What Educational and Public Resources Does the Wisconsin DNR Website Offer?

The Wisconsin DNR website (dnr.wisconsin.gov) offers four main public-facing resources beyond permits and regulations: an environmental education program for kids, a quarterly magazine, DNR merchandise that funds conservation and education, and several contact channels for questions and media requests. All of these are described on the DNR homepage, and none of the page evidence indicates a fee or login requirement to read about or access them — though merchandise purchases and magazine subscriptions naturally involve a transaction.

Environmental Education for Kids (EEK!)

The EEK! program is the DNR's youth-focused environmental education resource. According to the homepage, it is "Brought to you now by FIELD Edventures, after 18 years of support by the Wisconsin DNR." That wording matters: the program continues under a partner organization rather than the DNR itself, so if you're a teacher or parent following an old DNR link, expect to land on FIELD Edventures content.

Who it's for: K–12 students, teachers building environmental units, and families looking for kid-level explanations of Wisconsin wildlife and ecosystems.

How to use it: Start from the EEK! link on the DNR homepage, then browse by topic. Because the program has changed hands, verify that any classroom materials you download still match your curriculum before distributing them.

Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine

The magazine is "published quarterly in spring, summer, fall and winter by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources." That gives you a predictable schedule: four issues a year, one per season.

Best for: Readers who want in-depth stories on Wisconsin conservation, wildlife, and outdoor recreation rather than the short notices found on the homepage.

Practical note: The homepage describes the publication but does not state subscription prices or whether current issues are readable online. Check the magazine's own page for subscription terms before assuming free access.

DNR Merchandise

The homepage promotes DNR-branded merchandise with a clear purpose: "Proceeds support conservation and environmental education in Wisconsin." If you want to support the department's education work beyond paying license fees, this is the direct route.

What to expect: Apparel and similar items sold through the DNR's merch channel. The homepage does not list prices or shipping details, so review those on the store page before ordering.

Contact Channels for Questions and Media

The homepage lists several ways to reach the department, each for a different purpose:

Use the general line for questions about programs, licenses, or events. Reserve the spills hotline for actual spill emergencies and the TIP line for suspected wildlife, recreational, or environmental violations — these are routed differently from general inquiries.

Other Public Resources Worth Knowing

The homepage also points to several resources that sit between education and civic participation:

• Enviro-Nav (Environmental Responsibility Navigator): described as "your guide to environmental compliance in Wisconsin" — most useful for businesses.
• Natural Resources Board: sets policy for the department; meeting information is the place to follow major decisions.
• Conservation Congress: the public input channel for natural resources management.
• Request a Speaker: lets organizations ask for Secretary's Office staff or DNR staff at events.
• Events and Public Input Opportunities: linked from the main navigation for current listings.

How to Decide Where to Start

• Educator or parent → EEK! (now via FIELD Edventures).
• Reader wanting depth → Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine; confirm subscription terms first.
• Want to support conservation financially → DNR merchandise.
• Business needing compliance help → Enviro-Nav.
• Want a voice in policy → Conservation Congress and Natural Resources Board pages.
• Just have a question → call 1-888-936-7463 during the posted hours.

One caution: the homepage is a launch point, not a full catalog. Details such as magazine pricing, merch costs, and media contact specifics live on their own pages, so follow the links before relying on any assumption about cost or access.