Wehr Words: Winter 2025 by MKEcoParks

Director’s Message

Looking back at 2024, we certainly gave a big “cheers to 50 years!” It was a banner year! All our special events broke records. We hosted our first-ever gala - the Pollinator Brunch and held a community celebration in partnership with our neighbors at Retzer. The trails were traveled by more than 200,000 people, a new welcome kiosk was installed, more than 100 trees and shrubs were planted, and we added a second all-terrain wheelchair as well as installed the Ability Corner (adaptive tools available for free to all). Our school programs served more than 8,000 students and youth through school and scout programs and more than 2,300 adults including seniors, veterans, Master Naturalists, and the like engaged in programming. Look for a full year-end report in the new year or plan to attend the Friends of Wehr Annual Meeting and Volunteer Celebration on Sunday, April 6th to hear more in person.

The impacts of last year’s successes will be felt in the next 50 years. Exciting updates are coming in 2025 including a new Stewardship Garage and Service Yard that will securely house our maintenance and land management equipment and provide space for our staff and volunteers to work, collaborate, and train. You can also expect to see improved wayfinding signage to accompany our four colored loop trails as well as the development of a new nature exploration area. By harnessing the power of play, these projects support our mission “to inspire current and future generations to love and value the natural world.

Mark your calendars for our 2025 special events:

Women and Girls in Science: Sunday, February 9, 1-4 pm at Kosciuszko Community Center

Maple Sugar Days: Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9, 12-4 pm

Reptile Day: Sunday, June 8

Brews and Botany: Saturday, August 2

Halloween Haunts: Thursday - Saturday, October 16-18

As we enter a new year, I want to thank you for your support of Wehr Nature Center. It’s the generosity of people like you that makes Wehr a shining community built around a common love of nature. Enjoy this winter in whatever way brings you joy.

In Service, Carly

Conservation Grant Will Help Restore Wetland Habitat

Efforts to restore critical wetland habitat at Wehr received a boost recently from the Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) of Wisconsin. Their $2000 C.C. Besedny Conservation Fund Grant, awarded to the Friends of Wehr in October, will support a new restoration project in the high-value wetland near our southern pier (see map). Healthy wetlands provide important ecosystem services such as flood control and water purification and act as habitats for unique wet-loving plants and the insects, birds, amphibians, and fish they suppor t. Unfortunately, this area of wet prairie and southern lowland forest has been heavily impacted by sedimentation from more frequent and intense flooding and the spread of many invasive species. Major restoration efforts are needed to return it to health.

Volunteer crews have already started removing woody invasives such as buckthorn and honeysuckle from the 1.25 restoration area. We will continue this work over the next 12 months including lesser celandine, reed canary grass, and yellow iris as they emerge in spring. NRF funds will be used to purchase seeds, shrubs, and trees to restore cleared areas with native vegetation. Wet prairie/shrub carr featuring dogwoods. pussy willows, sedges and wild flowers will be restored to the northern portion of the plot, along with a grove of native tamarack trees. The remaining 0.08 acres to the southeast of the boardwalk will be planted with willows, silver maples, and birch to restore our southern lowland forest habitat. I’m hoping this grant will kickstart a larger, 10-acre restoration effort along the southern edge of Mallard Lake. Many thanks go to the Natural Resource Foundation of Wisconsin C.C. Besedny Conservation Fund for providing funding and to Wehr’s invaluable volunteers who continue to work on this project!

Jeff, Wehr Land Manager

Before After

VISITOR CENTER

MALLARD LAKE

Friends of Wehr

On behalf of the Friends of Wehr, I would like to thank you for your support of our 2024 fundraising events, including the sold-out Pollinator Brunch and Plant/Shrub Donations, that will help suppor t Wehr’s vision to be “A Place for all Seasons; A Place for Everyone” for the next 50 years. Please consider other ways to suppor t this beautiful nature destination for current and future generations in 2025: Friends of Wehr Membership Join, renew or gift an annual Friends of Wehr membership (January-December 2025). Membership benefits include: Free parking, discounts on selected programs, a 10% discount on nature store purchases, free Cider Sunday admission, and more!

