Water Education Resource Center (WERC) Information

Watershed Education Resources Centers, or WERCs, are located in a variety of locations across Wisconsin. WERCs are a resource for all of Wisconsin's citizens, whether they're in school, teaching, or enjoying the state's natural resources for a lifetime of learning. The WERCs provide resources for local communities to help learn about, protect and enhance water quality and natural resources.

The centers are housed at and/or operated through nature centers, Basin Educators, and environmental programs. The WERCs act as lending libraries for water education equipment and curriculums. Many citizen water monitors (for streams as well as lakes and wetlands) sign out equipment from these centers for little or no charge for the monitoring season. School groups often utilize the equipment for class research projects and field trips, and teachers benefit from the variety of curriculum materials available through the WERCs. Some of the WERCs also offer training and/or educational programs in conjunction with the equipment that is available.

A variety of items are available from the WERCs, with some variation from site to site. In addition to water monitoring and storm drain stenciling equipment, many centers have groundwater models and soil testing equipment available for loan.