January 2020
2019 Research Accelerators Program
This Fall Upham Woods expanded our off-site programming through the Research Accelerators program. This is an inquiry-based science investigation program designed to engage youth in the Milwaukee area with DOTS. These tools and program support them in preparing science projects for the Science Strikes Back community science fair on February 5th. Upham staff conducted 48 Research Accelerators sessions during 17 days of outreach, reaching 364 students in grades 3-12 at 11 different schools.

In total, 13 teachers participated in the Research Accelerators, and nine of them were new to the program. We asked the teachers to provide feedback after the program and 10 teachers responded. Their feedback helped us to identify important impacts of the programming for their students.

The teachers observed evidence of student learning including advances in observation skills , engagement in advanced sense-making , and making connections . In addition, they observed student attitudes including interest, excitement to learn, and fascination with STEM . They also observed student behaviors including students choosing to learn more , focus while working on projects , and staying on task . Overall, nine out of 10 teachers felt that their expectations of the programming were met or exceeded, and 9 wanted to continue having Research Accelerators in their classrooms. In their own words, teachers shared:

  • “For myself and my students, the most important learning outcome from the Research Accelerators was the students’ exposure to data collection, recording, and processing and the impacts those experiences had on their overall desire to learn.”
  • “Students got to experience hands-on science this year which they have been lacking. They participated in the scientific process - asking questions and using tools to find answers. Very exciting.”

The teachers also brought up great ideas for how to improve the programming for next year. Thank you to all the teachers, students, and staff who made this years’ Research Accelerators a success! We can’t wait to see everyone at the Science Strikes Back science fair in February!
comfort of the lodge or cabins.
Upham Woods hosts an ATV/Boat/Snowmobile Safety Instructor Training:
On December 4, the Conservation Department organized and hosted a DNR Safety Instructor Training for ATV, boat, and snowmobile safety courses with the DNR. Fifteen adults from around the state became certified as an instructor from this course, including several Upham Staff. The safety courses are essential to the safety and continuation of outdoor recreation. Be on the lookout for these classes to be offered here at Upham soon! Not only did this class train new educators, but it put the Conservation Challenge over 2,000 hours!
Getting Ready for Summer 2020!
Upham’s very first Summer Program Coordinator, Ariel, is is already working hard and getting pumped for Summer Camp 2020! And guess what? Open Enrollment Registration is already open! This is the earliest that Upham has ever opened registration, so click this link to REGISTER and confirm your summer camp plans now!

2020 THEMES : Each summer camp session will offer featured programs with a thematic twist that campers can choose to be a part of.
  • Our “Survival Camp” session on June 21-24 will spin traditional camp activities to feature shelter building on Blackhawk Island and outdoor cooking.
  • “Wonders of Wildlife” session on July 16-18 will focus on searching for animal signs on our hiking trails and experiencing our live animal programs.
  • During “Scientific Exploration” session on July 19-22, campers will explore with tools, write stories, and examine nature more closely.
  • “Express Yourself” camp on August 9-12 will have a more artistic feel where campers will have the chance to do nature art of Blackhawk Island, perform a skit at a campfire, and use their 5 senses while exploring nature.

If one of these themes doesn't thrill your camper, but it is the only session that works for your family, do not worry! They will fit right in, because all 4 sessions of camp offer summer camp activities such as canoeing, hiking, swimming, fishing, archery, campfires, games and more!

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS! Upham is also accepting credit card payments for summer camp registration fees to make the registration process easier and more convenient.
Animal Expo
On December 7 th , 2019 Upham Woods hosted an Animal Expo Day in collaboration with the Dells/Delton Parks and Recreation Department. Forty-two people came to learn about reptiles and amphibians! Here at Upham Woods we have several resident animals that we use in our classes to help teach about their wild cousins here in Wisconsin. At Animal Expo Day we introduced the community to Beauty the red-tailed hawk, Larry and Midge the three toed box turtles, Big Mama, Little Mama, and Junior the painted turtles, Aldo the leopard gecko, Popcorn the albino corn snake, Leche the Honduran milk snake, and Igor the common snapping turtle. Getting hands on experience with these animals is important for people of all ages to connect protecting the environment with protecting the lives of the unique animals who live there. Beauty, Igor, and the painted turtles are all native Wisconsin species. The snakes and the box turtles are native to other areas but make great ambassadors for our native snakes and box turtles here in Wisconsin. In addition to meeting our program animals we had a competition between the adults and the kids to see who could correctly identify characteristics of reptiles and amphibians. The adults won, much to the kids chagrin. 
Introducing Isabelle as the Program Director!
Isabelle Herde was the Upham Woods Research Naturalist Program Coordinator managing Upham's Milwaukee projects like Science Strikes Back and the integration of the Digital Observation Technology Skills (DOTS) program into onsite curriculum. Since July she has served as the program director in an interim capacity until this past month when has accepted the position permanently! Isabelle is excited to continue serving as the program director and to focus on engaging groups in outdoor science education. 
Pictured here with a shovelnose sturgeon she caught while on a canoe camping trip on the Wisconsin River this past November. 
Thank You to Our December 2019 Outreach Host Schools!

  • Hawley Environmental Charter School
  • Ronald Reagan High School
  • Indian Community School
  • Vincent High School
  • Burdick School
  • North Division High School
  • La Escuela Fratney
  • Maryland Avenue Montessori
  • Baraboo Public Schools
  • Jack Young Middle School
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
N194 County Rd N
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
(608) 254-6461
Stay Connected
The University of Wisconsin–Madison does not discriminate in its employment practices and programs and activities on a variety of bases including but not limited to: age, color, disability, national origin, race, or sex. For information on all covered bases, the names of the Title IX and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinators, and the processes for how to file a complaint alleging discrimination, please contact the  Office of Compliance , 361 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison WI 53706, Voice 608-265-6018, (relay calls accepted); Email:  [email protected] .