About the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute

The people of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute (SOEI) address the complex environmental issues of our time. Through courses, internships, and projects that support regional environmental efforts, we encourage student learning in ways that have a positive impact on nature.

Each semester our faculty and staff involve students in projects that require teamwork and the application of a wide range of humanistic and scientific knowledge and skills. These skills provide a foundation for personal fulfillment and professional success and Northland graduates are leaders in government, not-for-profit organizations, and green business.

The SOEI also helps community leaders create positive environmental change. A long-standing project is LoonWatch. Over 300 citizen scientists collect data on Wisconsin lakes by observing loons. These data build capacity for collaboration between students, citizens, and lake managers to work on restoring and protecting aquatic systems. In addition, LoonWatch provides education and conducts research on loons and their habitats.