University of Wisconsin–Madison

Month: April 2020

Learn Your Lakes: Spring Runoff and Nutrient Loading

This weekend, my family and I went on a drive. These days, any chance to leave the house while still practicing safe social distancing feels like a blessing and this drive felt especially so. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and hints of the lush, green landscape Wisconsin will soon become were everywhere – …

Water We Talking About? A Pennsylvania Pond Infested with “Fleas”

We realize we’ve all lost track of time as we continue to flatten the COVID-19 curve but, trust us, it’s Friday. And that means it’s time for Water We Talking About? Kids have questions and we track down a scientist with an answer. Today’s is a first – William and Luke sent a video of …

Learn Your Lakes: Midges, Not Mosquitoes or Mayflies, Give Us Spring’s First Swarms

(A version of this post first appeared on the blog on May 18, 2017) As we wrote last week, our waters are warming here in Wisconsin (and, in fact, all across the Northern Hemisphere) and fish are on the move as they migrate to their spawning grounds. But those swarms of fishes are all under …

Water We Talking About? Why Water Can Look Like Root Beer

The idea is simple – kids have questions and we have scientists with answers. We’re all stuck working and studying from home, so (home)school is now in session! The Question: Sometimes the lake water looks like root beer. How does it get that way? Charlotte, Age 6 – Monona, WI The Answer: Hi Charlotte. Water …

Learn Your Lakes: Fish on the Move

Ah, it’s mid-April in Wisconsin and, right on cue, snow popped back up in the forecast and temperatures this week are going to struggle to get above freezing. Spring, it seems, is on hold for us land-dwelling types. But, in our rivers and lakes and even roadside ditches, the water is just fine for our …

Water We Talking About? Toothy Fish and a Mussel Mystery.

The entire world is now a virtual classroom, so we launched this series as a way to help adults entertain their new kid co-workers! The idea is simple – kids have questions, we find the scientists who can give them an answer. We’ll let the kids take it from here – Homeschool is now in …

Learn Your Lakes: Spring Turnover

Here in Wisconsin, like a lot of places, we are waiting for the reliably warm days of Spring. In the meantime, we’re seeing a lot of days with persistent, chilly winds. Stowing the winter gear in the attic might have to wait for another day, but those chilly winds play a big role in the …

Water We Talking About? Giant Water Bugs And Worms That are Flat!

We suddenly live in a world where virtual learning is all the rage. So we decided to launch a new series for our blog as a way to help adults entertain the kids they now find themselves with 24/7. The idea is simple – kids have questions and we find the scientists who can give …