The Lakeshore Nature Preserve offers a rich environment for teaching and research activities—and is conveniently located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Previous projects include ecological surveys, art installations, archaeological experiments, mapping, climate and biology labs, wildlife study, genetic material collections, and service learning.
Why do I need a permit?

We encourage teaching and research in the Preserve but need to protect the biological and cultural resources of the landscape in accordance with the Preserve’s educational mission.
- Permits allow us to minimize conflicts between users, to control unsuitable uses, and to coordinate your project with campus security and restoration activities.
- Permits allow us to share with administration the valuable role the Preserve serves as an outdoor laboratory for teaching and research.
- As part of our stewardship for the Preserve, we archive and share research data about the Preserve. To accomplish this, we ask all research permit holders to submit a short annual report.
Start a New Permit Application
Projects have the oversight of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve Program Manager. For more information, please contact:
Laura Wyatt
Assistant Director, Lakeshore Nature Preserve
608-265-9275
laura.wyatt@wisc.edu