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Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies

UW–Madison’s quarterly environmental magazine from the Nelson Institute

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When Students Become Stewards

For 60 years, the WRM practicum has trained generations of water leaders — and transformed communities, ecosystems, and policy along the way.

Explore the Latest Issue

Cover image of the Commons magazine, with Water Resources Management students conducting fieldwork.

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Flooded Texas neighborhood with homes submerged in water, trees partially underwater, and a rescue boat moving through the streets.

Climate Health Policy Water

The New Gerrymander: Flood Maps

September 15, 2025

Fall foliage resting on a puddle.

Climate Water Wisconsin

How to See the Water in the Leaves

September 15, 2025

Sandbags stacked in front of a flooded neighborhood as rescue workers in a boat assist residents.

When Waters Rise, so Do Health Risks

September 15, 2025

Illustration of a magnifying glass over words including forever chemicals, PFAS, and contamination.

Searching for Answers on “Forever Chemicals”

September 15, 2025

Acadia National Park- 2012, sle Au Haut overlook.

Conservation Education Local

Where to Start? Where You Are

September 15, 2025

Sue Swanson writing notes while an assistant looks on as they take an inventory of Wisconsin springs.

Conservation Water

What Lies Beneath

September 15, 2025

Paul Robbins sitting in his office.

Notes From the Dean

September 15, 2025

Analyzing a map of Beaver Dam Lake

Education Water Wisconsin

Field Notes: Beaver Dam Lake

September 15, 2025

Natural spring water flowing over smooth rocks and moss.

Water Wisconsin

Unearthed: Five Things You Didn’t Know about Springs

September 15, 2025

Born fishing while studying springs and groundwater base flow in Southwest Wisconsin.

Conservation Water Wisconsin

A River Runs through Him

September 15, 2025

Shoreline view of Lake Okoboji in Iowa.

Uncovering Microplastic Pollution in Iowa Lakes

September 15, 2025

Past Issues

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Browse the archive

More News from the Nelson Institute

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The Transdisciplinarian

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The Gateway Bug

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Every Pixel Tells a Story

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At the Corner of Academia and Government

At the Corner of Academia and Government

September 12, 2025

Nelson Institute Announces 2025 Alumni Award Winners

Nelson Institute Announces 2025 Alumni Award Winners

July 10, 2025

Earth Fest Gets the Gold

Earth Fest Gets the Gold

July 8, 2025

The Commons is the flagship publication from UW–Madison’s the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

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