Courses and Programs
Education is a cornerstone of environmental stewardship. Designing and implementing a variety of programs tailored to different age groups, learning styles, and backgrounds is key in Dane County. Broadly speaking, adults in Dane County are interested in workshops, seminars, and field trips that cover topics such as sustainable gardening, water conservation, pollinators, and climate change. Youth leaders and teachers are looking for interactive and hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and a lifelong love for nature.
See below for some example programs currently offered by Dane County Extension. If you have a different program idea in mind for your school, group, or club, don’t hesitate to contact natural resources educator Wade Moder. Odds are we can come up with something that fits your needs.
Examples of past educational programs
Composting – presentation or tabling
Dane County Extension seeks to promote composting as a more sustainable alternative to landfilling. By providing basic composting knowledge, skills, and tools, Extension aims to encourage the widespread adoption of home composting, and provide helpful materials for people who want to teach others about composting. Learn more about our composting program here.
Pollinators – presentation or tabling
Whether it’s at your home, school, community center, or any other place you love, you can help educate and establish habitat for pollinators. Learn more about our pollinator protection and educational resources here.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies are an important indicator species of a healthy ecosystem, but have been largely under researched and under-appreciated. With over 150 species of dragonflies in Wisconsin alone, dragonflies provide a great vehicle for outdoor learning with children.
Storm Drain Marking
Storm drain marking helps increase awareness of the storm drain’s connection to our local water resources. Educate your community about stormwater pollution by marking storm drains with “No Dumping, Drains to Lakes” (or river or stream) and distribute informative door hangers
Enviroscape
Shows how surface water moves throughout the watershed and how runoff affects water quality. Learn more in this demonstration video.
Groundwater Demonstration
Shows how water moves below ground and through our aquifers. Learn more in this demonstration video
Stream ecology
We have various equipment to help you learn more about your favorite water body.
Water Action Volunteers
Do you like being outside?
Do you have a passion for protecting our shared natural resources? With a commitment of only a few hours per month, you can become a volunteer stream monitor with Water Action Volunteers (WAV). Over 500 volunteers statewide collect valuable scientific data to inform stream management decisions, including nearly 100 sites in Dane County alone.
Want to become a monitor in Dane County?
Contact natural resources educator Wade Moder to get started.
Master Naturalist Program
Dane County Extension coordinates the Natural Resources Education Center (NREC), similar to a lending library, that provides resources, equipment, expertise, and training to help you teach about natural resources. Learn more here.
