WGNHS

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
Yellow phenakite crystal

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A man and woman stand in tall grass at the edge of a river with trees on the side on a sunny day; they are looking across at a rock outcrop.
Three geoscientists looking at an outcrop wall in a quarry

What has WGNHS done lately?

Find out in our 2023 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

  • Scanned notebook page with a sketch of Wisconsin and the study region. Text reads "GRANT CO. BEDROCK. Mount Hope & Fennimore 7.5' Quads STATEMAP. 2020. 1:24000 scale mapping (1 cm = 787 ft= 240m). Applied focus of mapping: Bedrock geology/structure relationship to aquifer susceptibility to surface contaminants"

    Take note: making observations in the field

    Survey geologist Sarah Bremmer stands on the side of the road with a blaze-orange vest and a notebook. She is conducting fieldwork for a new geologic map and is in the process of thoroughly describing …

    January 29, 2025
  • Groundwater educator Kevin aiding a workshop attendee with their groundwater sand tank model.

    Working with Wisconsin educators

    This blog post was written by UW-Madison undergraduate Shayla Barrera-Skibinski, who worked at WGNHS as a Social Media and Geology Assistant from 2022-2024. Includes June 2024 update by Mel Reusche. Where does our drinking water …

    July 2, 2024
  • Map of Wisconsin overlaid by a colorful patchwork of county-scale geologic maps.

    Implementing the Geologic Mapping Database Standard

    This blog post was written by UW-Madison undergraduate Benji Johnson, who worked at WGNHS as a Social Media and Geology Assistant from 2021-2022. Includes May 2024 update from Pete Schoephoester and Mel Reusche. Caroline Rose, …

    May 15, 2024
  • A man and woman stand at the edge of a river with trees on the side on a sunny day; they are looking across at a rock outcrop.

    2023 Year in Review

    Director’s Message  For over 125 years the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) has provided objective scientific information about Wisconsin’s geology, mineral resources, and water resources, and it is an honor to share new …

    April 16, 2024
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