Hands-On GIS Training for Operation Fresh Start’s Conservation Academy

Last month, the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office and CARPC provided hands-on GIS training for crew members of Operation Fresh Start’s (OFS) Conservation Academy. GIS, a technology used to capture, store, analyze, and visualize spatial data, is an essential tool for environmental monitoring and conservation. The three-session training combined classroom instruction with fieldwork, equipping participants with valuable geospatial skills. 

As part of the training, OFS crew members visited Prairie Moraine Dog Park in Verona, a beloved 76-acre off-leash park. There, they conducted field surveys, mapping key park features such as trees, water fountains, and benches. Using Esri’s GIS online mapping tool, they recorded and analyzed the data, gaining practical experience in field data collection and digital mapping—skills crucial for future environmental projects. 

This GIS training builds upon the expertise OFS members have been developing through their involvement in the Starkweather Creek chloride monitoring project. Supported by a community-based water research grant from Water@UW-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Office of the Provost, this project addresses chloride contamination in Starkweather Creek on Madison’s east side. The GIS training enhances their ability to track water quality data, monitor chloride levels, and engage the community in protecting the creek’s long-term health. 

By participating in GIS training, these young conservationists are not only strengthening conservation efforts in Dane County, but also preparing for careers in environmental science and geospatial technology. As the project moves forward, OFS members will continue to refine their GIS skills and collaborate with partners to ensure that Starkweather Creek remains a thriving, healthy waterway for years to come.