Notes from the Dean
A welcome and perspective from the Nelson Institute’s leadership.
Notes from the Dean
We kick off a new school year by celebrating the reach of the Nelson Institute’s ecological impact.
September 15, 2026
Deep Dive
An in-depth look at big questions, breakthrough work, or urgent environmental issues.
When Imaging Fails, Listen
Soundscapes of forests from Brunei to Baraboo are setting benchmarks for biodiversity.
September 15, 2026
The Land Ethic in a World on Fire
Wildfires threaten more than life; they threaten its memory.
June 15, 2026
The Air We Share
Human-made pollution is down, wildfire smoke is up, and your lungs are caught in between.
March 13, 2026
Reflection
Guest essays and op-eds that reflect on experience, place, and purpose in a changing world.
Wrongfully Convicted, Killed in Vain
Groundbreaking, global study led by Adrian Treves shows that killing gray wolves does more harm than good.
September 15, 2026
Learning Without Burning Out
When facts are bleak, an emotionally informed approach to environmental education can keep students’ inner fire burning.
June 15, 2026
The Real Costs of Air Quality Deregulation in Wisconsin
Policy changes at the federal level will have a direct impact on your health.
March 13, 2026
In Your Environment
Practical how-tos, at-home actions, and personal sustainability steps.
How To Forage in the Fall
From pizza crusts to cookies to crafts, here are ways to bring native, foraged foods into your home this fall.
September 15, 2026
How to NOT Start a Fire
Don’t worry, Billy Joel. No one’s accusing you of starting a fire. We’re just here to help you prevent one.
June 15, 2026
How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Seven quick tips to help you breathe easy at home.
March 13, 2026
Alumni in Focus
Nelson Institute graduates making bold moves and meaningful impact around the globe.
What Is Science For?
For Holly Gibbs PhD’08, the answer is simple: to make change.
September 15, 2026
The Burn Boss
Ryan Klausch turned prescribed burns into a career — one unexpected job at a time.
June 15, 2026
Behind the Binoculars
Olivia Sanderfoot came to birding looking for an “easy A,” but now shares accolades and office space with the world’s top birders.
March 13, 2026
Field Notes
Student dispatches from courses, fieldwork, internships, and research.
Field Notes: Conservation of Biodiversity
Join environmental conservation students as they explore Lake Monona and the challenges facing urban lakes.
September 15, 2026
Field Notes: Learning to Burn
Inside UW–Madison’s prescribed fire ecology and implementation course.
June 15, 2026
Unearthed
Nelson Institute experts share five things you didn’t know about an environmental topic.
Five Things You Didn’t Know About the Lakeshore Nature Preserve
Few places are as synonymous with UW–Madison as the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.
September 15, 2026
Five Things You Didn’t Know About Dragons
Meet the beasts that have inspired stories across centuries.
June 15, 2026
Five Things You Didn’t Know About Allergies
Including one plant that deserves a collective apology.
March 13, 2026
Abstracts
The latest research highlights from Nelson Institute faculty and students.
What’s in the Scat?
By analyzing DNA from carnivore droppings, Allison Fisher is helping researchers better understand wildlife diets in Rwanda.
September 15, 2026
Water for the Long Haul
New research finds that irrigation investments can increase agricultural production for decades while helping farmers adapt to a changing climate.
September 15, 2026
Taking the City’s Temperature
An extensive sensor network reveals how Madison’s urban heat island changes from season to season — and why it matters for climate planning.
September 15, 2026
