Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey

07/24/2026

Earlier this year, we published a Hydrogeologic Atlas of Burnett County, Wisconsin! This atlas encompasses assessments of the water-table elevation and groundwater flow directions, depth to bedrock, hydrogeologic cross sections, and more.

The final product includes two map plates (water table map and groundwater susceptibility map) and the atlas itself. Check it out on our website!

This hydrogeologic atlas offers a comprehensive interpretation and analysis of groundwater resources across Burnett County, Wisconsin. It encompasses assessments of the water-table elevation and groundwater flow directions, depth to the water table, depth to bedrock, …

07/08/2026

We're hiring! WGNHS, part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Extension, is seeking up to two self-motivated, collaborative, engaged, and experienced Hydrogeologists who will conduct fundamental and applied research and mapping to improve our understanding of the hydrogeology of Wisconsin.

A full position description including required and preferred qualifications and information on how to apply can be found here:

https://jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/hydrogeologist-madison-wisconsin-united-states

07/07/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out to the recent Badgers on Tap event in Rothschild! We had tons of fun with this enthusiastic group.

Also a big thanks to our hosts Uncommon Pints! as well as Badger Talks and UW Connects at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for making events like this happen. 🍻

06/30/2026

Over the last two years, WGNHS cartographer Caroline Rose has explored ways to make spatial data—like geologic maps—accessible and useable for readers who are visually impaired or can’t engage with a printed map.

Funded by an Innovation Grant from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, Caroline and collaborators worked to produce an interactive version of the recent WGNHS publication Quaternary Geology of Wisconsin that pushes the envelope of accessibility for digital maps.

Explore this innovative product: https://doi.org/10.48358/kalu7183
Read more about this exciting project: https://home.wgnhs.wisc.edu/beyond-alt-text-exploring-innovative-methods-to-advance-the-accessibility-of-geologic-maps/

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 …

06/29/2026

WGNHS has published new bedrock raster surfaces for 3 bedrock surfaces in Jefferson County! available at: https://doi.org/10.54915/xeeb5653.

These products were developed as a continuation of the recently published two-dimensional map of the bedrock geology in Jefferson County.

Bedrock geologic units are mostly buried beneath younger, glacial sediments in Jefferson County, southeast Wisconsin. This Data Series provides a collection of bedrock raster surfaces and map plates that depict the subsurface extent, elevation, and thickness of the three uppermost bedrock layers in Jefferson County, as well as the thickness of surficial sediments over bedrock.

06/27/2026

Our website features a variety of content, but our interactive data resources is a popular favorite! Take your pick from our story maps and interactive maps and learn something new today.

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey

06/23/2026

TOMORROW! Join us at Uncommon Pints in Rothschild, WI for an evening of geology fun!

WGNHS staff members Mel Reusche, Anna Fehling, and Eric Carson will be there to share more about ongoing projects and the geology of north-central Wisconsin. 🍻

06/22/2026

It is officially summer! Looking for some activities to do over summer break, or to include in the upcoming school year? Check out the educational materials on our website!

These activities are tailored for students, educators, and anyone hoping to learn more about Wisconsin geology. We recommend sculpting Wisconsin’s aquifers using modeling clay!

https://home.wgnhs.wisc.edu/educational-resources/

06/18/2026

Have you seen the Lake Superior Legacy Collection yet? This interactive data web app provides online access to geologic research conducted by the USGS Lake Superior Division between 1882 and 1922.

This collection contains more than 30,000 hand samples, 67 maps, and more!

The Mesabi Iron-Bearing District of Minnesota and more than a dozen other treatises were published by the Lake Superior Division from 1883 to 1935.

06/16/2026

Folks in the Ashland area!

TODAY WGNHS hydrogeologist G. Graham is giving a presentation exploring the hydrogeology of the Bayfield Peninsula.

June 16 @ 6:30 , Ashland, WI Alley Restaurant
Hosted by the Superior Rivers Watershed Association