Water@UW Issue #291
September 18, 2026

Tap-In: Water@UW-Madison News


Try out the all-new MGLP Conservation Planner 2.0!
The Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP) is excited to announce the release of its all-new Conservation Planner 2.0. Building on years of database expansion, the planner shares information from over 100 datasets for lakes across the Upper Midwest. With information on gamefish, water quality, land use and land cover, non-native species, physical characteristics, social information, and more, the revised Conservation Planner 2.0 is a powerful tool to inform conservation on lakes near you.

Learn More Here!

Upcoming Events
TUESDAY 9/22
CPEP Seminar: Pricing Climate Risk: Hurricane Models and Home Insurance Over the Last Two Decades 
Join the Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research for this weeks CPEP seminar given by Dr. Benjamin Collier, Assistant Professor in the Wisconsin School of Business. 12:30-1:30PM; RM 823 Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences. Livestream
WEDNESDAY 9/23
Limnology Seminar: Long-Term Changes in Seasonal Water Temperatures in Lake Mendota and Trout Lake: Wisconsin’s Sentinels of Lake Warming
Join the Center for Limnology for this weeks seminar given by Dick Lathrop, Retired Research Scientist from the WI DNR. 12:05-12:55pm; Water Science Engineering Lab and Online. Zoom Link
THURSDAY 9/24
Weston Roundtable: Grower-informed conservation strategies for agricultural water management in California and Wisconsin
Join the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment for an upcoming Weston Roundtable given by Mallika Nocco, Assistant Professor in Biological Systems Engineering and Extension Specialist in Agrohydrology at UW-Madison. 4:15-5:15PM. 1153 Mechanical Engineering

Call for Presentations: 2027 Wetland Science Conference
The Wisconsin Wetlands Association is now accepting proposals for presentations at the 2027 Wetland Science Conference. The WWA is seeking proposals for oral and poster presentations about recent wetland research, initiatives, and projects by November 15th. The conference will take place February 23-25, 2027, at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

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.
UW Extension: Emerging Contaminants Outreach Specialist
The Emerging Contaminants Outreach Specialist serves as Extension's lead liaison for PFAS-related community engagement, connecting communities, agencies, and researchers, while translating technical information into practical resources that support local planning and decision making. Applications are due September 24.
UW Extension: PFAS Community Outreach & Grant Support Specialist
The PFAS Community Outreach & Grant Support Specialist works directly with communities to increase awareness of and access to the PFAS grant opportunities through outreach, training, peer learning, and grant writing support. Applications are due September 24.
INTERNSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS/RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Check the Freshwater Collaborative's Research Positions and Internships page for more opportunities.
Clean Lakes Alliance: Development & Database Intern
The Development & Database Intern will provide meaningful support to Clean Lakes Alliance’s development and engagement efforts, with a focus on fundraising operations, donor and member stewardship, database management, donor research, and corporate partnerships. Under the supervision of professional staff, the intern will gain hands-on experience with nonprofit development systems and workflows while providing organizational and logistical support. This is a paid internship for the fall 2026 semester with the possibility of extension through spring 2027. Applications are due September 25.
FUNDING
Check the Sustainability Research Hub's curated list of funding opportunities related to environmental sustainability.
Freshwater Future Grant Programs
Freshwater Future offers two funding tracks for grassroots water protection work in the Great Lakes Basin. The Project Grant Program provides $500-$5,000 for projects that protect drinking water, shorelines, inland lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater by shaping community behavior, corporate conduct, or public policy. Special Opportunity Grants offer up to $750 for urgent, time-sensitive projects that fall outside the regular Project Grant timeline. Fall cycle deadline: September 30, 2026.
Wisconsin Groundwater Research and Monitoring Program
The State of Wisconsin Groundwater Research and Monitoring Program is accepting proposals for fundamental and applied research that advances the understanding and management of groundwater in Wisconsin. This coordinated solicitation, led by the Universities of Wisconsin and multiple state agencies, streamlines proposal submission across funding sources and will provide up to $295,000 for new groundwater research and monitoring projects in FY2028. Proposals are due by 3 p.m. CDT on October 2, 2026.
Water Council's Fall 2026 Tech Challenge
The Water Council’s Fall 2026 Tech Challenge is now accepting global applications for innovative, chemical-free and low-cost aqueous sensing technologies that enable continuous, distributed water quality monitoring. Sponsored by Badger Meter, Watts Water, and Xylem, the challenge seeks technologies at TRL 3+ with applications in drinking water, premise plumbing, and wastewater monitoring, with top prizes of up to $10,000 and direct access to sponsor R&D teams for finalists. Applications are due October 2, 2026.
Earth System Science and Services Partnership Funding
NOAA's Climate Program Office has released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Earth System Science and Services Partnership. The Earth System Science and Services Partnership (ESSSP) supports research, programs, projects and other activities related to NOAA’s mission, primarily through collaborations among scientists and professionals in areas of mutual interest associated with understanding and predicting changes in the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, coasts, land, and ice and their interrelated effects on ecosystems, weather and hazards, and communities and infrastructure. Applications must be received by 11:59PM PCT on October 26, 2026.
2027-28 Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Grants
The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) has approximately $1.2 million available for coastal wetland protection and habitat restoration, nonpoint source pollution control, coastal resource and community planning, Great Lakes education, and public access and historic preservation projects. A virtual grant workshop is offered September 8, 2026. Application deadline: November 3, 2026.
Forest Service Community Forest Grant Opportunity
The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with the EPA, is offering about $3.5 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants through the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. Funding is open to projects in the Lake Superior basin portions of Michigan and Wisconsin, in areas identified as priority conservation areas for wildlife habitat connectivity. Federally recognized Tribes, local governments, and qualified nonprofits can apply for up to $1 million, matched 1:1 with non-federal funds, to help purchase private forestland and establish community forests. Applications due December 8, 2026

