Extension and Outreach
University of Wisconsin-Extension is the outreach arm of the University of Wisconsin System. UW-Extension provides statewide access to university resources and research so the people of Wisconsin can learn, grow and succeed at all stages of life. UW-Extension carries out the tradition of The Wisconsin Idea – extending the boundaries of the university to the boundaries of the state – through its four divisions of continuing education, the cooperative extension service, entrepreneurship and economic development, and broadcast and media innovations.
The Cooperative Extension Service is a unique partnership of counties, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Wisconsin working together to help people put knowledge to work. This partnership brings education to people where they live, through Extension offices, in each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. It supports educational programs for farmers, businesses, communities, families and young people.
UW-Extension uses education to help people understand and solve problems. Educational programs developed and conducted by county-based educators reflect local concerns. They apply knowledge from the University of Wisconsin, other universities and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Lifelong Learning
Our Extension and Outreach faculty and staff members are an important link between the various publics that use our research products and the communities of scientists who create new knowledge. Extension faculty and staff:
- Enhance the public’s understanding of the role and value of forests and wildlife in the natural and social environment;
- Promote the use of sustainable methods of establishing, managing, and utilizing forest and wildlife resources
- Provide up-to-date knowledge about the ecology, management, and conservation of forest and wildlife resources;
- Transfer ideas and technology to public and private land owners, professional resource managers, the general public, and youth;
- Work with clientele to identify research needs and disseminate research results to users.
Extension Resources
Forestry & Natural Resource Policy
We help people understand the relationship between natural resources and policy.
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Wildlife Ecology & Management
We advise Wisconsin citizens on matters relating to management of wildlife resources.
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Wood Products & Forest Industry
We focus on wood products manufacturing in the Wisconsin forest products industry and beyond.
Learn more here >>Forestry Facts: brief articles available for free download about subjects of interest to forest landowners, loggers, sawyers, and others. Subjects covered include forestry best management practices for water quality, Wisconsin’s Managed Forest Law property tax program, soil and site selection for plantings, processing trees to lumber, and many others.
Wisconsin Woodland Owner Education website: the University of Wisconsin Forestry Extension programs offer a wide variety of educational opportunities programming and materials for woodland owners. This website provides access to many of these initiatives.
The Wisconsin Coverts Project: a 3-day woodland wildlife management program for private landowners who are interested in managing their woodlands for wildlife.
UW – Extension The Learning Store: a variety of wildlife publications are available from UW Cooperative Extension Publications. You’ll find information on wildlife habitat management, wildlife damage management (e.g. bats, moles, woodchucks, woodpeckers), and bird watching and feeding. From the home page, select the “Natural Resources” category on the left-hand side and then click on “Wildlife”. Publications can be printed from the website or you can use the order form provided or call 1-877-947-7827 to place your order.
Living with Wildlife in Wisconsin: Solving Nuisance, Damage, Health & Safety Problems website:
UW Extension, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, and the WI Dept. of Natural Resources have joined together in creating this website, complete with factsheets, to help resolve wildlife damage issues in the state.
Wildlife and Your Land Series: a 14-publication series by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources designed to offer suggestions to private landowners, on how to manage their land for wildlife.
Wood Products Publications: this page provides information on publications and short courses related to wood properties, wood processing, and wood markets.
Forest Habitat Guides: by contacting the Kemp Natural Resources Station at kemp@cals.wisc.edu or 715-358-5667
- Field Guide to Forest Habitat Types of Northern Wisconsin (2nd Edition); $50.00 plus S&H.
- A Guide to Forest Communities and Habitat Types of Central and Southern Wisconsin; $50.00 plus S&H.
- A Guide to Forest Communities and Habitat Types of Michigan; $50.00 plus S&H.