Wehr Words: Spring 2026 by MKEcoParks

A Place For All Seasons, A Place For Everyone

Meet Wehr’s Turkey Neighbors

Director’s Message

Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know”?

The team at Wehr recently explored just that. Led by faculty emeritus, Deb Wisniewski from DePaul University, and in partnership with the staff from the Friends of Wehr, and Milwaukee County Parks, the team spent January 27th mapping Wehr’s relationships as we learned about asset-based community development. It was AMAZING to see the quiet ways in which our team’s network of individuals, associations, and institutions has and continues to power our Nature Center. The workshop validated a thought we have long known:

“Communities are stronger when people have a relationship with each other.”

From program partners to funders to volunteers and members, we are stronger when we work together. With this compiled information, we are looking forward to growing our existing relationships and strategically growing new ones.

Trail Use Survey Holds Surprises

Did you know that 40% of the visitors to Wehr Nature Center may never step into the Visitor Center?

Our 2025 Trail Use Survey revealed that many of the visitors to Wehr may not know about our engaging programs, animal ambassadors, welcoming staff, or beautiful rentable space because they have never come inside the building!

Thank you to the 168 people who responded to the survey, which asked visitors about how they use our trails and signs. It provided invaluable feedback that will inform future signage improvements.

Some survey highlights

•Visitors overwhelmingly come to Wehr to (1) view wildlife, (2) exercise, and (3) relax.

•Visitors prefer wayfinding markers with maps that say “you are here”, and arrows with written directions such as “To Waterfall.”

•There is a preference for changeable signs, printed (or tactile) and non-digital, with the exception of the occasional QR code.

•Visitors wish to know more about the natural history of the land and current land stewardship efforts.

While this work will be ongoing into the following year, you can support our efforts by making a donation to the Friends of Wehr if you can or by attending a program. Wehr Nature Center is funded by Milwaukee County Parks and supported by Friends of Wehr. Nearly 70% of income generated by the Center is through naturalist-led programs and events. And, boy do we have a great lineup of spring programs! From Birding by Ear, to Woodcocks and Wine, to Frog Frolics and Reptile Day. There is something for everyone at Wehr this spring.

In Service,

Carly Hintz

BioBlitz Open House In Partnership with the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) Public Open House, Saturday, June 13, 10 am-3 pm

Ready, set, COUNT! Wehr and Whitnall Park will be the center of a scientific search for species during the 11th Annual MPM BioBlitz. Scientists will work together to identify as many plants, animals, and fungi as possible within the park during the 24-hour event.

The public is invited to participate in this celebration of biodiversity during the BioBlitz Open House. The Milwaukee Public Museum, Wehr Nature Center, and partnering organizations will offer hands-on activities and guided walks around Wehr while scientists are in the field counting. Please check Wehr’s BioBlitz page frequently for updates on offerings and the schedule of events. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to see science in action.

Free and open to people of all ages and abilities! No registration or parking fee required.

This is an accessible event. Contact us about available adaptive equipment that empowers people of all abilities to get out and enjoy nature.

Example of exhibit panel with tactile elements

Friends of Wehr

Welcome our new Director of Operations and Board Member/Vice President

Join us in welcoming our new Director of Operations, Melissa Hoppe, and new Board Member and Vice President, Jim Gorski. We are excited to have their expertise, energy, and leadership supporting the important work of Friends of Wehr and the Wehr Nature Center community.

Friends of Wehr Director of Operations Melissa Hoppe brings more than seven years of experience leading operational strategy, finance, and team management within nonprofit and community-focused organizations. She will oversee daily operations, manage financial and risk planning, develop internal policies, supervise staff, and support our fundraising efforts.

Friends of Wehr Board Member and Vice President Jim Gorski has spent 37 years working in the information technology field after graduating from Marquette. Jim has enjoyed spending time at Wehr with his grandchildren as they participated in youth programs, and volunteering as a Master Gardener at both Wehr and the Greendale Community Garden since 2022.

Wishing you a happy spring filled with the beauty of nature at Wehr.

Sincerely,

Cindy Lorentzen, Friends of Wehr President

Mid-Summer’s Night Market

(formerly Ladies Night Out)

Tuesday, July 7, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Relax at our outdoor event featuring food trucks and sustainability-minded, small-business vendors offering jewelry, clothing, desserts, handmade cards, whimsical yard art, and much more. A fantastic raffle with vendorsupplied items will support the Friends of Wehr as they help expand accessible, inclusive programming and restoration of natural areas.

