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
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
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
Central Sands Nitrate and Neonicotinoid Study
In 2021-2022, the Central Sands Nitrate and Neonicotinoid Study performed a data-gap analysis and compiled an exhaustive database of over 100,000 historical groundwater nitrate and neonicotinoid concentrations for wells across Adams, Juneau, Marquette, Portage, Waushara, …
March 27, 2023
WGNHS publication receives John C. Frye Memorial Award
WGNHS alumnus Anna Fehling (now a hydrogeologist at the Wisconsin DNR) and WGNHS hydrogeologist David Hart received the 2022 John C. Frye Memorial Award in Environmental Geology for their report Potential Effects of Climate Change on Stream Temperature …
October 6, 2022- More
Hot off the WGNHS press
Central Sands nitrate and neonicotinoids database
April 5, 2023Quaternary Geology of Jefferson County, Wisconsin
October 28, 2022- More