The study of limnology in North America began in the 1890’s when E.A. Birge first started research on Lake Mendota here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1908, Chancey Juday joined Birge and, together, these two “forefathers” of limnology enjoyed a decades-long partnership that laid much of the foundation for the freshwater sciences.
The Center for Limnology (CFL) was established in 1982 to continue this legacy and facilitate research, teaching, and outreach on freshwater ecosystems across Wisconsin and the world. We are committed to growing this knowledge base through long-term research, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative science that helps answer important questions about how to conserve our invaluable freshwater ecosystems. Our work reaches freshwaters across the globe, from the Great Lakes and Wisconsin’s inland lakes and rivers, to rivers in Mongolia and lakes in Antarctica.
We know that water connects us all and that our work is often of interest to decision-makers, state and federal agencies, and the general public. Outreach, communication, and public education about freshwater resources are increasingly vital components of our work.
From the Hasler Laboratory of Limnology in Madison and Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction, we engage communities near and far in the science of limnology through media interactions, outreach events, agency and lake association collaborations, community science initiatives and more.
Visit our Institute Profile to dive deeper into our story.
