Issuu

A Place For All Seasons, A Place For Everyone

Winter 2026

Learn about Wehr’s deer in our “Critter Closeup” pg. 8

Director’s Message Cheers to the New Year! As we look back on 2025, we can be proud of the growth we saw in acres managed, volunteers recruited, people of all ages and abilities served, and conservation education not only at Wehr but throughout our Milwaukee County Parks. These successes were possible because of intentional community partnerships that helped expand our capacity to fulfill our mission. One partnership has brought a new face and diverse perspective to Wehr for the next nine months. Please join me in welcoming Joyce Williams, Community Engagement Intern with Public Allies of Wisconsin. Public Allies is a social justice organization committed to changing the face and practice of leadership by recruiting and training talented emerging leaders with a passion for social impact. Joyce is helping us expand our connections with indigenous and Latino populations in Milwaukee through her passion, expertise, and leadership. We are thrilled to have her, and likewise, she is delighted to be working with us. So, what is on the horizon in the new year? We are continuing our signage improvement efforts by installing parking lot signs that make visitors aware of the $5/car parking fee and make it easy to pay from their car via a contactless payment system. Don’t worry, Friends of Wehr members still benefit from free parking all year round. A signage plan is being developed for the trails as well, and we look forward to sharing more as plans unfold. Groundbreaking for the new Stewardship Garage and Service Yard was delayed by unexpected permitting requirements; however, contractors have been secured, and FOW members can expect progress and more details in the coming months.

2003 Boardwalk InterpretiveSigns

Visitors can look forward to the completion of the All-Abilities Loop trail coming soon. This project, started in 2002, illustrates our long-term commitment to being a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds and abilities

There is much to look forward to as we turn the calendar to 2026. Wehr continues to grow and thrive because of the strong community of staff, members, volunteers, partners, and participants. Volunteers building boardwalk in 2004

Please join me in marking your calendar for our 2026 special events:

•Women and Girls in Science - Saturday, Febrary 7, 11-2 pm at King Community Center •48th Annual Maple Sugar Weekend - Saturday and Sunday, March 7- 8, 12-4 pm •Reptile Day - Sunday, June 7, 12-4 pm •New All Abilities Celebration and Open House - Sunday, July 26, 11-2 pm •Brews and Botany & Botany to Brew Workshops - Saturday, August 22, 4-6 pm •20th Anniversary of Bug Day - Sunday, September 13, 12-4 pm •38th Annual Halloween Haunts - Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 15, 16, and 17, 6-8:30 pm Thank you for your support of Wehr Nature Center. Enjoy the season and hope to see you on the trails! In Service, Carly

Friends of Wehr As we move into the start of the year, I wanted to take a moment to thank our Friends of Wehr members, volunteers, and donors for all you give in support of Wehr Nature Center. The past holiday season of giving was our best yet, meeting our goal to raise $10,000 through the Early Giving Day and Giving Tuesday campaign, which supports two initiatives close to our hearts: education and trail access for all. Special thanks to Betty A. Storey for her matching contribution. With this support, we will be able to finish the new boardwalk extension and provide more than 1,000 students with hands-on outdoor learning experiences through the Kids in the Park fund. As a reminder, there are many ways to support Friends of Wehr. Donations, memorial gifts, memberships, and Nature Store purchases all provide financial support for hands-on nature education programs for children, accessibility, natural areas management, and more. Please join us in marking your calendars for the following upcoming Friends of Wehr events. Native Plant Sale Saturday and Sunday, May 30 & 31

Mid-Summer Night Market Tuesday, July 7 (formerly Ladies Night Out). This event will feature sustainability-minded, small-business owners topped off with food trucks and a beautiful natural setting you won’t want to miss.

40th Anniversary of Cider Sunday Sunday, October 4.

Opportunity Notice: The Cider Sunday Committee is seeking two new co-chairpersons to help us create a vibrant new future for the event. Contact Sophia.Detweiler@milwaukeecountywi.gov for more information.

