Water@UW Issue #289
September 4, 2026

Tap-In: Water@UW-Madison News


Fall 2026 Water@UW-Madison Welcome!
As we begin a new academic year, Water@UW-Madison is excited to welcome new and returning members of our community. Water@UW connects students, researchers, educators, professionals, and community partners across disciplines to advance understanding and stewardship of water resources in Wisconsin and beyond. Whether you're interested in research, outreach, professional development, or networking, there are many ways to get involved this semester!

Explore Water@UW-Madison events and programs

Upcoming Events
TUESDAY 9/8
CPEP Seminar: From Lakes to Backyards to Pipes: Exploring Interactions Among Water, Ecosystems, and People
Join the Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research for this weeks CPEP seminar given by Dr. Carolyn Voter, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UW-Madison. 12:30-1:30PM; RM 823 Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences. Livestream
WEDNESDAY 9/9
Wisconsin Wetlands Association: Wetland Coffee Break
Join Wisconsin Wetlands Association for an upcoming Wetland Coffee Break! Martha Sample from the University of Minnesota & Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science will share how altered hydrology, emerald ash borer, and a changing climate are affecting northern lowland hardwood forests, and how more coordinated monitoring, reporting, and information sharing could help people manage these shifting ecosystems. 10:30AM CT. Online. Register Here
THURSDAY 9/10
Navigating Academic Waters: The Scientist Behind the Science - The Power of Storytelling in Academic and Professional Spaces
Join CUAHSI & AGU-H3S to learn about the power of storytelling in science and how sharing your unique experiences can strengthen your impact as a researcher and professional. 12:00- 1:00 PM CT. Virtual.
FRIDAY 9/11
Clean Lakes 101: Suck the Muck: A Deep Dive into Door Creek Restoration
Join Clean Lakes101 On Tap to learn how the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department and its partners are improving water quality in the Door Creek subwatershed through decades of planning, restoration, and innovative projects, including the recent “Suck the Muck” initiative. 4:00 – 5:00PM. The East Side Club.

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.
Wisconsin Wetlands Association: Project Manager
The Project Manager will help WWA launch and sustain a new peatlands conservation project located in Wisconsin's Lake Michigan Basin and will collaborate with WWA's program staff and leadership team to support the growth of WWA's wetland science programming. Apply by Sept. 14th.
INTERNSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS/RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Check the Freshwater Collaborative's Research Positions and Internships page for more opportunities.
Wisconsin Fellowship in Water-Related Environmental Hazards and Public Health
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Aquatic Sciences Center, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, seeks applicants for a two-year fellowship focused on water-related environmental hazards and public health in Wisconsin. This is an opportunity for a recent Master of Public Health graduate or doctoral graduate to apply their technical expertise to real-world public health challenges while gaining valuable experience working alongside professionals in state government. Applications are due by Sept. 13, 2026.
FUNDING
Check the Sustainability Research Hub's curated list of funding opportunities related to environmental sustainability.
Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat Partnership Funding
The Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat Partnership is accepting proposals through USFWS for tributary stream restoration and protection (fish passage, riparian habitat, large woody debris, water temperature, natural stream flow and channel form) and coastal, connecting channel, and wetland restoration, enhancement, and protection projects. Projects should demonstrate benefits to native species such as brook trout, lake sturgeon, Arctic grayling, whitefish, and imperiled fluvial mussels. Interested in applying, or have questions? Reach out to Catie Geib at catie.geib@wisc.edu. Proposal deadline: September 14, 2026.
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. An informational webinar will be held from 1–2 p.m. CDT on September 11, 2026, and 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. An informational session will be held on September 15, 2026, and applications are due October 2, 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.
2026 Wisconsin Environmental Health Association Conference
September 16-18. Wisconsin Dells, WI. Join environmental health professionals from across Wisconsin for three days of learning, connection, and inspiration at the WEHA Annual Education Conference. Whether you are a seasoned professional, new to the field, or a student exploring a career in Environmental Health, this conference offers educational sessions, networking opportunities, and practical insights designed to support your growth and engagement in the profession. Students are especially encouraged to attend and connect with mentors, peers, and potential employers. Register Here.
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 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. The call for sessions is open now, with proposals due Friday, September 18, 2026.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
National Alliance for Water Innovation Seeks Proposals for Industrial Water Reuse Technologies and Public Feedback on Studies to Secure the Nation’s Water Supply
The National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI), a public-private partnership led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to accelerate the development and demonstration of affordable, innovative, onsite water-reuse systems that can significantly reduce industrial water demand. In addition to the RFP, NAWI has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on regional water studies to improve the safety, security, and affordability of America’s water supply. Deadline is 9/8
Freshwater Collaborative Funded Courses
Fall Semester: Elements of Water. UW-Milwaukee. Three-credit in-person general education course that addresses the importance of water.
Fall Semester: Field Experimentation and Analysis in Freshwater Sciences. UW-Milwaukee. Three-credit advanced course that covers sampling techniques, regulatory frameworks, mastering lab instruments and data interpretation. 
Fall Semester: Microbial Ecology. UW-River Falls. Three-credit course that focuses on the biology of microorganisms and microbial processes and their effects on other organisms and the environment, and the impact of these relationships on biogeochemical cycles.
Fall Semester: Ag-Water Nexus Seminar. UW-Green Bay, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point. One-credit online synchronous/ asynchronous course that equips students with a broad, interdisciplinary education that integrates agricultural and environmental perspectives.
Sept. 18-20: Ag-Water Nexus Field Experience. UW-Green Bay, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point. One-credit three-day field course that immerses students in Wisconsin’s agricultural regions to examine the relationship between farming practices and water resource management. 
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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