Friends

of Wehr

Native Plant Sale Fundraiser

Saturday and Sunday, May 30 & 31, 10 am to 3:30 pm

Whether you want to help support monarchs, pollinators, birds, or just brighten up your garden, the Friends of Wehr Native Plant Sale has just what you need. The over 100 different plant choices offer a rainbow of colors and perennial bloom times from spring through fall, and options suitable for sun, shade, wet, and dry. Not sure what to choose? Our popular Pollinator Party Pack and new Prairie Bee Pack are trays of 16 plant plugs selected to get your native garden off to a successful start. Visit our Native Plant Sale website to learn more about what’s new in 2026 and for information about our plant offerings. Don’t forget to include grasses and sedges in your plans. They’ll support your flowers, add texture and shades of green to your garden, and provide food and shelter for many pollinators and birds. Plant availability from our grower can be limited. Pre-orders are filled before the in-person sale, giving you the best chance of receiving your desired plants. Download a pre-order form and return it by April 22.

Donate a Plant to Help Nature at Wehr

You can support restoration efforts by donating plant(s) through your pre-order or in-person purchase. The bees, birds, and other wildlife at Wehr will thank you (and we will too)!

WEHR WORDS - Editor: Bev Bryant

Contributors: Jeff Veglahn, Carly Hintz, Cindy Lorentzen, Brooke Gilley

Donors

Thank You!

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

Anonymous

Adalynn Andersen

Jane Austin

Shaw Amick

Michael Babby

Jon Balcerak

Miriam Bartz

Randy Bebeau

Ed Beringer

Gregory Boicourt

Donna Braunreiter

Ken Buchholz

Michael Buran

David Carlson

Patricia Chung

Marie & Dave Cimpl

GG Cofta

Dawn Crowbridge

Tom & Monica Diamond

Cathy Drexler

Kristine Evans

Ralph Faja

Ted Faust

Kathy Fisenne

Christine Furness

Lawrence Gold

Eli Gonzalez-Rehorst

Harold Haase

Michelle Herro

Margaret Hirschfeld

Melissa Holwell

Martha Honetschlager

C Howard

Diane Jerschefske

Christopher Johnson

Karen Johnson

Elizabeth Karron

Jarod Kelly

Mary Kay Kelly

Jane Kesting

Lisa Khalid

Paul Kinzer

Robert Koebert

Michael Konkol

Charles Kopplin

Jean Kovac

Mary Koziboski

Emily Krueger

Christopher Kurth

David Larson

Jayne Larson

Daniel Martin

Dennis McCormack

Laura McIntyre-Kelly

Debra McRae

Sharon Mertens

Jeanne Meyer

Michelle’s Action Angels

Fred Mikolajewski

Jane Miller

Suzanne Miller

Jerry Nagl

Carol Nelson

Mary Netzer

Susan Niescior

Sandy Nuhn

Richard Ognenoff

Georgiana Orthaus

Gayle Pawlak

Cindy Pepper

Robert Picchiottino

Marty Posekany

Mary Jo Rademacher

Ronald Rebernick

Diane Reed

Marilyn Reedy

Kathleen Reese

Carla Roden

James Schroeder

Jerry Schubert

Lynn Scott

Joan Semrad

Elizabeth Simon

Rostyslav Snihirov

Dave Soike

Elizabeth Stabbe-Koplinski

Jennifer Stauffacher

Lara Steinbach

Ed Stelmachowski

Tom Stock

Jessica Suhr

Robert Surprenant

Maria Swader

Donna Thompson

Michael Trudeau

Rose Mary Walecki

Barbara Wallner

Todd Weiler

Dennis Wentland

Gail Wilbert

Scott Wittig

Nancy Wojnarowicz

Gisela Zelenka-Drysdale

Shen Zhang

Giving First

Ed and Dawnn Behrendt

Ed Beringer

Robert Bladorn

Ted & Kathy Bosch

Christine Double

Kimberly Jacobson

Emily Laak-Loeding

Jennifer Lazewski

Cynthia Lorentzen

Kaye Martin

Lisa Miller

Michele Mitchem

Jan Raz

Dean Roth

Marilyn Runge

Stephanie Simmons

Deanna Sommerfeld

David & Sarah Stokes

Betty Storey

Barb Wallner

John Wierschen

Chris Zietler

Debra McRae

Environmental Science Scholarship

Gary Brummeyer

Hannah Burczyk

Mary MacLaren

Ron Rebernick

Women and Girls in Science sponsor

We Energies Foundation, Inc.

Jim Barnes Memorial

Breeann Behrendt

Marsha Berenson

Catheryn Brue

Mary Cywinski

Charles Fleming

Pat Fojut

Mary Gease

Karen Kerans

Susan Knapp

Kim Krueger

Jerry & Mary Mudlaff

Carol O’Dell

Jeffrey Veglahn

Marilyn Weyher

Gary Brummeyer

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.

