Kemp Natural Resources Station

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Kemp Natural Resources Station Dedicated to research, instruction, and outreach concerning the management, conservation, and the sustainable use of northern Wisconsin's natural resources.

Kemp Natural Resources Station is a research and teaching facility operated by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Kemp Station’s 231 acres support some of the last remnants of old-growth forest in the Lake States. Several other distinct ecosystems are found on site, including:

-second-growth forests of hemlock, pine, and northern hardwoods
-lake coves
-bogs and one bog lake
-over one mile of shoreline along Tomahawk Lake

This varied environment supports a diverse wildlife population of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and invertebrate, making Kemp Station uniquely suited as a center for natural resources research and education. Kemp Station is dedicated to programs of research, instruction, and outreach concerning the management, conservation, and sustainable use of northern Wisconsin’s natural resources. The goals of Kemp Station are to:

-Conduct research on the ecology, management, conservation, and the sustainable use of northern Wisconsin’s natural resources.
-Transfer information on natural resources management, conservation, and sustainable use to students of all ages.
-Enhance public awareness of current natural resources issues. We welcome visits to Kemp Station; however, the University of Wisconsin has implemented a Closed Campus policy for all remote field stations, including Kemp Natural Resources Station. This means that you must have written permission to be on Kemp Station or other UW field station properties. “No Trespassing” signs are posted at the main entrance, boat launch, and boathouse. Please contact Karla, 715-358-5667 or [email protected], or Scott, 715-892-0391, if you wish to arrange a visit to the property.

Did you know snow acts like a winter blanket for the soil?By insulating the ground from cold air temperatures, snow help...
09/09/2026

Did you know snow acts like a winter blanket for the soil?

By insulating the ground from cold air temperatures, snow helps protect soil structure, plant roots, and the microorganisms that keep ecosystems functioning. When snow cover is reduced, soils can experience repeated freeze-thaw cycles that may damage soil health and impact carbon storage.

Researchers in Wisconsin are studying how changing winter conditions affect forests and soils by warming experimental plots and manipulating snow cover. Using sensors that measure soil temperature, moisture, snow depth, and soil respiration, they are working to understand whether soils will continue storing carbon or release more of it into the atmosphere.

What happens beneath the snow has lasting impacts on our forests, agriculture, and climate. Understanding these changes today helps us prepare for the future.

Meet Madison, a member of the Clean Boats, Clean Waters team working to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.A...
02/09/2026

Meet Madison, a member of the Clean Boats, Clean Waters team working to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Aquatic invasive species can easily hitch a ride on boats, trailers, and equipment, threatening the health of our lakes and rivers. The good news? Prevention is simple.

Before leaving the water:
Clean your boat, trailer, and gear
Drain all water from boats and equipment
Dry everything before visiting another lake or river

These small actions help protect Wisconsin's waterways and preserve outdoor recreation for everyone.

Join us in keeping our lakes healthy.

Did you know wild rice is an important part of Wisconsin's aquatic ecosystems?Wild rice provides valuable food for water...
31/08/2026

Did you know wild rice is an important part of Wisconsin's aquatic ecosystems?

Wild rice provides valuable food for waterfowl and other wildlife, supports wetland health, and plays a significant cultural role across the state. Researchers are working to better understand how environmental conditions influence wild rice growth, distribution, and long-term success.
By monitoring wild rice populations and studying habitat conditions, scientists can provide the information needed to support effective conservation and management efforts. This work helps ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from this unique and important natural resource.

Learn more about the science behind wild rice conservation and the efforts being made to protect Wisconsin's waters and wetlands.

How does a tree become the lumber used in homes, furniture, and everyday products?NTC recently hosted high school teache...
27/08/2026

How does a tree become the lumber used in homes, furniture, and everyday products?

NTC recently hosted high school teachers for an immersive look into the lumber manufacturing process. Participants explored the journey from raw logs to finished lumber, learning about key sawmill operations including the head rig, resaw station, edger, trimmer, and kiln drying process. The experience provided valuable real-world knowledge that teachers can share with their students while highlighting career opportunities within Wisconsin's forest products industry.

Thank you to our industry partners for helping connect educators with the people, technology, and processes that keep the lumber industry moving forward.

Fungi Fest is back! The FUN-gi starts Friday afternoon Aug 21st with two fungi tasting/cooking sessions (REGISTRATION RE...
10/08/2026

Fungi Fest is back! The FUN-gi starts Friday afternoon Aug 21st with two fungi tasting/cooking sessions (REGISTRATION REQUIRED), and a presentation about fungi basics and research. Saturday morning kicks off with a foray, followed by a table talk to review the found fungi. Wrap up the day with two short talks on various fungi-related topics. Throughout the event, there will be some awesome fungi microscopy to check out and plenty of mycologists to pose questions to. Click here for the full schedule and speaker bios.

How do forests and wetlands "breathe"?At the Chequamegon Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study Core Site Cluster, Jonathan is colle...
04/08/2026

How do forests and wetlands "breathe"?

At the Chequamegon Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study Core Site Cluster, Jonathan is collecting calibrated flux measurements to better understand how ecosystems exchange carbon, water, and energy with the atmosphere. Researchers measure carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane emissions from wetlands, evapotranspiration, and energy transfer to determine whether these landscapes are storing carbon or releasing it.

By collecting high-frequency data, scientists can build a clearer picture of ecosystem health, greenhouse gas emissions, and how forests and wetlands respond to environmental change. These insights help inform future conservation and environmental management decisions.

Every data point helps tell the story of how our ecosystems breathe.

Patterns of White Spruce Cone Production Near the Southern Range Limit 🌲White spruce reproduction is a complex, multi-ye...
03/08/2026

Patterns of White Spruce Cone Production Near the Southern Range Limit 🌲

White spruce reproduction is a complex, multi-year process that begins long before seeds are released. Research highlighted by Jalene LaMontagne examines how cone production varies among trees and across years, as well as the environmental factors that may drive these patterns.

While warmer temperatures can influence reproductive development, current observations have not yet shown a strong climate-related signal in white spruce cone production. Experimental studies, however, suggest that future warming could affect reproductive success.

To study these patterns, researchers measure tree diameter (DBH), count cones, and identify cone-producing trees in the field. These data help us better understand forest regeneration and how forests may respond to changing environmental conditions.

A fascinating reminder that the future of our forests begins with tiny cones forming years before new trees ever emerge.

Ever wondered what conservation looks like on the ground in Kenya? Join me for a presentation on my study abroad experie...
03/08/2026

Ever wondered what conservation looks like on the ground in Kenya? Join me for a presentation on my study abroad experience, lion research, and the innovative community conservancies helping protect some of Africa's most iconic wildlife. Plus, we'll explore how these ideas can be applied closer to home.


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