Think Spring! Pre-order Your Native Plants from Friends of Wehr The Friends of Wehr Native Plant Sale will be held on May 30th and 31st, but you don’t have to wait until spring to start planning your native garden. We encourage you to use our pre-order process, which gives you 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 in mid-March, or you can download the form. Need help getting started in native plant gardening? Attend our Gardening for the Birds and the Bees program on March 21 to learn the basics of design and plant selection. Contact us at info@friendsofwehr.org or 414 425-8550 to be added to our email list. Order forms are due by Wed., April22.

Gardening for the Birds and the Bees Saturday, March 21

Gardening with native plants is a fun and beautiful way to improve the health of pollinators, birds, AND yourself. With a few basic tools and information, you can create a stunning garden that cares for the earth. Choose one or both of the sessions. Reservations guarantee a space. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

Introduction to Native Gardening for Beginners 9:30 am-noon

Do you want to plant a native garden but don’t know how to start? Learn the importance of native plants and how to use them to attract and support wildlife, birds, and insects to your garden in a way that fits your time and space. Fee: $10 per person; $8 for Friends of Wehr members

Landscaping with Native Plants 12:30-3 pm

Would you like some expert help designing your native plant project? Gardeners of all levels can learn techniques that will create a successful planting that fits their landscaping goals. Please bring photos of your garden space, information about soil type, and a sketch of your “dream” for your space, and our experts will guide you. Fee: $15 per person; $10 for Friends of Wehr members

Donors Thank You!

Your contributions to the Friends of Wehr are appreciated and always used with careful consideration. Mary Bard Marsha Berenson Julie Berkopec Jeanne Bieser Joseph Bridson Rebecca Carpenter Linda Curtis Judith & Terry Fons Rhonda Giesfeldt Jean Golla Eloisa Gomez Pamela Gotch Mark Grabowski Harold Haase Carla & Jim Hageny Melissa & Dan Hansen Donna Hart Lauren Haydon Stephanie Helm Brandon Henander Gary Kraeger Kristi & William Langen Jan Lyman Stella Mann Jeanne Meyer Don Petre

Vicki Piaskowski Betsy Reinke Ben Rezutek James Rose Adam Ryan Emery Schmid Cheryl Schwark Bernadette Sedlak Swider Kushal Shah Alexandra Steele Betty A. Storey Jerry & Patricia Styberg Christine Szaj Janet Tesch Michael Trudeau Jerome Weis Nancy Wojnarowicz Twila York

Brews & Botany Sponsor

In-Kind

Eugene Szaj

Apple Holler Beer Barons of Milwaukee Blüm Coffee Garden Mary MacLaren Nuevo Mercado El Rey Patterson’s Orchard Tri City National Bank

Outpost Co-op

Bug Day Sponsors Davey Tree Service Safeway

Cider Sunday Sponsors

AON Culver’s of Franklin Engage Franklin and the Tourism Commission for Franklin WI Festival Foods Moneywise Planning Group, LLC Waterstone Bank Wild Ones Natural Landscaping

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.

Halloween Haunts Sponsor Waterstone Bank

Kids in the Park Debra McRae Scholarship Fund for Environmental Studies Anonymous

The Nature Store has what you need to beat the winter blahs. Grab some warm sweatshirts, hats, socks, and mittens before you hit the trails at Wehr. In the mood for staying inside? Our nature-scented candles and wide array of natural history books are perfect companions while you wait for warmer weather.

And don’t forget to stop by to purchase treetapping equipment, as well as sweet local syrup and candy, once things begin to thaw.

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

48th Annual

Maple Sugar Days

Saturday & Sunday, March 7 & 8, 12-4 pm Discover the surprising stories of syrup Meet our Maple Trees and discover the science behind their sweet, spring sap. Visit our old-fashioned sugar camp and hear tales from the past.

Learn how the First Nations of North America created the original maple sugar. Try your hand at drilling and hammering in a spile.

Learn how to create syrup in your own backyard.

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

Jim Kurovsky

Maple Sugar Days is the perfect outing for your youth group.

