.
Check the Freshwater Collaborative's Research Positions and Internships page for more opportunities.
FUNDING
Check the Sustainability Research Hub's curated list of funding opportunities related to environmental sustainability.
Water Quality Research Foundation: Treatment Efficacy of Point-of-Entry Devices
The Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) seeks proposals from qualified individuals to analyze a water quality dataset collected from a small community whose drinking water source is primarily affected by agricultural runoff. Historically, the community relied on chlorine tablets as the sole form of treatment, despite high turbidity and other contamination concerns. Recently, POE treatment systems were installed to address water quality issues more comprehensively.  Proposal is due February 27.
Great Lakes Protection Fund: 2026 Request for Preproposals 
The Great Lakes Protection Fund is excited to announce our 2026 Request for Preproposals (RFP): A Call for People, Ideas, and Projects! We’re looking for projects that will launch new building blocks for the future of our region’s water use, improving our waters, communities, and economies. The Fund is seeking to invest $4M in new project activity in 2026. Preproposals are due March 18, 2026
National Ground-Water Monitoring Network Funding Opportunity
The program announcement for the 2026 National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) funding opportunity (G26AS00002) is now open. Info session recording are available on NGWMN website. Apply by March 26, 2026
CONFERENCES
Wisconsin Idea Conference
March 2. Madison WI. The Wisconsin Idea Conference seeks to bring together community-minded people from across the Madison area to discuss creative, mutually beneficial approaches to community-university partnership. The conference reaffirms the importance of collaborating across organizations to make a positive impact in our shared neighborhoods on issues that matter to residents. Register Today
The 16th St. Louis River Summit
March 3-5. Superior, WI. The Summit is a multi-day opportunity to learn and share about the St. Louis River. Like an estuary, the St. Louis River Summit is a place where people meet and mix. It provides a diversity of solutions and strategies for a healthy St. Louis River watershed and nourishes the community with education and outreach opportunities. Since 2010, the St. Louis River Summit has brought together key audiences working in the region. Register by Feb. 23.
Midwest SETAC 33rd Annual Meeting
March 9-10. Beloit, WI. The Midwest Chapter of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry is the perfect opportunity to connect with others in the regional chapter and continue growing the SETAC community at the grassroots level. More details will be shared shortly, so get ready to participate and mark your calendars. Register Today.
2026 Annual Meeting of the American Water Resources Association-Wisconsin Chapter
April 9-10. Brookfield, WI. This year's theme is celebrating a milestone- AWRA-WI at 50: Honoring Our Past, Shaping our Future. The annual meeting is designed to create a student-friendly atmosphere, with undergraduate and graduate students strongly encouraged to present (poster or oral) and discuss Wisconsin-related research in all aspects of water science and policy. Each student presenter is provided with constructive comments, and $200 awards will be offered to four different student presenters. Other planned activities include a new member coffee hour with prize drawings and a student career panel luncheon. Registration will be available in Feb. 2026.
2026 Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention
April 15-17. Stevens Point, WI. The 2026 Lakes and Rivers Convention is accepting presentation proposals for its annual conference. This is a student-friendly event! Students are encouraged to present a poster or lightning talk. The event will take place April 15-17 in Stevens Point. Registration for the 2026 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention is now open! Details for submissions are here. 
Extension EarthFest Showcase
April 20. Madison, WI. Please join us for a reception in celebration of Earth Fest highlighting Extension’s natural resources research, outreach, and education and how our shared efforts with communities are strengthening the well‑being of the people and places rooted in Wisconsin’s natural resources. 3:30-5:30pm Pyle Center. Registration opens March 2026.
Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference
April 28-29. Champaign, IL and Online. The conference will feature traditional 15-minute presentations and a poster session on the latest in emerging contaminant research, policies, and outreach in the soil, water, and air. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and networking with those interested in all aspects of emerging contaminants in the environment. Registration opens March 2026.
2026 Green Bay Conservation Partners Spring Roundtable
April 29. Green Bay, WI. Please join us for an exciting event to share information and foster collaboration among conservation practitioners, researchers and stakeholders working in the bay of Green Bay, Lower Fox River watershed, Green Bay’s west shore and Door Peninsula. The morning includes an opportunity for networking, regional and legislative updates, lightning talks, and student posters. Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear from partners involved in exciting restoration, monitoring, and other conservation projects around the region.
Deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, Feb. 25. Registration details soon.
46th North American Lake Management Society International Symposium
November 3–6. Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Water resources in this semi-arid setting are under increasing pressure, compounded by watershed-scale disturbances and a warming climate. Warmer and drier conditions during the growing season often lead to agricultural, urban, and environmental water demands surpassing the available water resources.
