Tap-In: Water@UW-Madison News

On Saturday, February 7, this free, family-friendly event will bring the community together on frozen Lake Mendota in front of The Edgewater to enjoy the best of the season. The day will be packed with activities for people of all ages! Festival attendees can see figure skating, dance, and science demonstrations. Festival goers can also enjoy free hot chocolate and more! 10am-3pm; The Edgewood

RISE-EARTH Faculty Search Special Seminar: From food webs to food systems: how diversity and structure govern stability in a changing world

Join the RISE-EARTH Aquatic Ecology Faculty Search Special Seminars given by Marie Gutgesell, Postdoctoral Researcher from Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung. 12:00-1:00pm; 132 Noland Hall, 250 N. Mills St & Zoom

Join the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies for a special screening of eight films from the 2025 Wild & Scenic Film Festival. A “film festival by activists for activists,” Wild & Scenic showcases stories that inspire environmental action and celebrate the beauty of our planet. Originally a five-day event in California, the festival travels the country. Last spring, the tour partnered with the River Alliance of Wisconsin for a stop at Madison’s Barrymore Theatre — and now it’s coming back! 6:30-8:30pm; Marquee Cinema, Union South. Get (free!) tickets Here

RISE-EARTH Faculty Search Special Seminar: Toward resilient freshwater and food systems: integrating research, teaching and community

Join the RISE-EARTH Aquatic Ecology Faculty Search Special Seminars given by Marie Gutgesell, Postdoctoral Researcher from Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung. 11:00am-12:00pm; 102 Water Science and Engineering Lab, 660 N. Park St & Zoom

RISE-EARTH Faculty Search Special Seminar: Understanding freshwater ecosystems, fisheries, and people in a changing world

Join the RISE-EARTH Aquatic Ecology Faculty Search Special Seminars given by Holly Embke, Research Fish Biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. 12:00-1:00pm; 132 Noland Hall, 250 N. Mills St & Zoom

Integrating Hydrology and Geophysics Webinar: Challenges and Opportunities in Data Sharing & Critical Zone Science

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

Forest & Wildlife Ecology Seminar: Forest in the future climate: Will the Midwest's forests fulfill their role?

Join us for this weeks Forest & Wildlife Ecology Seminar given by Artur Stefanski, Assistant Professor of Forestry within the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. 1:30 – 2:30pm; 216 Russell Labs 

RISE-EARTH Faculty Search Special Seminar: Co-producing resilient freshwater futures in complex socio-ecological systems

Join the RISE-EARTH Aquatic Ecology Faculty Search Special Seminars given by Holly Embke, Research Fish Biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. 11:00am-12:00pm;102 Water Science and Engineering Lab, 660 N. Park St & Zoom

★ 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.

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.

★ 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.

Primary responsibilities will include processing and managing enterprise geospatial data; gathering requirements from DNR staff; configuring applications using ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Portal; and spatial analyses to support on-going permitting, climate and other agency projects. Application deadline is Feb. 6.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Drinking Water and Groundwater Program (DG) is hiring several student interns under the State of Wisconsin Student Development Internship Program (SWSDIP)! The DNR's Drinking Water and Groundwater Program manages activities that affect the safety, quality and availability of drinking water to protect public health and our water resources.Our paid interns may be assigned to assist in inspecting small public drinking water systems, reviewing public water system engineering plans, analyzing and interpreting groundwater data, and more; they contribute to real projects while gaining the technical experience needed to understand how the program operates. Opportunities are available in multiple counties. Students should visit the WiscJobs SWSDIP page to apply. Application deadline is Feb. 6.

The intern will assist with the Groundwater Retrieval Network database and work closely with experienced hydrogeologists to explore potential solutions for well owners experiencing water-quality challenges. This internship is a hands-on experience that gives students a meaningful look into real-world groundwater management and provides an excellent introduction to the nature of work in a state agency, making a strong opportunity for career development. Application deadline is Feb. 6.

CIGLR administers an annual Great Lakes Summer Fellows Program, in partnership with the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL). We place promising undergraduate (junior or senior as of Fall 2025) and graduate students with both academic and federal research mentors. Through this program, students work on substantive research issues in the Great Lakes and undergo a career training program that equips them with the knowledge and skills to be the next generation of Great Lakes scientists. Application deadline is Feb. 8.

Calling undergrads! Would you like to help solve water-related challenges? Join the Freshwater@UW summer research opportunities program for an incredible mentored research experience and professional development. Work in Wisconsin alongside global experts in biology, history, chemistry, ecology, economics, engineering, and more. Includes summer stipend, housing and travel.  Applications due Feb. 15.

Check the Sustainability Research Hub's curated list of funding opportunities related to environmental sustainability.

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

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Midwest Coastal Program is seeking project ideas to support coastal habitat restoration, enhancement, and protection in the Western Lake Superior Focus Area. The program is partnership driven and prioritizes projects that provide measurable benefits to fish and wildlife, including acres or miles of habitat restored, enhanced, or protected. Project ideas are being gathered through February 20, with additional proposals considered on a rolling basis. Projects selected during this cycle would likely begin in early fall 2026. Typical funding requests range from $50,000 to $150,000, with up to $200,000 considered. Partners are encouraged to reach out to Lacey Hill, Western Lake Superior Coastal Program Biologist, at lacey_hill@fws.gov with project ideas at any stage of development and to share this opportunity with other local organizations.

Feb 22-27. Glasgow, Scotland. The Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) is the flagship conference for the ocean sciences and the larger ocean-connected community. At OSM, attendees from across the globe come together to advance global science, discover the latest research findings, and connect with peers, leading experts, and organizations committed to ocean sustainability.

Feb. 24-26. Baraboo, WI; The annual Wetland Science Conference is a program of Wisconsin Wetlands Association. The conference typically runs for 2-3 days and includes a keynote address, topical oral sessions, a poster session, workshops, working groups, a Wednesday evening networking event, and field trips to area wetlands. Apply by Feb. 19.

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

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.

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. Early Bird Prices ends Feb. 16.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

★ 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. Abstracts due May 22.

Each semester, CALS hosts a Case Competition in partnership with a stakeholder company or organization. Sponsored by the Renk Agribusiness Institute, these experiential learning activities allow for teams of undergraduate students from different majors to work together and provide recommendations on a real-world scenario. The topic for this semester's competition will generally focus on Wisconsin DNR's efforts around engaging with farmers on nutrient management planning, agricultural runoff, and nonpoint source pollution. All UW-Madison undergraduates are eligible. Apply by Feb. 17.

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.

Know of a person, group or organization that helps manage invasive species? Consider nominating them for the 22nd Annual Invasive Species Action Awards! Each year, the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council hosts the awards to recognize Wisconsin citizens and organizations that have gone above and beyond to prevent the spread of, raise awareness for, or control invasive species that pose threats to Wisconsin lands, waters, and wetlands. Nomination info here and due Feb. 15.

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.

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.

Every Wednesday 12:05 - 12:55 in WSEL 2nd floor West and Zoom

Every Tuesday from 1-2 pm in AOSS room 823 or livestreamed

Educational talk series open to the public. Approximately monthly at the East Side Club, 3:30-5pm.

Click here to receive notifications for upcoming webinars.

To subscribe/unsubscribe: Send an email with the word 'subscribe' or 'unsubscribe' in the subject or body to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov

Bring your coffee and learn about wetlands! Sessions are held on Zoom and feature time for audience Q&A. Dates vary.

Help out with office work, events, fieldwork, or a group volunteering event. 

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.

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