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

Maple-inspired food and treats will be on sale. Shop the Nature Store for DIY equipment, books, maple candy, and more!

Become part of the magical tradition of maple sugaring.

$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.

Volunteers New Volunteer Q&A and Orientation

Wednesdays, January 20, February 18, March 5-6:30 PM

If you’ve ever wanted to go home feeling the good kind of exhausted - fulfilled, overjoyed, and change-making, I invite you to join us at our Q&A Orientation for New Volunteers. Whether you have a passion for our Maple Sugaring Event in March, are looking for something to do in retirement, or want to contribute to a place you love visiting, volunteering at Wehr might be the right step for you. These evenings are designed to give any curious community member a chance to ask questions, learn about opportunities, and see how their skills and interests can grow here at Wehr. Together, we can continue to make Wehr a place where both people and nature thrive. I hope to see you soon. Open to anyone ages 14+. Walk-ins welcome Please email Sophia.detweiler@milwaukeecountywi.gov with questions.

Bob Housey Honored by SEWISC Wehr volunteer “Buckthorn” Bob Housey was awarded the 2025 Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Council (SEWISC) Sweat Equity Award last fall for his many years of work removing invasive plants. Bob has donated over 1,000 hours to killing Buckthorn at Wehr over the past 13 years and helps educate the next generation of Buckthorn busters by leading students in our Weeds in the Wild school program. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Bob!

Wehr Loses a Friend Wehr lost a long-time friend and supporter with the passing of Jim Barnes in November. Jim wore many hats during his 22+ years of volunteering with Wehr, from FOW board member and secretary, to working with high schoolers on field trips, but phenology was his favorite. His meticulous plant ID skills and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge of plants and birds with newcomers made him an indispensable member of our phenology group. We will miss his patience, quiet humor, and the deep passion he shared for the natural world. Donations to purchase a memorial bench at Wehr to honor Jim can be made here or in person at Wehr.

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 Sophia Detweiler Volunteer, Coordinator, at Sophia.detweiler@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,

FRIENDS OF

WEHR

NATURE CENTER

Get to Know Wehr’s Community Organizations Connect with a community of people who share your passion for nature at one of the clubs that call Wehr home. We’ll feature one organization in each newsletter this year.

Wehr Nature Center Camera Club

Founded in 1982 Meets at Wehr (or offsite) from 9-11 am on the second Saturday of each month. Visit their website or Facebook page to see the schedule of activities What does a camera club do? Club members meet year-round to learn about and celebrate photography. Their monthly session may feature a presentation or photo competition judging (open to the public), or a photography field trip or social gathering (members only). Examples of programs include sessions on wildlife, landscape, and portrait photography, photo editing, and how to take great pictures with a cellphone. Members have taken field trips to locations like museums, zoos, events, camera stores, and photo exhibitions. Who should come to a camea clubmeeting? Co-presidents, Linnea and Ramona, invite anyone interested in photography, beginner or expert, to attend a Wehr Photo competition judging Camera Club meeting and see what you think. “We are a very friendly and welcoming group. Come to a few meetings and join by paying membership dues at any time. You’ll have a chance to improve your photography skills and share with other photographers.”

Photo exhibit outing

What a member says: Vinay, a 10-year member, shared that he has made great friends through the club, and especially enjoys photography outings with this “fantastic group of people.” He will be sharing his expertise in night sky photography at the January meeting. Ramona & Linnea

1st prize photo-Vinay Sinha

©Vinay Sinha

First impressions from a newcomer Sydney, a first-time attendee, shared that she was enjoying socializing with the “friendly and welcoming members” and that it was a great way to continue learning about photography.

