Outdoor Wisconsin seeks to promote the stewardship of the natural environment and a responsible attitude towards outdoor pursuits.

Devoted to the outdoor enthusiast, Outdoor Wisconsin is a half hour weekly magazine series that travels Wisconsin covering a variety of outdoor activities and related projects. The goal of Outdoor Wisconsin is to help viewers understand and respect the natural resources on which our many forms of outdoor recreation depend. By traveling across the state of Wisconsin, the program introduces newcomers to a variety of outdoor activities and provides seasoned outdoor enthusiasts with a vicarious experience when they can't be there themselves.

Viewers are taken to all parts of Wisconsin during all four seasons in an effort to help them understand, respect and appreciate the natural resources of Wisconsin. Segments include hunting, fishing, camping, biking, conservation, wildlife observation, and safety. The cast of the series includes host Dan Small, Nancy Frank, Tess Gallun, Claudia Looze, Tom Newbauer, Debby Wolniak and Tony Wood.

Currently in its nineteenth season, Outdoor Wisconsin presents a vital service to viewers in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. Outdoor Wisconsin is Milwaukee Public Television's most popular local production and consistently ranks, according to Nielsen numbers, in the top twenty of all public television programs seen in the Milwaukee area.

The reason for this unprecedented popularity stems from the program's broad scope. Unlike other outdoor programs, Outdoor Wisconsin is not limited to just hunting and fishing. It goes beyond offering segments on habitat management, endangered species, pollution abatement, and conservation. Outdoor Wisconsin also features topics such as wild flora and fauna identification; the renovation of historic pioneer homes; Native American cultural sites and crafts; and demonstrations of creating a suitable habitat that will attract and shelter uncommon, indigenous species of birds.

Series host, Dan Small: "With such a strong commitment made to preservation of the state's natural resources, it is easy to understand the overwhelming and enthusiastic response of our viewers to the Outdoor Wisconsin educational outreach projects."

Outdoor Wisconsin's commitment to education is a reflection of the values of the show's host. Dan Small is a former professor at Northland College and brings to television a belief that an informed populace is better prepared to evaluate decisions which will have an impact on the environment. With a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sensitive balance of nature, Small hopes that his viewers do their part to help ensure the future quality of the natural resources of the great outdoors.

©2002 Milwaukee Public Television