Wisconsin Geological and Natural History SurveyThe Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) has been serving Wisconsin for over 100 years. Part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, this website provides objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, and water resources of Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) was created by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1897. It is the descendant of earlier state surveys in Wisconsin, which date back to 1854.
The WGNHS, a part of the University of Wisconsin, is an interdisciplinary organization that conducts natural resources surveys and research to produce information used for decision making, problem solving, planning, management, development, and education. Survey is defined to include resource inventory and basic and applied research and analysis. The WGNHS has no specific regulatory or enforcement responsibilities.
Survey staff members conduct topical as well as local, regional, and statewide research projects; collect and store data and physical samples; analyze these data and samples; communicate results to the public via publications; and respond to numerous requests for technical advice and service. Some projects are conducted jointly with state, federal, and local agencies as well as with other units of the university.