Nature Store Visit the Friends of Wehr Nature Store for seasonal and nature-inspired items. Open 10 am-2 pm (subject to change). Volunteer Opportunities We are looking for volunteer Food Coordinators to help with food/concessions at our six annual public special events. The coordinator(s) help plan for food with the event committees and coordinate food inventory, shopping, prep work, clean-up, and record maintenance. In addition, we need Nature Store Volunteers to greet and wait on customers, help with inventory stocking, and assist with store decorations. To learn more, contact Carol Howard, Friends of Wehr Executive Assistant. Friends of Wehr Board Members As we continue the celebration of Wehr, please join me in celebrating the appointment of three new Friends of Wehr board members in 2024:

Melissa DeutschDirector of Instruction at Indian Community School

Emily Laak-LoedingEqual Rights Officer, Equal Rights Division, State of WI - DWD

Amy ShambargerTeacher at Marquette University High School

Their amazing knowledge, experience and skills are valued and appreciated.

Thank you to all Friends of Wehr board members who serve as volunteers and give their time, talent and treasure throughout the year. Learn more about our board members online. Cheers to the new year and new adventures at Wehr!

Cindy Lorentzen, Friends of Wehr President

Think Spring! Pre-order Your

Native Plants from Friends of Wehr

The Friends of Wehr Native Plant Sale will be held May 31-June 1 but you don’t have to wait until spring to start planning your native garden. We encourage you to use our preorder process, so you have the best chance to get the native flowers, grasses, and sedges you want (plant availability varies and is not known until delivery). Pre-order forms will be emailed to Friends members and previous customers or you can download the form in mid-March. Contact us at info@friendsofwehr.org or 414 425-8550 to be added to our email list. Order forms are due by Wednesday, April 23

Need help getting started in native plant gardening? Attend our Gardening for the Birds and the Bees program on March 15 to learn the basics of design and plant selection.

2025 Fundraising Events

Native Plant Sale

May 31 & June 1, 10 am-3:30 pm

Ladies Night Out

July 8, 5-8 pm

Cider Sunday October 5, 11:30 am-4:30 pm

Wehr Kitchen Update Due to a Wehr kitchen update project in February 2025, the Chili Cook-off will not take place this year. Look for it in 2026!

Wehr Naturally: Paint & Sip Sunday, March 2, 1-3 pm

Bring your friends for a fun and relaxing step-bystep landscape painting workshop, perfect for all skill levels. You’ll be guided through each step to create your own beautiful scene! All supplies are provided, just enjoy the process. Wine, other beverages, and snacks are included.

Fee: $40 per person; $35 per Friends member. Online registration is required by Monday, Feb.24.

Donors

Thank You!

Your contributions to the Friends of Wehr are appreciated and always used with careful consideration.

AARP

Anonymous

Mary Bard

Anne Bartelt

Jonelle Becker

Carrie Benning

Marsha Berenson

Ed Beringer

Ted and Kathy Bosch

Paul and Pat Brings

Amy Brown

Beth Buretta

Martha Cargile

Allison Carlson

James Cieslak

Christina DeCheck

Karla Geiger

Amy Giovannoni

Susan Gordon

Harold Haase

Kris Hennlich

Wendi Horcos

James Hotson

Vicky Kais

Laurie Keane

Patricia Klement

Jaynie Kutka

Justin and Emily Laak-Loeding

Jennifer Lazewski

Diane Lembck

Amber Lonza

Cynthia and Bryan Lorentzen

Pat and Mary Murphy

Matthew and Nancy Naus

Andrea Ogden

Margaret Pedersen

Joan Polczinski

Craig Pradarelli

Ron and Kathy Bosetti Reese

Donna Rehbeck

Jaden Rose

James Rose

Adam Ryan

Tracy Ryba

Jonathan Schaefer

Cheryl Schwark

SEWISC

Pamela Shefchik

Gary Smieja

Michael Stafford

Ruth Stuhr

Lisa Tomczak

UHG (employee match)

