River Studies Center
A page within River Studies Center
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The future is water
Bordering the greatest river system in North America, the UWL River Studies Center prepares experts in freshwater science and river futures.
See our work in action..
We have dedicated a half-century to providing students with hands-on experiences studying the health of freshwater systems — rivers, lakes, streams, and more — many located just miles from UWL in the Upper Mississippi River valley. Our leadership, scholarship and outreach activities help sustain, restore and increase awareness of these valuable ecosystems.
Featured story
In the news
Bright futures in freshwater
Posted 8:53 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, 2025
New course will expose students to water careers, tackling contamination issues with hands-on field and lab experience
Read more about Bright futures in freshwater
A lasting investment
Posted 2:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Rada Endowed Fellowships strengthen UWL’s River Studies Center, support faculty leadership
Read more about A lasting investment
Getting their feet wet
Posted 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024
UWL partners with J.F. Brennan, providing hands-on experience in hydrographic surveying
Read more about Getting their feet wet
Interdisciplinary in nature
The precious freshwater resources on the planet and the challenges surrounding them have created an intense need for careers in water. The UWL River Studies Center brings together students and faculty from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to work on freshwater challenges in partnership with state and federal organizations.
Freshwater Collaborative
UW-La Crosse has joined a one-of-a-kind higher education training and research program in partnership with UW System campuses. Through a multidisciplinary course of study across campuses, students will engage in training to address the water challenges facing the world while getting the training to meet future water-focused workforce needs.
