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.
WGNHS News
Unveiling the landscape: a new statewide map of the Quaternary Geology of Wisconsin
March 24th, 2025 Mel Reusche, WGNHS Communications and outreach specialist Ridges and valleys, lakes and marshlands, rolling hills and lakeshore cliffs – the landscapes we recognize across Wisconsin are the result of fascinating and complex …
March 24, 2025
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
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
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- More
Hot off the WGNHS press
Water Quality in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
October 22, 2024New Water Table Datasets for Chippewa and Dunn Counties
August 9, 2024Bedrock Geology of Jefferson County, Wisconsin
March 20, 2024- More