Mel Reusche, WGNHS Communications and outreach specialist speaking with WGNHS Cartographer and GIS Specialist Caroline Rose Over the last two years, WGNHS cartographer Caroline Rose has explored ways to make spatial data—like geologic maps—accessible and …
WGNHS news
2025 Year in Review
Director’s message In the last year, WGNHS published new and updated maps from some of Wisconsin’s most famous geologic regions, including the Baraboo Range and the Driftless Area. We also published the first statewide bedrock topography compilation in over 50 …
2024 Year in Review
Director’s Message I am pleased to share the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey’s (WGNHS) 2024 Year in Review! It summarizes our main geological mapping projects, groundwater studies, data preservation efforts, and outreach activities from …
Seeking Co-Designer for Map Accessibility Project
Seeking applicants for paid Co-Designer position We are seeking a Co-Designer with a visual or print disability or extensive related experience to creatively explore ways to make geologic maps more accessible. This position is paid …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …