The annual FresH2O Partner Event brings together faculty and staff from the 13 Universities of Wisconsin to discuss water challenges and workforce development in Wisconsin with partners from industry, government agencies, tribal nations, K-12 schools, and nonprofit and advocacy groups. Come ready to share, brainstorm and connect!
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
12:30-6:00 p.m.
UW-Madison Pyle Center
702 Langdon Street | Madison, WI 53706
pyle.wisc.edu/
https://pyle.wisc.edu/about/parking/
This is a free, in-person event hosted by the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. Advance registration is required for planning purposes. Deadline to register is Thursday, Sept. 24.
REGISTER
If you RVSP yes and need to change your response, notify freshwater-collab@uwm.edu ASAP to open the spot for another attendee.
Agenda Snapshot
| 12:30-1 p.m. | Check In |
| 1-1:45 p.m. | Freshwater Collaborative Welcome and Keynote Address: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s Statewide Environment Priorities |
| Karen Hyun, PhD, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | |
| 2-3:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| PFAS Priorities and Research Around the State | |
| Working with K-12 Educators | |
| 3:30-4:45 p.m. | Prioritizing Wisconsin’s Water Policies |
| 5-6 p.m. | CONNECTIONS & CONVERSATIONS |
| Enjoy appetizers and conversations with colleagues and potential new partners. |
Session Details
All FresH2O registrants are invited to participate in any of the sessions.
PFAS Priorities and Research Around the State
Learn about the WDNR PFAS priorities for Wisconsin followed by lightning talks from PFAS researchers and time to network.
Working with K-12 Educators
Join us for an overview of the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin Outreach Network and resources we’re working on. We’ll share the Freshwater Collaborative Outreach Guide and some of the resources we’ve developed. Participants will have a chance to explore the guide, share feedback, and help shape what comes next.
Prioritizing Wisconsin’s Water Policies
Representatives from government agencies across the state will participate in a panel about Wisconsin’s water policy priorities moderated by Marissa Jablonski, executive director of the Freshwater Collaborative. Members of the Freshwater Collaborative Water Policy Network are encouraged to attend.
Connections and Conversations
Participants will share what was learned during the sessions followed by time to dive into deeper conversations and connections with potential collaborators. Light appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks provided.