Join us for a spirited Founders’ Day gathering to celebrate everything we love about our university. Build connections with local alumni as you experience a thought-provoking presentation from fellow Badger Tim Van Deelen, professor of forest and wildlife ecology, who will discuss the impact of wolves on the white-tailed deer population. When Badgers connect, great things happen!
Register by May 8.
About the Program
Enjoy a special presentation:
Wolves and Whitetails: The Growth of Wisconsin’s Wolf Population and Its Effects on White-Tailed Deer
With a discussion on the resurgence of wolves and the ongoing challenges of chronic wasting disease in deer populations, Professor Van Deelen will explore how science informs wildlife policy and conservation strategies. Drawing on his expertise in population dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and habitat management, he will discuss the ecological and human factors shaping Wisconsin’s natural landscapes. Whether you’re a hunter or a conservationist — or simply someone who is passionate about the state’s wildlife — this talk will give you a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between conservation efforts and human interests.
About the Speaker
Timothy Van Deelen is a professor of forest and wildlife ecology and a faculty affiliate with the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. He is an expert in the conservation and management of large mammals in the Great Lakes region, with a primary focus on deer and wolves. His research explores population dynamics, predator-prey interactions, species movement, and the impacts of chronic wasting disease. A certified wildlife biologist, Van Deelen has published more than 100 scientific papers on the ecology and conservation of native wildlife. His work has helped shape wildlife policy and management strategies in Wisconsin and beyond, and he has trained biologists and researchers working in the Great Lakes region and around the world. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Wisconsin Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s Wisconsin Award for exceptional contributions to the state’s wildlife resources, the Beers-Bascom Professorship in Conservation, and the Spitze Award for Land Grant Faculty Excellence from the UW’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. He is a fellow of The Wildlife Society and the 2024 recipient of their Jim McDonough Award for excellence in wildlife management. Van Deelen has advised the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the Wisconsin DNR, providing leadership on management policies. Through his work, he continues to advance scientific understanding while actively engaging with conservation practitioners, policymakers, and the public to ensure the long-term sustainability of Wisconsin’s wildlife.
Additional Information
When you register, please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or require accessibility accommodations.
