The Cofrin Center for Biodiversity at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay was established in 1999 to promote education, scientific research, land protection, and community services that contribute to conservation of the western Great Lakes fauna and flora. The program is part of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, providing opportunities for hands-on student learning and research in field biology, ecology, and other fields, including environmental science, water resources, and even art. The Center manages 6 natural areas in northeastern Wisconsin, the Richter Museum of Natural History, Gary A. Fewless Herbarium, and competitive student grants made possible by generous gifts from the families of John A., Austin E., and David A. and Mary Ann Cofrin.
Our Mission
The Cofrin Center for Biodiversity at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay promotes education, scientific research, land protection and stewardship, and community services that contribute to conservation of the western Great Lakes fauna and flora. These activities embody the University’s educational mission and provide programmatic support for the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum and other UW-Green Bay-managed natural areas, Richter Museum of Natural History, Gary A. Fewless Herbarium, and biodiversity-related research projects.
The Center strengthens educational programs at UW-Green Bay by cultivating hands-on learning opportunities for students in undergraduate and graduate courses as well as those participating in internships and collaborative research projects. The Center is a regional clearinghouse of biodiversity information for professional biologists, naturalists, educators, and local private enterprises, forging constructive links between UW-Green Bay, the scientific community, and the people of northeastern Wisconsin.
Come visit us in Mary Ann Cofrin (MAC) Hall, room 212, on the UW-Green Bay campus (see campus map)!