Natural Resources
In response to growing concerns about climate change—recognized by 80% of Dane County residents, with 73% expressing worry—the Dane County Extension is committed to making environmental and conservation education accessible to all. Through its Natural Resources educator, the Extension supports conservation organizations, develops educational programs for both adults and youth, and promotes citizen science initiatives. These efforts aim to equip the community with the knowledge and tools needed to address environmental challenges and take meaningful action in the fight against climate change.
Program Areas
Climate Change
Climate change will have drastic impacts on our environment and communities. Because of the significant importance of climate change, many Extension Educators are focusing on climate change impacts.
Strategic Planning
Providing guidance and support with strategic planning, helping organizations clarify their goals, align resources, and implement actionable steps to achieve sustainable success.
Courses and Programs
Providing a diverse
selection of courses and programs designed to
cater to various age groups, learning styles, and backgrounds, ensuring personalized and impactful learning experiences for all.
Lending Library
Offering a wide range of resources, equipment, expertise, and training to aid in teaching about natural resources allowing individuals to borrow and explore valuable materials tailored to their needs and interests.
Additional Resources
Pollinator Protection
Pollinators are essential to our environment as an estimated 87% of flowering plants globally rely on pollinators. They help make our ecosystems viable and provide us with food as 150 food crops in the U.S. depend on pollinators.
Forestry
Trees are vital to the health of our community in Dane county–they provide clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, mitigation against climate change, and psychological well-being.
Water Resources
From drinking to recreation, our water resources are vital to Dane County. Learn more about surface and groundwater and ways we can protect these resources.
Composting
Dane County Extension has offered periodic Composter Trainings to provide training for anyone who wishes to teach others about home composting, including backyard composting and vermicomposting.
Education Resources
Do you want to share your love of natural resources with others? Well, we have tools for you! The best way to teach about our wonderful natural resources is to have people experience it.
Meet the Educator
Wade Moder (he/him), Natural Resources Educator
Wade offers support to community organizations, spearheads educational programs, and works to raise awareness about Dane County’s natural resources and conservation initiatives. If you’re looking to coordinate an educational program for youth or adults, would like a speaker for an upcoming event, or are considering a strategic plan for your conservation group, give Wade a call!
Before joining Extension, Wade served as the executive director of the non-profit Upper Sugar River Watershed Association for nine years. During that time he worked with community leaders across Dane County to expand the organization’s impact and capacity, and built partnerships with the agricultural community by helping to found the farmer-led coalition Farmers for the Upper Sugar River.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy & Planning from UW-Green Bay in 2009 and has worked in a variety of roles during his career including watershed management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), conservation agriculture, citizen science programs, invasive species control, integrated pest management, native prairie restoration, public land use, urban tree inventories, and stream bank assessments.