Dave Wagner

Sue Walker

Barbara Wallner

Cari Weber

Wehr Camera Club

Gail Wilbert

Greg & Marilou Wnuk

Nancy Wojnarowicz

ChaZong Yang

Roberta Zillgitt

Katherine Ziobro

Bug Day Sponsor

Terminix

Cider Sunday Sponsor

Evelyn Brandt

Festival Foods

MoneyWise Planning Group

Waukesha County Community Foundation (WaterStone Bank)

Westpoint Financial Group

Cider Sunday Raffle Donor

A&W Hales Corners

Anonymous

Apples of Eden

Barb’s Green House Florist

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

Black Shoe Hospitality

Bluemel’s Garden and Landscape

Board member

Bowlero - Wauwatosa

Breadsmith

Business Name

Central Bark Franklin

Cousins Subs - Hales Corners

Culver’s Hales Corners

Judy Dimmick

Discovery World

Terri Famer

Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens

Friends of Wehr

Galleria Greendale

Mary Gaub

Gordon Food Service Store

Holey Mackerel!

Kelly’s Pot Pies & More

Kwik Trip

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Merle Norman Cosmetics Hales Corners

Milwaukee Public Museum

Moorland Road Golf Center

Open Flame Restaurant

Outback Steakhouse Greenfield

Rosati’s Pizza Franklin

Sherper’s

Starbucks Hales Corners

Sun Bum

Pat Szmurlo

The Bartolotta Restaurants

The Soup Market Hales Corners

Vintage 38 Wine Bar

Vortex Vortex Optics

Waterstone Bank

Wild Birds Unlimited

Zoological Society of Milwaukee

Halloween Haunts Sponsor

Mary MacLaren

Waukesha County Community Foundation (WaterStone Bank)

Wehr’s 50th Anniversary

Diana David and Todd Smith

Cecilia Zettel

In-Kind

Mary MacLaren

El Rey

Kelly Avbin-Beloit

Dave Glenn

Maria Imp

Douglas and Susan Kowalski

Dan and Christine Martin

Kaye Martin

Thank you to Jackie Crivello’s Wild Birds Unlimited for their continuing support in keeping our feeders full and our birds happy. Wild Birds Unlimited located at 4454 S. 108th St. Greenfield.

Maple syrup season is coming soon. Make this the year you boil your own syrup with a tree-tapping kit from the Nature Store. Our hoodies, fleece vests, knit hats, and mittens will keep you warm while collecting the sap. We sell Wisconsin maple products if you prefer your maple treats ready-made.

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetie or self?

We have new beaded bracelets and pottery made by local artists. And our FOW line of lounge ware is perfect to snuggle in as you wait for warm weather to arrive.

Your purchases help FOW support Wehr. FOW members receive a 10% discount. Open daily 10 am-2 pm (call to confirm).

Maple Sugar Days

Saturday & Sunday, March 8 & 9, 12-4 pm

Maple syrup is so much more than a pancake topper.

Join us at our 47th Annual Maple Sugar Days to hear the surprising stories behind your favorite sticky treat.

•Learn how the indigenous peoples of North America created the first maple sugar and continue their sacred tradition today.

•Meet our Maple Trees and discover the science behind their sweet, spring sap.

•Travel back in time to an old-fashioned sugar camp and hear tales of how hardworking folks (including kids) created syrup in the early days of Wisconsin.

•Try your hand at drilling a log and hammering in a spile.

• Smell the sweet steam as we boil down sap and learn how to create syrup in your own backyard.

Iam200yearsold. Ihavegiven19gallons ofsapthisseason.

•Taste maple sugar and enjoy a warm pancake topped with Wisconsin maple syrup.

•Sample a flight of syrup to discover the amazing variations in maple flavors. (additional fee)

•Learn how your actions to combat climate change can help protect this tradition for future generations.

Maple-inspired food and treats will be on sale.

Shop the Nature Store for DIY equipment, books, maple candy, and more!

$12 per person $10 for Friends of Wehr members Children 2 and under are free $5 per car for parking for non-members Register early! Pre-purchased tickets guarantee a space and lock in your hike time.

