“For learning about wetlands, the WWA conference has always been more exciting to me than local, regional, national, or even international meetings. The attendance, content, and focus of these conferences for promoting a deeper understanding about the complexities, opportunities, and diversity of wetland issues is invaluable.”
2023 Conference Attendee
The annual Wetland Science Conference
Join other scientists and professionals of the wetland and water community of Wisconsin and the upper Midwest to:
- Share your wetland research, restoration, management, or outreach program;
- Learn new identification and assessment approaches and techniques;
- Hear about approaches to incorporating wetlands into watershed & community planning;
- Discuss the latest in wetland science, planning, and protection issues;
- Look ahead to the future of wetland science and practices in Wisconsin and the Midwest.
This 3-day conference, which draws upwards of 350 attendees annually, includes a keynote address, organized symposia, topical oral sessions, a poster session, working groups, workshops, roundtables, field trips to area wetlands, and great opportunities for networking, learning, and community-building.
2026 Wetland Science Conference
The 2025 Wetland Science Conference will be held February 24-26, 2026 in Wisconsin Dells/Baraboo, WI.
Stay tuned in the summer and fall of 2025 for more updates, including the conference theme, call for special sessions, call for presentations, schedule, and registration.
Who should attend
We invite wetland experts, students, and enthusiasts from the Midwest and beyond to join us. Our audience typically includes:
- Scientists from colleges and universities
- Federal and state agency scientists
- Local government staff and officials
- Federal and state agency regulators
- Tribal staff
- Natural resource managers (public and private)
- Private consultants
- Land trust staff and volunteers
- Graduate and undergraduate students in the natural sciences
- Staff of local, statewide, and regional non-profit conservation groups
- Volunteer leaders of non-profit conservation groups
- Wetland enthusiasts and concerned citizens
- Members of the media
2025 Wetland Science Conference Advisory Panel
Cindy Blobaum, The Nature Place
Dan Collins, Landscapes of Place
Sally GallagherJarosz, WDNR
Sarah Gatzke, The Nature Conservancy
Tod Highsmith, WWA Board
Mike Jones, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Ecology Department
Melinda Knutson, Trillium Consulting
Danelle Larson, USGS: Upper Midwest Ecological Sciences Center
Lauren Leckwee, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program
Sarah Majerus, Stantec
Travis Olson, UW Extension
Eric Parker, Heartland
Susan Schumacher, We Energies
Monica Spaenia, Access Ability Wisconsin
Josh Sulman, Stantec
Pat Trochlell, retired WDNR
Meredith Thomsen, UW-La Crosse
Dreux Watermolen, WDNR
Who is Wisconsin Wetlands Association?
This conference is hosted by Wisconsin Wetlands Association, a statewide non-profit dedicated to the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of wetlands and associated ecosystems through science-based programs, education, and advocacy. We envision a state where wetlands are healthy and plentiful and support ecological and societal needs, and where citizens care for, appreciate, and interact with these natural resources.
Connect with us:
- Become a member (and receive 20% off conference registration!)
- Sign up for our email newsletter
- Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter
“This is a regional conference that has the quality of a national conference. It is a great opportunity
to interact with wetland professionals.”
“Besides the presentations and content of the conference, I loved the community. Everyone was encouraging and positive. I really felt part of a larger group of wetland enthusiasts.”
“High caliber scientific research, high caliber interweaving of science, public, and legislative aspects related to wetlands. It’s not just a ‘think tank.’ WWA promotes and encourages new ideas and new participants.”
“This conference feels like a family reunion all tied together by a special bond—our love and dedication to wetlands. It inspires me and fills me with hope and energy.”
“Many great wetland conservation plans have hatched in the WWA Science Conference incubator!”