Why Field Notes on Climate

Our climate is changing, but so are we. All across Wisconsin people are looking, learning, and building solutions for a more sustainable future. Field Notes on Climate episodes introduce you to the youth, researchers, and community leaders who are taking action, and companion viewing questions, extension activities, and recommended resources will support you in keeping the learning growing.

Educator Guides

A person with long, curly dark hair leans in to closely examine a yellow coneflower (likely a prairie coneflower or Ratibida pinnata) in a sunny wildflower meadow, with tall grasses and more yellow blooms visible in the background.

Protecting Pollinators from Habitat Fragmentation

Pollinators keep ecosystems humming and our food supply thriving — Ami investigates their vital role.

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A worker in a yellow high-visibility vest walks along a grassy embankment beside large corrugated pipes, overlooking an active landfill with heavy machinery operating in the background.

Composting to Keep Food Waste Out of Landfills

What happens to our trash? Ami investigates how landfills break down waste and how we can rethink what we throw away.

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A person with dark hair in a braid smiles at the camera while holding a clump of rich brown soil. They wear worm-shaped earrings and a khaki shirt, standing outdoors with a green, hilly landscape in the background.

Rebuilding Soil Health Through Regenerative Agriculture

Soil stores carbon and supports ecosystems. Ami meets scientists and farmers restoring its health.

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A person wearing a yellow rain slicker and a small multicolored umbrella hat sits on wet stone steps in the rain, looking directly at the camera with a playful expression. They wear rubber boots and a purple top beneath the open raincoat.

Improving Watersheds with Water Quality Testing

Rainfall and runoff impact water quality. Ami tracks efforts to protect our waterways.

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Three young people smile and work together outdoors, handling a bag of organic garden soil and a black tarp, with raised garden beds and greenery visible in the background.

Youth Changemakers for Environmental Justice

Students in Wisconsin are leading climate projects in their communities. Ami meets youth turning ideas into action.

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A woman wearing a life vest and bandana paddling a yellow Wenonah canoe on a calm lake surrounded by autumn wetland grasses.

Restoring Wild Rice Habitats to Protect Food Sovereignty

Wild rice (manoomin) is vital to ecosystems and culture. Ami explores how environmental changes are affecting this important plant.

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An older man guides a young person as they examine bicycle handlebars in a bike repair workshop, with additional bikes visible in the background.

Biking to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

How we get around shapes emissions, health, and climate. Ami explores how biking and other choices can shift environmental impacts of transportation.

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A person with pulled back dark hair and bangs sits at a wooden table, holding up a crumpled pink fabric garment with a wide-eyed expression. They wear a colorful patterned vest over a blue shirt. Sewing supplies and scissors are visible on the table in front of them.

Slowing Down Fast Fashion with Sustainable Clothing Choices

Ami highlights how clothing choices and “fast fashion” impact our environment.

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Quotation

Field Notes on Climate

“The scientists spoke at the appropriate level and were easy to understand. I think it’s so great to model that it’s important to learn from experts.”

Educator advisor