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Dane County Land & Water Resources Department

Education Programs

We offer a wide variety of educational opportunites for all ages and abilities. Check out our program offerings listed below to learn more and reach out if you are interested in a program. We are not able to accommodate all requests, but welcome opportunities to connect with new audiences across the county.

Heritage Center against a blue sky with a blooming prairie in the foreground

Lussier Family Heritage Center

The Heritage Center is the education hub of our department, providing outdoor and environmental education experiences for persons of all ages and ability levels. Visit the website to learn more about upcoming programs and events.

Staff member holding a corn snake with little kids sitting on the floor in front

Nature in Session

Can't make it to our scheduled programs? Our Nature in Session program brings outdoor education experiences to your doorstep. Visit the Heritage Center website to learn more about what programs we offer or to request a custom program or presentation.

Staff member in a stone house in front of a projector screen giving a talk to a small room of people

Department Project Updates

Staff may be available to attend local meetings or workshops to provide updates on department projects. Past presentations have included topics such as conservation careers, water quality initiatives, and agricultural cost-share programs, to name a few.

A group of people listening to a staff member

Field Days & Demonstrations

Staff are available to help with field days and demonstrations that showcase conservation practices on working farms for peer-to-peer learning between farms. Reach out to our Land Conservation staff to learn more.

Staff member using the rainfall simulator at an event

Rainfall Simulator

The Department has a tabletop and trailer rainfall simulator that can be requested for programs and events.  A rainfall simulator is a unique educational tool that demonstrates what happens when rain falls on different surfaces such as farm fields, pastures, and prairies.

Kids in the nature playground in front of a stick house

Junior Naturalist Summer Camp

A full-day, week-long camp for youth ages 6 – 14 based at our Lussier Family Heritage Center facility. The camp is comparably priced to other childcare options and includes engaging outdoor activities that encourage youth to explore the outdoors.

A circle of women with a large red barn in the background.

Event Calendar

We offer educational events, family-friendly programs, field days, and learning opportunities throughout the year. Visit our event calendar to see what is coming up!