Limited walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Don’t miss this chance to become part of the magical tradition of maple sugaring.

Important Maple Sugar Days Information

•This 1½ hour program includes an accessible guided walk.

•You will purchase tickets for a specific hike start time between noon and 4 pm. Each hike accommodates up to 20 people.

•Pre-registration closes at 6 am on the day of the program.

•Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable,

Jim Kurovsky

Maple Sugar Days is the perfect outing for your youth group. Groups may register anytime during the event and should bring at least one adult for every five children.

Volunteers

Volunteers Make Events Special

2024 was a banner year for Wehr’s special events. None of this would be possible without Wehr’s talented corps of volunteers. They not only help the day of, but many also serve in leadership roles to help staff create and plan the events. Together we provide the community with fun, educational events that help participants connect with nature.

Maple Sugar Days is a popular way to kick off the rebirth of spring. Scott Cherek, who began his volunteer career at Wehr at this event, writes, “Ah, maple syrup season, nothing quite like it! I’ve been for tunate to volunteer for the maple syrup events since 2010. My favorite par t is talking about making maple syrup, hearing questions from visitors, and seeing the smiles when they taste real maple syrup and sugar. That’s the magic. I’m blessed to see the many volunteers and staff at Wehr every year. See you at the Boildown Station in March!”

Reptile Day in June celebrates all things amphibian and reptilian. Susan Jensen has been volunteering at Wehr for ten years. In addition to her weekly role as a Critter Care volunteer, she shares the critters at many special events. “The critter room isn’t open on a regular basis so having them be part of special events allows for visitors to meet some of them,” explains Susan. “So many enjoy seeing wildlife up close and learning about them. They like being able to pet a snake or touch a living turtle’s shell. It’s great fun to be able to share the critters.”

Cider Sunday began back in 1986 and is one of the largest fundraisers hosted by the Friends of Wehr. This fall festival is planned and led by volunteers with a committee of seven meeting in January to get the apples rolling. Karen Herz has been part of the committee for several years. “Volunteering for special events at Wehr is fulfilling and gratifying. It gives me the opportunity to help connect people to nature, and raise funds for programming. Personally, I enjoy providing educational features in the form of Story Walks and scavenger hunts which I began doing at Cider Sunday and then other events.” We close out the special event year with Halloween Haunts in mid-October. It takes the prize for having the most volunteers and most volunteer hours. From the crew of pumpkin carvers to the electricians who help to set up the special effects, to those who act as characters and hike leaders in the Enchanted Forest, it takes a virtual army to make this three-night event go smoothly and spookily. Kate Kimmel who joined our Halloween cast in 2022 shared “Wehr has really been my happy place, both out on the trails and spending time as a volunteer. I love meeting new people who share a love of nature and giving back to the community. Volunteering at some of the bigger events like Halloween Haunts allows me to give back to Wehr and share it with others, in hopes they find a bit of their ‘happy’ here, too. With such a variety of events and roles, I can always find something that lets me be me – even being a Green Bay Packer-loving armadillo or a sleepy Little Brown Bat at Halloween.”

Essential volunteers also work behind the scenes to set up stations, greet and park visitors, and make sure the event is cleaned up and put away at the end. Nick Grode is one of these behind-the-scenes volunteers. He shares, “I can genuinely say that since day one of volunteering at Wehr I’ve felt like a valued member of the team. There truly is an enjoyable volunteering opportunity for everyone at Wehr.”

Rachel Tepps just began volunteering but managed to volunteer at every special event this year! She comments, “I love engaging with the community while also suppor ting a good cause. People come back to these events every year because they enjoy them and each event is a little different so there are many types of volunteering opportunities. It’s been a blast and I highly recommend it!”

At our nine events in 2024, 892 volunteer spots were filled and over 4,600 hours were donated to serve nearly 4,000 community members. If you haven’t had the opportunity to join the volunteer crew at a special event, make this your New Year’s resolution for 2025. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

New Volunteers Welcome!