Critter Close-up

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Lifespan: 3-5 years in the wild, but 20+ in captivity Favorite Foods: In winter, they browse on buds of woody shrubs and young trees, conifer leaves, nuts, and berries, and even water lilies and other aquatic plants. They prefer acorns, hickory nuts, and corn in the fall to help them prepare for the long winter. Deer have a 4-chambered stomach that is adapted to digest tough plant material. Deer browse their food on the move, barely chewing it as they go. The food is passed into their first stomach (the rumen), where helpful bacteria start breaking it down. Deer finish “eating” as they rest, coughing up food from the rumen to chew again before swallowing it into the rest of the stomach to absorb. Bizarre but true food fact: While white-tailed deer are primarily herbivores, they will consume nestling birds and eggs in summer to provide protein and calcium. Predators: Car-deer collisions are the primary cause of death for urban deer. Coyotes prey on fawns and occasionally adults, especially older or injured individuals. Family Life: Female deer give birth in May and June to one, two, or even three babies called fawns. Fawns stay with their mother for their first year. Afterwards, male fawns disperse and may join small “bachelor” groups of bucks, while doe fawns continue to associate with female relatives. Whitetails reproduce from October to December. Bucks pursue the does in heat, using scents, scraps, and rubs to announce their presence to rival males. They’ll even spar with their antlers to secure their chance to mate! Seeing Deer at Wehr: The best time to see deer is at dawn and dusk when they are out feeding. Winter is the easiest season to track and spot them. Look for them along our woodland trails in winter, especially on the warmer south-facing slopes. Visit in the Fall to catch a glimpse of bucks while they are distracted during rutting season!

Fawns are born with spotted fur that helps them camouflage as they hide.

Tracks & Signs: Look for these deer signs and tracks along the trails at Wehr

Deer droppings (scat)

Buck rub

Deer tracks

Critter Close-up continued Be A Good Neighbor to Deer

Give Them Space: Urban deer are acclimated to humans, but they are not tame! Please give them space and never try to touch them. Leave Fawns Alone: Fawns hide for the first few weeks of their lives, relying on their spots and faint scent to hide from predators. You may see them lying alone near trails, but their mother is nearby and will return. Please do not try to move them.

©Laura Mishefske

Don’t Feed Them: Leaving food out for deer endangers their health and safety. Bacteria in a deer’s stomach adapt to the wild food available during that season. Providing corn, pumpkins, and other feed to them, especially in the winter, can lead to bloating and death. Food piles also help to spread diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease.

Photos by Dennis Miller

Fun Facts About Deer

Super Deer! White-tailed deer are amazing athletes that can run 40 mph in bursts, swim up to 15 mph, and jump 9-foot fences from a standstill!

White-tailed Warning!

Whitetails raise and flag their white tail to warn other deer of danger.

What Nice Antlers You Have! A buck’s antlers are living organs that are shed each winter and regrown during the summer to prepare for the fall rut. The size and shape of a buck’s antlers are influenced by genetics, age, and the animal’s overall health.

JANUARY Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Happy New Year! The Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails!

All programs & events subject to change. Parking fees may apply.

Programs offered by an affiliated organization are listed in orange.

Guided Forest Bathing 1-2:30 pm

Wehr Birders 9-10 am

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

Owl Prowl for Adults at Grant Park 7-9 pm

Saturday

Owl Prowl for Families 5:30-7:30 pm

Wehr Camera Club 9-11 am

Wild Ones Natural Landscapers 1-3 pm

16 Flow Yoga

9-10 am MCP Community Science Kickoff 10:30am-Noon Pop-up Nature 1-3 pm

NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am

SPARK! 1-2:30 pm

SPARK! 10-11:30 am

Brews & Shoes 5:30-7:30 pm

New Volunteer Q&A 5-6:30 pm

NatureNauts 1-2 pm

Wehr Birders 9-10 am

Friday

For more information call 414-425-8550

Wehr Birders 9-10 am

Thursday

Free Parking Thursday Brews & Shoes 5:30-7:30 pm The Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails!

January Program Highlights Fridays, January 23 & 30; February 6, 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 a fire will warm your insides. Come dressed for the weather and ready to hike uneven terrain in low light conditions. This program is geared toward adults, but teens are welcome (must be 21 or older to consume alcohol). Fees: $15 per person; $13 for Milwaukee County residents; $10 for FOW members. Reservations guarantee a spot. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Optional snowshoe rental is $5 per person to be paid at the event.

