We are committed to sharing our expertise with the people of Wisconsin, the nation, and the world. This is the essence of The Wisconsin Idea.
To promote better understanding of environmental problems, issues, and solutions, the Nelson Institute collaborates with a wide spectrum of stakeholders beyond the university campus.
Our outreach takes many forms: environmental analysis and planning, citizen education, professional development, technology transfer. The list goes on. Following are some examples of current and recent outreach activities of the Nelson Institute.
Nelson Institute Community Environmental Forum. Launched in the fall of 2006, this series of noontime seminars addresses key environmental issues facing Wisconsin, Dane County, and Madison. Guest speakers and audience members represent a cross-section of the community, including the private sector, state and local government, nonprofit organizations, and academia.
Gaylord Nelson Lecture Series. This public lecture series honors the late Sen. Gaylord Nelson with a mix of guest speakers on topics related to his legacy.
Green Charter Schools Conference. The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Green Charter Schools Network invite members of existing "green charter schools," those interested in green charter schools, and environmental advocates to a conference on charter-school based environmental education. The conference will include theme-based concurrent sessions including the presentation of research in several current and critical environmental issues by Nelson Institute and other UW-Madison scientists. Conference goals include professional development for educators, opportunities for collaboration between environmental scientists and green charter schools, and public education about green charter schools. The conference will conclude with a selection of off-site, active options to further explore environmentally focused charter school practices.
Yahara Lakes Conference. "A Clean Future for the Yahara Lakes: Solutions for Tomorrow, Starting Today" is the topic of the second Yahara Lakes Conference on October 10, 2008. The conference will gather citizens, scientists, regulators, advocates, farmers, business people, riparians and other experts and stakeholders to work toward collaborative, effective and lasting solutions to the nutrient and sediment pollution that plagues the lakes. The conference will take place at Madison's Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI). The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts was formed in response to questions raised by a bipartisan committee of state legislators who wanted to know how climate change could impact their districts and constituents. More than 40 scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other agencies and institutions met in June 2007 to explore ways to identify and measure the impacts of climate change and variability at local and regional scales.
Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference. "Sustaining Wisconsin's Environment & Economy: Responding to Climate Change" was the topic of the second Nelson Institute Earth Day conference, held April 16, 2008. Featuring plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibits, the meeting took place at Madison's Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. The Earth Day conference is an annual event, focusing each year on a timely environmental concern.
Imagine Green Madison. This three-day community gathering in February 2007 was the first step in a long-term action agenda to create and implement new networks, partnerships, and activities to promote sustainability and a healthier urban environment in and around Madison.
Tales from Planet Earth. This free festival in downtown Madison Nov. 2-4, 2007, showcased more than 20 environmental films from around the world and featured lectures and discussions by author Bill McKibben, several award-winning film makers, and more than a dozen scholars.
Water Resources Management Workshops. Graduate students in our Water Resources Management Program have prepared more than two dozen comprehensive plans to protect and improve water quality, recreational opportunities, and other public benefits in communities throughout Wisconsin.
Special Events. The Nelson Institute organizes and co-sponsors dozens of special events each year, from lectures by visiting speakers to panel discussions and symposia on topics of current interest.
The Nelson Institute is a partner in the Mpowering Madison campaign to help reduce harmful
greenhouse gas emissions 100,000 tons citywide by 2011. Please click on the M for more information.