Are you interested in finding out more about joining Wehr’s volunteer crew? Visit https://friendsofwehr.org/volunteer/ to find out more and fill out an application. Or contact Mary Gaub, Volunteer Coordinator, at mary.gaub@milwaukeecountywi.gov or by calling 414-425-8550. We’d love to meet you!

WEHR WORDS - Editor: Bev Bryant

Contributors: Bev Bryant, Carly Hintz, Cindy Lorentzen, Mary Gaub, Jeff Veglahn

Scott

Susan Kate

Winters At Wehr Are Not What They Used To

Be

We tend to think of climate change as being a far-away problem; something that affects Polar bears, or our great-grandkids at some point in the distant future. In reality, climate change is happening right now and right here. In 2025 we will be sharing seasonal stories of how climate change impacts nature at Wehr to deepen your understanding of this critical issue and empower you to act.

WARMING MILWAUKEE

Average winter temperature in F (vertical) by year (horizontal) from 1970 to 2024. Source: Climate Central.

Warming Winters Impact Nature

Our Winters are Getting Warmer

It isn’t your imagination. Wisconsin winters are vastly different from the ones you remember as a child, even if you are only 30. Meteorological winter, December 1 to February 28, is the fastest-warming season in the U.S., with the greatest shifts occurring in the Upper Midwest. Milwaukee’s average winter temperature has increased by 7.4° F since 1970 (fig.1) the second-largest rise of any city in the U.S. 2024, the Earth’s hottest year on record, produced Milwaukee’s warmest February with a high temperature of 74°! Explore the data on warming winter climates at Climate Central.

Who doesn’t love a good winter thaw? Wehr’s trails were packed with over 6000 visitors enjoying February 2024’s record warmth and golfers replaced children sledding on Whitnall’s famous hills. Milder winters, however, come with a cost to our natural environments adapted to a colder winter climate. As temperatures warm, we are experiencing fewer days of snow cover which many plant andanimal species depend on to insulate their roots and dens. Lack of snow contributes to ongoing drought, another stressor on ecosystems. Mallard Lake, like other Wisconsin inland lakes, has 10 fewer days of ice cover than in 2014. Ice loss allows invasive plants and animals to spread, disrupts the food chain, causes shoreline erosion, and has other negative effects on wildlife.

New Neighbors Moving North

One predicted outcome of climate change is that species will shift their range northward as temperatures warm. Bird watchers have been thrilled to welcome southern birds like the Tufted Titmouse to Wehr as a new year-round resident. Other birds such as Robins and even Great Blue Herons now stay at Wehr all winter rather than migrating south. But milder winters are also allowing unwelcome neighbors to spread. Invasive plants are favored by longer growing seasons and warmer temperatures, and we need harsh winter weather to hold populations of invasive animals like emerald ash borers and Asian jumping worms in check. Native “pests” like ticks also benefit from our new winter weather. They will be active on days above 50° even in January!

A turtle basks among melting ice, Mallard Lake, 02/27/24

Milder winters mean more ticks!

Warming winters have allowed Tufted Titmice to become WI residents

Maple Syruping Tradition at Risk

Maple syrup making is one of our favorite late winter traditions at Wehr. Our annual Maple Sugar Days event has been held for 46 years but is now held a full month earlier than in 1978 due to climate change. Maple syrup season starts when days go above 40° during the day while still having freezing temperatures at night. The daily cycle of freezing and thawing is responsible for the pressure needed to draw sap up from the roots into the trunk where we can collect it for boiling. These conditions used to start in March and last until April, but now regularly occur in February! Sugar making also requires healthy treesand sugar maples are increasingly stressed by summer heat and drought, damage from jumping worms, and in the future will likely disappear from our woods. To see how maple sugaring and other Wisconsin traditions such as ice fishing are being impacted by climate change, view the excellent stories at Climate Wisconsin

Why is the climate changing?

Climate change is caused by an increase in the amount of CO2, and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. When we burn fossil fuels like oil, gasoline, coal, and natural gas we release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This rampant CO2 accumulates in the upper atmosphere acting like a thick, heat-trapping blanket. It holds extra heat inside our atmosphere causing temperatures to rise and disruptions in our global weather system. Learn more at What You Need to Know About Climate Science.