CONFERENCES
2026 Great Lakes Commission Annual Meeting
Oct. 6-8. Toronto, Ontario. GLC meetings offer an opportunity for Great Lakes stakeholders to convene with colleagues and share perspectives on important Great Lakes issues. Join us as we continue to address issues of common concern, develop shared solutions and collectively advance an agenda to protect and enhance the region’s economic prosperity and environmental health. Registration closes September 28.
ReFRESH: Resilience in Freshwater Summit
Oct. 13-15. Milwaukee, WI. ReFRESH is not a typical water conference. It is a curated innovation forum for leaders who are ready to refresh how progress happens in water. ReFRESH brings together decision-makers across the public, private and academic sectors to explore radical collaboration, honest conversations and a commitment to action. Registration Open.
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.
The State of Lake Michigan Meeting
November 4–6. Michigan City, Indiana. Supported in part by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, University of Illinois Extension, and Purdue University. We are now accepting proposals for Organized Symposia/Workshops. Our goal is to provide a dynamic forum for sharing research, discussing emerging issues, and strengthening collaboration across the Great Lakes community. Symposia and workshops are the scientific centerpiece of the meeting and help shape the overall program. If you have an innovative idea on a timely topic relevant to Lake Michigan science, management, or community engagement, we invite you to submit a proposal for consideration. Registration Open.
2027 Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium
January 19-21. Ashland, Wisconsin. This year's theme, Celebrating Resilience Through Connection, invites participants to reflect on resilience as a quality of partnerships, communities, and people, as well as an ecological concept. We'll share stories from the field, learn from each other's work, and explore where deeper collaboration can help us go further together. Now accepting presenter submissions for the 2027 Symposium until October 1, 2026.
2027 Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference
April 20-21. Virtual-Only Format. The 2027 ECEC will feature presentations on the latest in emerging contaminant research, policy, and outreach in the soil, water, air and built/human environments. Researchers, educators, businesses, government officials, regulatory agencies, policymakers, outreach and extension professionals, environmental groups, members of the public, and medical, veterinary, and public health professionals are just some of the occupations invited to attend and present at the conference. Call for Abstracts Closes December 1, 2026
2027 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention
April 14-16. Stevens Point, WI. The Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership is now accepting proposals for for concurrent sessions, workshops, posters, and lightning talks. This statewide convention brings together professionals, students, community members, and businesses who love water. The 2027 Convention will explore how water weaves us together and nourishes all life, creating places where communities gather, unite, and find common purpose. Protecting our waters is a shared responsibility that connects us to past and future generations. Learn more and submit a proposal HERE.
2027 IAGLR 70th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research
May 24-28. Duluth, MN. The internationally recognized center of Great Lakes research, will host the International Association for Great Lakes Research's 70th annual conference, a hybrid event featuring four days of scientific sessions on the theme "Great Lakes, Global Impacts." Hosted by the University of Minnesota Duluth.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Rock River Coalition: Call for Volunteers
Rock River Coalition is looking for volunteers to help weed the newly planted Riverside Park Creekside native garden in Riverside Park, Watertown, Wisconsin. These workdays will take place 9am to 12pm on the 2nd Saturday and the last Thursday of each month from May 28 to October 29. No experience is needed to participate. Sign up at this link.
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 12:30-1:30PM in RM 811 of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences or livestreamed
Clean Lakes 101
Educational talk series open to the public. Second Wednesday of the month from 4:00-5:00pm at The East Side Club in Madison
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
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
Coastal Hazards of Superior (CHAOS) Community of Practice
Subscribe here.
Collaborative Action for Lake Michigan (CALM) Coastal Resilience Network
Subscribe here.
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
 
 
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