Climate Change Conversations Workshop 1-4 pm

Operation Recon Nature 3-4 pm

January Programs Owl Prowl for Adults at Grant Park Friday, January 2, 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 great-horned and Eastern screech owls.

Owl Prowl for Families

Saturday, January 3, 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!

Guided Forest Bathing Walk Sunday, January 4, 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. $35 per person (Includes Parking); $25 for FOW members Online registration is required two days before the program.

Little Wonders Snowballs & Mittens

Monday, January 5 For 2-year-olds, 9:30-10:30 am For 3-year-olds, 11 am-12 pm

Bundle up your tots for some wintertime fun. We will read A Snowy Day by Ezra Keats, have an indoor snowball fight, decorate felt board snowmen, and then head outside to create snowy art.

Milwaukee County Parks Community Science Kickoff January 17, 10:30 am-noon Join the Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas Team for the 2026 Community Science Season Kickoff! Learn how you can collect vital data on wetlands, bumble bees, birds, seeds, and nest boxes to help guide park management and conservation efforts. No fee, but register by emailing ParksComSci@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Pop-Up Nature

Nature Signs and Clues

Saturday, January 17, 1-3 pm

NatureNauts Tracks & Scat

Sunday, January 18, 1 - 2 pm Monday, January 19, 9:30 - 10:30 am

A program for 4 - 6-year-olds with an adult Tracks, droppings, homes, and feeding signs are all clues of our wild neighbors. Learn how to decipher wildlife signs and then, weather permitting, go exploring for signs of winter wildlife. NatureNauts will make their own winter track.

Flow Yoga

Saturday, January 17, 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 of all levels and 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 Nature programs for adults with memory loss SPARK! and their care partner

Birds of Winter

Jan. 20, 1-2:30 pm Jan. 21, 10-11:30 am

Snowbirds may head to Florida to escape the winter...but let’s not forget about the Blue Jays, Chickadees, and Cardinals! Join us in appreciating these beautiful birds that keep us company all winter. No fee, but registration is required.

Climate Change Conversations

©Brian Woolman

Saturday, January 24, 1-4 pm

What is the most impactful thing you can do to combat climate change? Talk about it! Having productive conversations about this complex issue can be challenging. Join naturalist Bev Bryant and volunteers from MKE Climate Reality for a workshop on climate change communication. We will review the latest science and positive news about climate action, then learn techniques to make our climate conversations more persuasive. You’ll leave armed with your own climate change story to share. No fee, but registration is required.

Operation Recon Nature - Veterans & Families Saturday, January 31, 3-4 pm

Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired, and their families or Battle Buddies are invited to attend monthly walks held here at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours, we will explore trails to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. Contact Holly at: holly.walz@milwaukecountywi.gov for questions. Free, but pre-registration is required.

Visit with a naturalist to learn how you can become a nature detective. We will teach you what to look for and share tools that will help you explore the natural world in your own backyard. Explore our trails on a self-guided scavenger hunt for a self-guided adventure on our nature trails. Click on the title of a program for more information and to register. Recommended for Age 5 and older No fee or registration required Program audience key: Kids/Families; Adults; Special Event 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 Sunday

Wehr Birders 9-10 am

Monday

Fascinating Fossils for Families 1-3 pm

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

8 9 Wehr Birders NatureNauts 9-10 am 9:30-10:30 am Valentine Maker Space 10-11:30 am Guided Forest Bathing 1-2:30 pm NatureNauts 1-2 pm Wehr Birders 15 9-10 am Maple Tapping for Families 10-Noon Maple Tapping Workshop 1-3 pm Wehr Birders 9-10 am

Tuesday

Wehr Astronomical Society 7-9 pm

SPARK! 1-2:30 pm

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

20 Maple Tapping 21

SPARK! 10-11:30 am New Volunteer Q&A 5-6:30 pm WI Metro Audubon Society 7-9 pm

Brews & Shoes 5:30-7:30 pm

Women & Girls in Science at King Community Center 11 am-2 pm

Wehr Camera Club 9-11 am Wild Ones 1-3 pm

for Families 10 am-noon Maple Tapping Workshop 1-3 pm Operation Recon Nature 3-4 pm

Free Parking Thursday

Flow Yoga 9-10 am

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.

