WGNHS

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
Yellow phenakite crystal

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A small white minivan in front of a tall and extremely wide light brown quarry wall with a blue sky and puffy clouds above it. The photographer is standing very far away from the van, and the ground is a flat expanse of sandy soil.
Three geoscientists looking at an outcrop wall in a quarry

What has WGNHS done lately?

Find out in our 2022 Year in Review

The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) has been serving Wisconsin for over 125 years. Part of the Division of Extension at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, WGNHS provides objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, and water resources of Wisconsin. We conduct research, map Wisconsin’s geology, and share information through our publications and outreach.

Wisconsin Geology

Water Resources

Research & Data

WGNHS News

  • A flat landscape with tall green and brown grass and a blue sky with puffy clouds overhead. A stream flows through the center of the photo away from the viewer with very little curve to its path.

    Hiring: Postdoctoral Geosciences Research Associate

    Seeking postdoctoral applicants for Geosciences Research Associate The University of Wisconsin Department of Geoscience and the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS), in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI) seek …

    September 12, 2023
  • Sue Swanson outdoors

    New Director and State Geologist

    We are pleased to welcome Dr. Sue Swanson as the next Director and State Geologist at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey. She begins her new role on September 1. She replaces Dr. Ken …

    August 31, 2023
  • Farmland and tree-covered rolling hills of the Driftless Area in southwest Wisconsin (photo by Eric Carson, WGNHS)

    Southwest Wisconsin groundwater and geology study (SWIGG)

    Southwest Wisconsin has fractured bedrock beneath generally thin soils, putting groundwater at risk for contamination. The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of groundwater quality in southwest Wisconsin and to better understand how local hydrogeology …

    May 12, 2023
  • A small white minivan in front of a tall and extremely wide quarry wall with a bright blue sky and puffy clouds above it. The photographer is standing very far away from the van, and the ground is a flat expanse of sandy soil.

    2022 Year in Review

    Director’s Message The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) had an exceedingly busy and successful year in 2022. We progressed to a fully hybrid work model as the University of Wisconsin continues to emerge …

    March 28, 2023
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