Actions to Take:

What Can You Do to Combat Climate Change?

The climate crisis can be addressed if we act now. You may not be able to change the world, but you have the power to change your community through your choices.

Learn about climate change and its impacts on our community. Talk about it with the people in your life. Don’t know how to start a conversation? Watch How to Talk About Climate Change for ideas. Reduce your use of fossil fuels. Weatherproof your home and choose energy-efficient appliances and vehicles. Make your yard more sustainable by planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers. You’ll save water, mow less, and create critical habitats for bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Get inspired by Doug Tallamy and consider joining Homegrown National Park. Support conservation efforts at Wehr and other natural areas. Donate, volunteer, and advocate for their protection.

Thank you for taking your first or next step in protecting our planet! Bev Bryant, Naturalist

Maple tapping season is starting earlier due to climate change

Geese flying over a early thawing Mallard Lake

JANUARY

For more information call 414-425-8550 All programs & events subject to change. Parking fees may apply. Happy New Year! The Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails!

Programs offered by an affiliated organization are listed in orange.

Wehr Birders 9-10 am

Little Wonders for Twos

9:30-10:30 am Little Wonders for Threes 11 am-Noon

Wehr Birders 9-10 am Guided Forest Bathing 1-2:30 pm

Wehr Birders 9-10 am

The Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails!

Wehr Birders 9-10 am NatureNauts 1-2 pm NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am

January Program Highlights

Free Parking Thursday

Fridays, January 24 & 31; February 7, 5:30-7:30 pm

Tune up your winter spirit and sense of adventure at Brews and (Snow) Shoes! Sample free one-of-a-kind local alcoholic and non-alcoholic brews provided by the Beer Barons of Milwaukee, then gear up for a winter walk guided by a naturalist. Bring your snowshoes or rent ours (provided 4” snow). No snow - no worries, we’ll hike in our boots and gather by a fire to warm our insides. SPARK! 10-11:30 am Brews & Shoes 5:30-7:30 pm

Fees: $15 per person; $13 for Milwaukee County residents; $10 for FOW members. Reservations guarantee a spot. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. This program is geared toward adults, but teens are welcome (must be 21 or older to consume alcohol). Optional snowshoe rental is $10 per person to be paid at the event.

January Programs

Owl Prowl for Adults

At Grant Park

Friday, January 3, 7-9 pm

Join a naturalist for an evening out with the owls. An interactive program will highlight the habits and adaptations of our nocturnal neighbors. Then we will walk the trails listening and looking for greathorned and Eastern screech owls.

Owl Prowl for Families

Saturday, January 4, 5:30–7:30 pm

Join a naturalist for an evening with the owls. An interactive program will highlight the amazing adaptations of our nocturnal neighbors. Come prepared to walk in search of great-horned and Eastern screech owls. Each child will dissect an owl pellet to discover what owls eat for dinner!

Recommended for ages 6 and older.

Nature Wizard for Families

Surviving Winter

Sunday, January 5, 1-2:30 pm

How do animals survive our frigid Wisconsin winters? Join Ms. Bev to discover the adaptations that help critters live in the snow and cold. Families will work together to design their own winter critter and put it outside to test how well it “survives.” We’ll take a short walk to look for animals and their clues. $7 per family; $5 for Friends of Wehr members Reservations guarantee a space. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

Little Wonders Swirling Snowflakes

Monday, January 6

For 2-year-olds: 9:30-10:30 am

For 3-year-olds: 11 am-12 pm

Bundle tots in their snowsuits and bring them to Wehr’s Winter Wonderland. We will read Millions of Snowflakes by Mary Siddals, make snow art, and eat a yummy snowflake snack. A nature discovery program for toddlers and their favorite adult

Guided Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, January 12th, 1-2:30pm

Unplug, slow down, and de-stress from your daily routine. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, a certified forest bathing guide will lead you through sensory-based invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen your relationship with the natural world. Fee: $35 per person (Includes Parking); $25 for FOW members Online registration is required two days before the program.

Program audience key: Kids/Families; Adults; Special Event

Click on the title of a program for more information and to register.

