UWM Conservation and Environmental Science

Join us this Thursday! Dr. Ian Owens will help connect the dots between birds, community science, conservation, and AI!

Dean's Distinguished Lecture in the Natural Sciences: Artificial Intelligence, Citizen Science and the Future of Conservation Presented by Dr. Ian Owens Thursday, April 9, 2026 5:00-6:00 pm, Reception to Follow Ball Room – UWM Student Union 2200 East Kenwood Blvd. > RSVP Encouraged It’s an exciting time to be a natural historian! New technologies are revolutionizing …

🌿✨ Presenting Our New Alumni Page! ✨🌿
We are proud to introduce our new alumni stories page, dedicated to showcasing our remarkable Conservation and Environmental Science alumni. Discover how our graduates are applying their education in the real world. Take a moment to explore their stories, experiences, and how they are making a positive impact on the world. Our alumni stories page will continue to expand, reflecting the ongoing dedication of our alumni to environmental stewardship and professional development.

👉 Discover our alumni here: https://uwm.edu/conservation-environmental-science/about/alumni-stories/

Current stories include:
🌳Emily Brown, Naturalist, Wehr Nature Center
🌳Xiayou Lowery, Green & Healthy Schools Program Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
🌳Adena Saigh, Intern, Occidental Ecology and Art Center, CA
🌳Colin Goyette, Restoration Ecologist, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Over the first eight weeks of the fall semester, 17 students met weekly at Lake Park as part of CES 431, a course titled “Natural History of Wisconsin: Field Survey.” Emphasis throughout each session was on observation and knowing species in a particular place. They recently completed final projects for the class.

Friends of Brown Deer Park is one of CES's Service Learning agencies that provides real-world learning to introductionary CES course students. Many of these students are non-CES majors, yet remark on how valuable this first-hand experience is, exposing them to local and regional environmental conservation issues. Service Learning is a highlight for many students at UWM, which is setup through UWM Center Student Experience and Talent.

A great friend of CES, Jim Reinartz has been documenting and studying the Cedarburg Bog for decades. Recent heavy rainfalls provide evidence of the value of our natural waterways.

Tremendous Value of Wetlands in the Landscape Tremendous Value of Wetlands in the Landscape Jim Reinartz, FOCB President Just a couple of photographs tell a very powerful story of the role ...

Fall is a busy time! We kicked off the semester with a big Welcome Event at the Urban Ecology Center and have students engaged with multiple community partners. Check back over the coming weeks as we post more highlights! Here’s a glimpse…

Two recent CES program alumni joined this cohort for the summer. Congratulations to all of those who are wrapping up internships and field work! Share your stories with us!

Restoring Lands: one of our great partners! UWM students should come out for this celebration of connection in our community!

Celebrate connections with us at our new connector trail opening! On Thursday, August 21 from 5-7:30pm at Rotary Park in Mequon we'll be welcoming folks to see the new boardwalk and trail connecting to our Spirit Lake preserve. We'll also lead an exclusive walk at our wetland area for those who'd like to explore more, featuring information from the Wisconsin Wetlands Association. Link to register on our website homepage!

CES students (and alumni) living their best lives as they keep learning. Beautiful reflection, Adena!

Small Acts or Sordid Consequences by Adena Saigh - Wild Rockies Field Institute I looked out across the vast landscape and saw the three remaining glaciers, each pouring into strong veins of water before converging. I sat and stared, admiring the beauty ofRead More

Imagine your dream job in conservation. Start this week! Visit a nearby nature center, land trust property, public park, or state natural area and engage in the activity there. If you're looking for someone to join you or want to know more about an organization, post a comment here. We can get you connected!
Restoring Lands: A Wisconsin Land Trust, Urban Ecology Center, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Wehr Nature Center, Mequon Nature Preserve, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Friends of the Cedarburg Bog, and many more!