February Program Highlights

Women and Girls in Science Saturday, February 7, 11 am–2 pm Location: King Community Center

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 important 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.

February Programs Fascinating Fossils for Families Sunday, February 1, 1-3 pm

Dig into Wisconsin’s geological past by exploring REAL fossils. We’ll walk a timeline of Earth’s history to discover how life has changed over the last 4 billion years, play with dinosaur models, and create a plaster cast of a fossil to take home. Best for children ages 5 and older.

Little Wonders Nighttime Wonders

Monday, February 2 For 2-year-olds, 9:30-10:30 am For 3-year-olds, 11 am-12 pm

Does your toddler dread the dark? Bring them to Wehr to learn about the creatures that play while we sleep at this daytime program for tots and their grown-ups. After reading Wake-up Kisses by Pamela Edwards and Henry Cole we will turn off the lights and explore a pretend nighttime world with flashlights and twinkling stars.

Sustainable Valentine Maker Space Heart-Shaped Hooves

Sunday, February 8, 10-11:30 am

Looking for a sustainable way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Stop by Wehr to create handmade, nature-inspired cards to share with your loved ones and classmates. Our inspiration is the White-tail Deer whose hooves make a heart shape in the snow. A naturalist will share deer artifacts and provide hoofshaped stampers to get your design started. Fee: $8 per child

Guided Forest Bathing Walk Sunday, February 8, 1-2:30 pm

Unplug, slow down, and de-stress from your daily routine. nspired 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

NatureNauts

Groundhogs Galore

Sun., Feb. 8, 1 - 2 pm Mon., Feb. 9, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Maple Tapping Workshop for Families Sun., Feb.15, 10 am-noon Sat., Feb. 21, 10 am-noon

Nothing beats homemade maple syrup on pancakes! We’ll take you through the process from start to finish at this hands-on workshop. Practice drilling a tree and see how sap is boiled down. You’ll even get to enjoy some sweet treats! For families with children ages 7 and older

Maple Tapping Workshop

Sunday, February 15, 1-3 pm Saturday, February 21, 1-3 pm

Learn how to turn your backyard maple tree into liquid gold from our expert sugar makers. We’ll cover how to identify a suitable tree, the tools and tricks of drilling and tapping, how to safely store and boil down sap, and the process of “finishing off” and storing syrup. You’ll even sample delicious syrup on pancakes! Nature programs for adults with memory loss SPARK! and their care partner Hobbies and Collections February 17, 1-2:30 pm February 18, 10-11:30 am Whether it’s a rock collection or a passion for trains, our hobbies and collections are what make us unique. Bring your favorite treasure and a story for this special edition of show-and-tell. No fee, but registration is required.

Operation Recon Nature - Veterans & Families Saturday, February 21, 3-4 pm

Veterans from all service branches Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired, and their families or Battle Buddies are invited to attend monthly walks held here at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours, we will explore trails to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. Free, but pre-registration is required. Contact Holly at: holly.walz @milwaukecountywi.gov for questions.

Flow Yoga

Learn the origins of Groundhog Day as we dig deep into these cute critters. NatureNauts will make their own craft groundhog that pops out of a hole. Come prepared to go outside in search of groundhog burrows. A program for 4 - 6-year-olds with an adult

Saturday, February 28, 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 instructor. Participants of all levels and 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

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

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

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.

MARCH Sunday

Monday

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

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

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

Tuesday

Maple Sugar Days Noon-4 pm

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am

Wednesday

Wehr Astronomical Society 7-9 pm

SPARK! 1-2:30 pm

Friday

Saturday

New Volunteer Q&A 5-6:30 pm

SPARK! 10-11:30 am

WI Metro Audubon Society 7-9 pm

Session 1 Intro - 9:30 am-noon Session 2Design - 12:30-3 pm

Spiritual Ecology Through the Seasons 9:30-11 am Pop-Up Nature 1-3 pm Free Parking Thursday

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.

