Burke Center for Ecosystem Research

04/30/2026

ICYMI: The Burke Center had the honor of hosting Governor Tony Evers last week as he visited the Keystone Bluff Restoration project on North Fish Creek. The visit was part of the governor's statewide Earth Week tour. Link to full-length video in the comments.

04/28/2026

Today Executive Director Peter Annin gave the keynote address to ~1,000 people at the Arizona Water Association's annual conference in Phoenix. The Colorado River is in a world of hurt, but potable water recycling can help stretch shrinking water supplies, and Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson are making noteworthy investments in potable reuse.

As Peter's book Purified --and the pictured drought map--make clear, water tension is not just limited to the Southwest, which is why communities throughout the Sunbelt are investing in potable water recycling. Wastewater is too valuable to waste anymore.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 💦 🍃 We had the honor of giving Governor Tony Evers and 73rd District Rep. Stroud a tour of the Keystone Bluff restoration site on North Fish Creek as part of the governor's tour of Wisconsin. Thanks to WDIO for covering the visit. Story at link in the comments.

We're grateful to be able to continue to do great work with our state, federal, Tribal and local partners to care for the land and water of the Lake Superior Basin and beyond- not just for Earth Day, but every day.

04/01/2026

Scientists say water can be 100% clean… our brains say ‘Wasn’t there a cockroach involved once?’ 💧🪳

As part of their series on the world's dwindling water supply, Executive Director Peter Annin recently spoke about some of the history of water recycling on NPR science podcast Short Wave.

Would you drink recycled wastewater? It could be a solution to the global water crisis. But not everyone is ready to jump onboard. They say it’s not technology that’s keeping more cities from recycling their wastewater, but psychology. Experts call this resistance “the yuck factor.” We chat ...

02/09/2026

Did you hear? The Burke Center is now accepting applications for our 2026 Summer Research Internships.

Internships are for undergraduates, recent college graduates, or graduate students to work on projects that provide a high-impact experience through hands-on practical application. Interns are involved in a wide range of interdisciplinary research projects focusing on the Lake Superior region and beyond.

Learn more at: https://www.burkectr.org/internships

➡️Application deadline: February 20, 2026

And- stop by and see us tomorrow between 1-5pm at UW-Stevens Point All-Major and Internship Expo and Thursday 10am-12pm at the University of Minnesota Duluth All Majors Career Fair.

01/15/2026

The Burke Center is excited to kick off the new year with the release of our latest video sharing the story of sediment reduction efforts to date in North Fish Creek, featuring our latest project at the Keystone bluff.

This project was funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative via the Great Lakes Commission Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program.

12/03/2025

💧 Keep the Momentum Going! 💧

We’re making waves this —but we still need your help to reach our $10,000 goal!

Your support funds living wages, mentorship, and training for summer researchers at the Burke Center, giving them hands-on experience in water science and ecosystem research.

"My summer experience has furthered my passion for advancing ecological research and environmental protection, and for that, I am most thankful." — Summer 2025 Researcher

✅ $10,000 = 1 full-time summer researcher
✅ Every contribution brings us closer to this goal!

👉 Donate here: https://www.burkectr.org/support
👉 Share this post to spread the word!

12/02/2025

💧Make Waves This ! Help Us Invest in Future Leaders at the Burke Center 💧

Water connects us all—and so does opportunity. This , we’re raising $10,000 to support students and emerging professionals through our Summer Research Program.

Last summer, the Burke Center hosted six summer researchers, providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and career-building skills in water science and ecosystem research. Your contribution will help us continue this vital work for next summer’s group of researchers.

Why it matters:
"The experiences I have been involved in this summer have expanded my professional portfolio and developed irreplaceable skills that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Reflecting on all I have done this summer, I am confident that I have developed immensely both as a scientist and as a person." — Summer 2025 Researcher

Our Goal: $10,000
Your contribution will help us:
✅ Fund living wages for summer technicians working on diverse research projects
✅ Provide training and mentorship in science translation and communication
✅ Expand access to careers that protect our most precious resources

$10,000 supports one full-time summer researcher. Every contribution brings us closer to this goal!

👉 Donate here: https://www.burkectr.org/support
👉 Share this post to spread the word!

Thank you for helping us invest in tomorrow’s environmental champions. 💙

11/25/2025

Looking for something to watch while gathered with family this week? Check out the latest episode of the Emmy winning series Into The Outdoors TV that aired this month to help kids learn more about careers in the Great Lakes. We had a great time being part of it and are thankful to the Wisconsin Department of Administration Coastal Management Program for the opportunity to share our stories. Check it out!

https://youtu.be/5O6YQQpY1Y4?si=2dCwm4oAVVodOt16

11/12/2025

Thank you Ashland Daily Press for sharing more about our latest restoration work on North Fish Creek.

Not many people can say they rerouted a waterway.