University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tag: algae

Cool Weather Means Clear Waters for Wisconsin Lakes

Most people think of green, algae-filled waters when talking about southern Wisconsin lakes. And, sure, these highly productive bodies are full of nutrients that run off from the landscape and feed huge algae blooms every year. But, each Spring, we get a little break between ice-out and algae season. And, depending on certain climate conditions, …

Diatoms Prove That Not All Algae Are Ugly

Think algae are gross? A new website will make you take a closer look. Dedicated to Lake Mendota’s diatoms – single-celled members of the brown algae classification – the website serves as a field guide of sorts to the beautiful, microscopic organisms in the picture above. Diatoms are quite amazing. They produce around 20% of …