March Program Highlights

Woodcocks, Wood Frogs, and Wine Saturday, March 28, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wehr Camera Club 9-11 am

20 Native Gardening

Guided Forest Bathing 1-3 pm Wehr Birders 8-10 am

Maple Sugar Days Noon-4 pm

Wild Ones 1-3 pm

NatureNauts 1-2 pm

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

Thursday

“Wine” while learning about Woodcocks and Wood Frogs. Hike to the pond to hear frog calls, then view the unique shorebirds’ iconic “sky dance” in the oak savanna. Accessible options available; contact holly.walz@milwaukeecountywi.gov or by phone at 414-425-8550. A 21+ event with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks provided. Fees: $20 per person; $17 for Milwaukee County residents; $15 for Friends of Wehr members Online registration is required two days before the program.

Flow Yoga 9-10 am Operation Recon Nature 3-4 pm Woodcocks, Woodfrogs, & Wine 6:30-8:30 pm

March Programs Spiritual Ecology Through the Seasons

Wehr Birders

Sundays, 8-10 am, March-Oct.; 9-10 am Nov.-Feb.

Join us for a morning birding hike led by fellow birders. We meet every Sunday in front of the visitor center. All levels of experience are welcome. No fee or registration is required.

Little Wonders Maple Magic

Monday, March 2 For 2-year-olds, 9:30-10:30 am For 3-year-olds, 11 am-12 pm

Bring your child out to discover the source of sweet maple syrup. We will hear a story called Maggie the Maple Tree by Karen Kerans, hug a maple tree, and taste real maple syrup on a waffle.

Maple Sugar Days

Saturday & Sunday, March 7 & 8, noon-4 pm See page 5 for details

NatureNauts

Maple Magic

Sunday, March 15, 1 - 2 pm Monday, March 16, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Learn about sap, sugar, and syrup from Wisconsin’s state tree – the Sugar Maple. NatureNauts explore the sugarbush, collect sap, and see it turned into real maple syrup. Join us for all the sweet & tasty fun. A program for 4 - 6-year-olds with an adult

Spring Equinox

Saturday, March 21, 9:30- 11 am

Celebrate the Spring Equinox by incorporating the values of Spiritual Ecology, Interconnectedness, Compassion, Service, Reverence, and Reciprocity. Some aspects of our practice will be readings, meditation/guided imagery, time outdoors, exploring quietude, nature journaling, among other practices. This will not only help us to honor the season but also deepen our connection to nature and the world around us.

Pop-Up Nature Spring into Spring!

Saturday, March 21, 1-3 pm

After a long, sleepy winter, the world is waking up! Buds are blooming, birds are singing, and the air is full of life. We will read a story about signs of spring and share the Young Naturalist Spring Scavenger Hunt for you to use on a self-guided walk. Look closely… nature is full of surprises waiting to be discovered! Recommended for children ages 5 and older. No fee or registration required

Guided Forest Bathing Walk Sunday, March 22, 1-3:00 pm

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.

Flow Yoga

Saturday, March 28, 9-10 am

Operation Recon Nature - Veterans and Families SPARK! Nature programs for adults with memory loss and their care partner Maple Sugarin’

March 17, 1-2:30 pm

March 18, 10-11:30 am Join us to celebrate the sweetness of spring. We’ll share stories about the great Wisconsin tradition of maple sugaring and enjoy fresh syrup on a warm pancake. No fee but registration is required. Click on the title of a program for more information and to register.

Saturday, March 28, 3-4 pm

Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired, and their families or Battle Buddies are invited to attend monthly walks held here at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours, we will explore trails to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. Free, but pre-registration is required. Contact Holly at: holly.walz@milwaukecountywi.gov for questions. Program audience key: Kids/Families; Adults; Special Event