Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center Programs

Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center Programs include environmental education programs, outdoor recreation programs, 4-H camps, other youth camps, and a Summer Camp. The program also offers professional development workshops, conferences, retreats, a Master Naturalist Class, and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Since 1941, Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center Programs have provided a setting for people of all ages to experience the natural world. The mission of Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center Programs is to provide an innovative outdoor experience that connects youth and adults with the research and educational resources of UW–Madison to improve the human-nature connection, support understanding of science, foster environmental stewardship, and engage communities. Upham Woods operates under the Natural Resources Institute of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, which provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. The center includes over 300 acres of land and 4 unique ecosystems, including 320 acres of forested land and a 210-acre designated state natural area called “Blackhawk Island,” and has 14 buildings that offer programming, lodging, and meals for up to 140 people. The site also serves as a setting for undergraduate and graduate research.

Last updated June 22, 2026.