UWSP College of Natural Resources

06/11/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Initiates of Xi Sigma Pi, the Natural Resource Management Honor Society! Students were formally recognized during an end-of-semester ceremony in late April.

We are proud to welcome these outstanding students as lifelong members of Xi Sigma Pi. Membership in this prestigious organization is by invitation only and is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, making induction a significant honor and mark of distinction.

06/10/2026

We are proud to be part of this year's International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management, bringing together global experts in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and natural resources in Stevens Point, June 29–July 2.

Community members can also take part in the public demonstration day on July 1, featuring hands-on activities and educational exhibits. Check out the link below to learn more and plan your visit!

The International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management (ISAMM) is set to bring global experts to Stevens Point June 29- July 2, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point…

06/08/2026

Congratulations to the Spring Dean's List recipients from the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point! To be considered, students must be full-time undergraduate students enrolled at UW-Stevens Point with a major within the College of Natural Resources and have a GPA of 3.50 or above. An asterisk (*) denotes students who received a 4.0.

💜💛 They are also available at https://www.uwsp.edu/college-of-natural-resources/cnr-honors-and-awards/.

**Please note that this post does not include students who have asked to keep their information private.

06/04/2026

Fun fact: Schmeeckle Reserve has outdoor gear rentals, like kayaks and canoes! Learn more at https://www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle-reserve/outdoor-gear-rentals/ and get on the water this summer.

Great news! The Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center is now open at 9 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, giving you even more time to grab a kayak or canoe, pick up a snack, or find the perfect nature-inspired gift. Open 7 days a week, 9 AM–4 PM.

06/03/2026

Our CWES staff are preparing for summer campers! Still looking for an opportunity? A few camps are still available. Learn more at https://www.uwsp.edu/central-wisconsin-environmental-station/summer-camp

05/29/2026

Our Friday Feature award series continues, highlighting the impact of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. This week, we are recognizing Spraying Systems Co., recipient of the 2026 Paper Industry Leader Award, in honor of its outstanding industry leadership and strong support of student learning.

As a global leader in spray nozzle technology, Spraying Systems Co. has been a valued partner to UWSP by providing essential components for pilot machine operations and ensuring equipment is installed and ready for instructional use. Their support has significantly enhanced hands-on learning with industry-level systems and technology.

In addition to equipment support, the company has shared its expertise through consultations and seminars connected to senior design projects, helping students better understand professional practice and engineering expectations.

Through both innovation and collaboration, Spraying Systems Co. continues to invest in the future workforce and the next generation of talent.

📸: Representatives of Spraying Systems Co. accepted recognition on behalf of the company during the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources CNR Celebration Evening. Pictured from left are Roland Gong, Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department Chair; Bernard Pyzdrowski; and Dylan Thomas.

Spraying Systems Co.

05/29/2026

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The Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology at held a grand opening for the new, state-of-the-art Compostability Testing Laboratory on May 20. This lab allows researchers to evaluate materials and determine if they will break down under standard composting conditions. Learn more about the lab and WIST's mission here: https://bit.ly/4tUYUGN.

05/22/2026

The semester may be over, but our Friday Feature series continues, highlighting the impact of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners.

This week, we are celebrating the Natural Resources Institute, UW–Madison Division of Extension, recipient of the 2026 CNR Outstanding Contributor Award, in recognition of its exceptional partnership and lasting impact on the College of Natural Resources.

Through a long-standing collaboration with UWSP, the institute has strengthened the people, programs, and systems that support the college’s success. Its support has helped sustain faculty, staff, and program leadership, maintain continuity across key initiatives, and provide stability for long-term growth.

Through programs such as the Extension Lakes Program, Center for Land Use Education, Center for Watershed Science and Education, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife, and Wisconsin Forestry Center, the institute delivers trusted expertise in forestry, water quality, land stewardship, and community resilience.

By connecting research with real-world needs and creating meaningful hands-on opportunities for students, the Natural Resources Institute continues to embody the Wisconsin Idea.

📸: Recipients and presenters of the CNR Outstanding Contributor Award gather for a photo during the CNR Celebration Evening at SentryWorld. Pictured from left are CNR Dean Brian Sloss, Cathy Scheder, CNR Associate Dean for Outreach and Extension; Tricia Gorby, Natural Resources Institute Director; Patrick Robinson, Associate Dean of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Development; and Brenda Lackey, CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute

05/20/2026

We are back. UWSP's Forestry Sports team returned to competition in a major way, taking 2nd place overall at the 69th Midwestern Foresters Conclave.

Standout performances came from Nick Williams (3rd single buck, 3rd knife throw), Jesse Huckstep and Jason Bartlet (3rd double buck), Katie Vogt (1st women’s single buck, 2nd double buck), Hunter Bahl (1st log roll, Jack & Jill podium), Michael Steinhoff (log roll win, 2nd match split), Luke Endris, Gunnar Westenmeyer, and Cullen White (2nd pulp toss, plus White’s 3rd bolt throw), and Merrek Kowalski (1st wildlife identification).

Competing against programs including Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Iowa State University, Michigan State University, Missouri State University, Purdue University, and the University of Missouri, UWSP secured a strong return to the regional circuit and a second-place finish overall. Get all the details at https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/cnr-news-and-events/

05/18/2026

Last Wednesday evening, colleagues, friends, alumni, and supporters gathered at the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater in Schmeeckle Reserve to celebrate the people whose passion, service, and commitment continue to shape the College of Natural Resources. The event was filled with gratitude, laughter, and well deserved recognition for those who make a lasting impact across our CNR community.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s CNR Award recipients: Jennifer Summers, Laura Anderson McIntyre (who was unable to attend), Jason Riddle, Tina Giombetti, and Brenda Lackey.

The evening also included special recognition for Neil Payne following his induction into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame, an honor that reflects a lifetime of dedication to conservation and stewardship of natural resources.

Not every honor of the evening was official, but it was certainly memorable. Becca Franzen received the unofficial distinction of being the very first person to enter the new library on April 13 at 7:45 a.m.