Community Science Open House

Saturday, January 18, 1-4 pm

Become a Community Science Volunteer and use prescribed protocols to gather and record important data that informs management decisions within our Parks. This open house, hosted by the Milwaukee County Park’s Natural Areas Team, will highlight 2025 efforts including Wetland Monitoring, Bumble Bee Monitoring, Bird-Window Strike Monitoring, Native Seed Collection, and Nest Box Adoption. No fee but register by emailing ParksComSci@milwaukeecountywi.gov

SPARK! Nature programs for adults with memory loss and their care partner

Surviving Winter

January 21, 1-2:30 pm; January 22, 10-11:30 am

Let’s cozy up with some hot cocoa as we learn about the amazing adaptations of Wisconsin’s wintery wildlife. No fee, but registration is required.

Brews and Shoes

Fridays, January 24 & 31 5:30-7:30 pm See page 9

Operation Recon Nature

Friday, January 24, 4-5 pm

Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel are invited to attend monthly walks held here at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately 1 - 11/2 hours, we will travel on the trails of Wehr Nature Center to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings.

Operation Recon Nature for Families

Saturday, January 25, 3-4 pm

Veterans and their families are invited to attend monthly walks held here at Wehr Nature Center. We will have frosty fun on the trails of Wehr Nature Center experiencing and observing seasonal nature happenings. Free but pre-registration is required.

Contact Holly at: holly.walz@milwaukecountywi.gov for questions.

Flow Yoga

Saturday, January 25, 9-10 am

Give yourself the gift of self-care in the beautiful, serene setting of Wehr. Join our special monthly yoga series co-hosted by a Barefoot Haven yoga and wellness studio instructor. Participants at all levels and all abilities are welcome in this 60-minute indoor, vinyasa flow class. Learn more and register at: https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/schedule Fees: $15 per person to Barefoot Haven

NatureNauts

Let’s Play ‘Possum Sunday, Jan. 26, 1-2 pm; Monday, Jan. 27, 9:30-10:30 am

What has 50 teeth, a naked tail, and plays dead? The misunderstood Opossum. Learn about Wisconsin’s only marsupial as we make a craft possum, and take a short walk in search of possum clues. A program for 4 - 6 year-olds with an adult

Fees: $12 per person; $10 for Milwaukee County residents; $7 for Friends of Wehr (FOW) members, unless otherwise noted. A $5 parking fee applies for non-FOW members. Online registration at least two days prior to the program is required.

FEBRUARY

Programs offered by an affiliated organization are listed in orange

For more information call 414-425-8550 All programs & events subject to change. Parking fees may apply.

Wehr Birders

9-10 am Nature Wizard for Families

1-2:30 pm

Guided Forest Bathing 1-2:30 pm

Wehr Birders

9-10 am NatureNauts 1-2 pm

Little Wonders for Twos 9:30-10:30 am Little Wonders for Threes 11 am-Noon

Women and Girls In Science at Kozy Community Center 1-4 pm NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am

Wehr Birders

9-10 am Maple Tapping Workshop for Families 10-11:30 am Maple WorkshopTapping 1-3 pm

Wehr Birders 9-10 am

February Program Highlights

Women and Girls in Science

Sunday, February 9, 1-4 pm

Location: Kosciuszko Community Center Gym

Free Parking Thursday

& Shoes 5:30-7:30 pm

Yoga 9-10 am

Nature 1-2:30 pm

Maple Tapping Workshop for Families 10-11:30 am

Maple Tapping Workshop 1-3 pm

Operation Recon Nature for Families 3-4 pm

Who do you picture when you think of a scientist? Most people imagine a man in a white lab coat who looks like Einstein! Breaking the stereotype of who can be successful in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) careers is the goal of this open-house event. Girls (and boys) can catch the “science bug” through hands-on activities and learn about female STEAM pioneers and their impor tant contributions to our world. Local women from various STEAM backgrounds will be in attendance so young women can connect with a potential mentor and everyone can see that anyone can be a scientist! No fee. Reservations guarantee a space. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.