To discuss these and other important management issues, NALMS is pleased to return to Canada for NALMS 2026! The program will feature workshops, field trips, presentations, networking events, and vendor displays. Registration Open.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Rock River Coalition Board: Call for Board Members
Have you ever considered joining the Rock River Coalition Board? It's an opportunity to help shape the future of the Rock River Coalition and support our programs. Available terms are typically 3 years. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month (3rd Wednesday in November and December) at 5:15 p.m. and will either be virtual or at the UW-Extension building in Jefferson. For more information, please email info@rockrivercoalition.org
Center for Great Lakes Literacy: Shipboard Science Immersion
This summer, fifteen educators from throughout the Great Lakes basin will take part in the Center for Great Lakes Literacy's Shipboard Science Immersion. In this weeklong program, participants experience being Great Lakes scientists aboard a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency research vessel. The educators work alongside scientists on the ship, collecting and processing samples. They also spend time exploring Great Lakes curricula and other educator resources. Afterwards, they are tasked with taking this new knowledge and experience back to their educational settings and incorporating Great Lakes science into their instruction. This event is facilitated by the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network in partnership with the EPA and NOAA and is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Apply by Feb. 28.
SEMINARS OF INTEREST
Fish Tales Lecture Series
Educational program of Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve in Sturgeon Bay, WI that presents the science of Great Lakes fisheries to Door County and beyond. All presentations will be held in-person at 7PM (CST). Zoom and Facebook Live links will be available and offered in partnership with the Door County Library. To participate online, visit the Door County Library calendar.
Third Coast Water Seminar Series.
Current’s Third Coast Water Seminar Series is back! Relaunching in Fall 2025, the series returns with a sharpened focus on the research, technologies, and policies advancing a circular water economy both in the Great Lakes region, the broader U.S., and globally. First Wednesday of each month.
Center for Limnology (CFL) Seminar
Every Wednesday 12:05 - 12:55 in WSEL 2nd floor West and Zoom
Climate, People, and the Environment Program (CPEP) Seminar
Every Tuesday from 1-2 pm in AOSS room 823 or livestreamed
Clean Lakes 101
Educational talk series open to the public. Approximately monthly at the East Side Club, 3:30-5pm.
EPA Water Research Webinar Series
Click here to receive notifications for upcoming webinars.
ONE NOAA Seminar Series
To subscribe/unsubscribe: Send an email with the word 'subscribe' or 'unsubscribe' in the subject or body to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov
Wetland Coffee Break
Bring your coffee and learn about wetlands! Sessions are held on Zoom and feature time for audience Q&A. Dates vary.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Sign up to volunteer with River Alliance.
Help out with office work, events, fieldwork, or a group volunteering event. 
Sign up to volunteer with Clean Lakes Alliance.
We are happy to place volunteers on projects that support our lakes! Opportunities include skilled office and administration assistance, special events, and watershed projects like shoreline restoration or beach clean ups.
OTHER WATER NETWORKS
Coastal Hazards of Superior (CHAOS) Community of Practice
Subscribe here.
Collaborative Action for Lake Michigan (CALM) Coastal Resilience Network
Subscribe here.
Wisconsin Sea Grant and Water Resources Institute listserv
The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant and Water Resources Institutes routinely share information about state and federal research and fellowship funding opportunities. To subscribe to Sea Grant and the Water Resources Institutes’ RFP listserv, send an email to jennifer.hauxwell@aqua.wisc.edu.
Wisconsin Sea Grant Education Listserv
Wisconsin Sea Grant invites you to join our listserv to receive announcements for professional learning opportunities and resources for teaching Great Lakes literacy to educators, students, youth and families. Send an email to akmoser@aqua.wisc.edu to be added to our list.
Aquatic Sciences Center Chronicle
Center for Limnology Newsletter
Send an email to limnology@mailplus.wisc.edu with subject line: Add to newsletter email list.
Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research
Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI)
Subscribe here.
Extension Natural Resources Institute Newsletter
Freshwater Collaborative Water Policy Network
Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin Newsletter
Great Lakes Commission Email Groups
GLIN-Announce; GLIN-Jobs; Great Lakes Daily News; Great Lakes Commission News
Green Bay Conservation
Email gbconservationpartners@gmail.com to join.
Lake Superior Collaborative Newsletter
Subscribe here.
North Central Region Water Network and Newsletter
The North Central Region Water Network is a 12-state extension-led collaboration working to ensure safe and sufficient water supplies across the North Central Region and beyond.
Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education
Water@UW-Madison is a resource for communication, collaboration, and information on water related research, events, and outreach in the UW water community and beyond. 
Learn more at our website: water.wisc.edu
Want to share a water-related shout-out, opportunity, or event?
Send an email with the name, date, time, location, and webpage of the event to water@mailplus.wisc.edu.
Water@UW-Madison
 
 
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON
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water.wisc.edu
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