Watershed Institute
for Collaborative Environmental Studies

The mission of the Watershed Institute for Collaborative Environmental Studies (WICES) is to unite the efforts and expertise of faculty, staff and students across disciplines, enhancing the strong liberal arts experience offered at UW-Eau Claire by fostering interdisciplinary education, scholarship and community outreach. Its core goal is for UW-Eau Claire students to develop an increased environmental awareness, vital ecological literacy, a commitment to conservation and sustainability, and a respectful, appreciative, and ethically intentional relationship between human society and the natural world in the Lower Chippewa River Watershed and beyond.  WICES also oversees the "Environmental Science" and "Environment, Society, and Culture" minors at UW-Eau Claire.  More information about both of these programs is available here.

What's Going On at WICES?

Join us for a Planting Fiesta!

The Planting Fiesta has been resceduled for Monday May 14 at 5:30 pm!  You'll be able to learn about the plants that pollinators need and how you can incorporate them into your yard, as well as meeting others who share your interests, at Phoenix Community Gardens.  Bring a trowel to help plant pollinator habitat, your own cup (to reduce waste) for the provided drinks, and a lawn chair if you want to take a break to listen to the bands who will be playing!  The Gardens are located north of East Madison St., at the intersection of Forest and Oak Streets in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  See a map here.  Hope to see you there!  Learn more from the Facebook page!

In the meantime, here is a video about pollinators featuring UW-Eau Claire students and community members, as well as an article from the Leader-Telegram!  Learn more from the Facebook page!

August 11 - Chippewa Valley Sustainable Future Festival

WICES will be at the Chippewa Valley Sustainable Future Festival on August 11, 2012 at the Eau Claire County EXPO Center.  It is a chance to learn about sustainability and its connections to strong economies, environmental responsibility, and healthy communities.  There will be free presentations on food, energy, gardening, and more!  If you are a business owner or represent an organization with connections to sustainability, check out this site for registration details to take advantage of this opportunity to promote your services and products!  More info about the expo is here.

Find out about environmentally-related events and issues at UW-Eau Claire, as well as current happenings at WICES!  http://eauclairewatershed.blogspot.com/