Spring is just around the corner, and the Friends of Wehr Nature Store has a wonderful selection of items to help you welcome the season! If you’re dreaming of gardening, stop in to browse our native seed packets, perfect for creating pollinator-friendly spaces at home. We also have a thoughtful collection of nature-themed books for all ages, great for learning more about the plants, animals, and ecosystems

And if you’re looking for a way to show your love for the nature center, check out our T-shirts and apparel—perfect for spring hikes and outdoor adventures.

Volunteers

Great Whitnall Park Clean-up

Saturday, April 25, 10 am-1 pm

Join us to make an impact at Wehr Nature Center and throughout Whitnall Park by joining the Great Whitnall Park Clean-up. We will provide gloves, bags, and buckets for the clean-up, but feel free to bring your own. Together, we can make a huge difference in the health of our environment. Please register by emailing Sophia.Detweiler@milwaukeecountywi.gov, so we have your supplies ready. This program is open to all ages and abilities. If you’d like to request accommodations, please contact our Access & Inclusion Coordinator Emily Brown at Emily.Brown@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

Join Our Pull-a-Thon Team and Combat Invasives

The Nature Center’s beautiful wildflowers need your help. Invasive weeds like garlic mustard and Dame’s rocket threaten to crowd them out of our wetlands and woods. Help us fight back this spring by joining our Pull-a-Thon team.

Sponsored by the Southeast Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium (SEWISC), a Pull-a-Thon is a friendly competition and fundraiser that brings people together to help the environment. The goal is to pull as much garlic mustard and Dame’s rocket as possible by the end of June and raise funds to support the work of SEWISC.

We need your help to reach our goals. Volunteers are invited to join Wehr’s STEW Crew on Wednesday mornings from 9-11 am. Do you know a corporate or church group, or another team that would be interested in helping? Contact Jeff Veglahn at jeffrey.veglahn@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

New Volunteer Open House Orientation

April 15, May 19, June 11, 5-6:15 pm

Interested in joining our fantastic volunteer force? Attend an Open House Orientation. We will discuss volunteer opportunities (it’s a lot more than weeding!), tour the Nature Center, and find a role that speaks to you, whether it’s once a year or once a month. We would love to see you there! Open to anyone ages 14+. Walk-ins welcome Please email Sophia.detweiler@milwaukeecountywi.gov with questions.

Land Management Update

Land management staff and volunteers have been busy this winter removing invasive woody species, such as common and glossy buckthorn, honeysuckle, and Asian Bittersweet. Volunteers have cleared buckthorn along the Blue/Woodland trail and the western part of the woodlands near the ephemeral pond. We’ve also been working to clear out invasive species from the woods between our main prairie and our beach (Gentian) prairie along Mallard Lake. Woody invasives are cut, and an herbicide is applied to the stump to kill the roots. The resulting piles of cut stems act as wildlife shelters until they are dry enough to burn.

The most drastic change is occurring in the wetland along Warbler Bridge. Work in this area began in 2025, supported by funds from SEWISC and the National Resource Foundation. For 2026, we’ve expanded work thanks to a grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation. The funds will help restore this southern lowland forest to improve American Beaver habitat. The work will include removing woody invasive species from a 1.25-acre area and then planting hundreds of native trees to restore the area’s canopy.

We are also excited to attend the 2026 North American Congress for Conservation & Restoration happening in Milwaukee in July. This national conference is combining the Society for Conservation Biology North America and the Society for Ecological Restoration for a week of learning and networking. If you are interested, more information can be found on their website.

Cub Scout Group

Wild Ones Natural Landscapers

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.

Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Southwest/Wehr Chapter

Founded in 1991

Meet at Wehr on the second Saturday of the month (Oct. through April) from 1-3:30 pm

Visit their website or Facebook page to see the schedule of activities

What do the Wild Ones do?

The Wild Ones, Southwest/Wehr is a knowledgeable and supportive community dedicated to connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, Wild Ones works to create healthier landscapes for nature and people.

Programs from October through April include presentations on native plant landscape design; woodland, prairie, wetland, and savanna plant communities; how native plants support wildlife; native plant propagation, and more. These programs are free and open to the public. From May through September, there are monthly tours of native landscaped yards and local natural areas for members.

Additional benefits of membership include a 30% discount on native plants from Johnson’s Nursery each June, access to virtual programs offered by Wild Ones National, and access to resources from the Wild Ones library.

Who should come to a Wild Ones meeting?

What a member says:

“You don’t need to be a homeowner,” shared Chapter President Jo Ann Fritz. “If you have a passion and love for the land and a desire to take positive actions, Wild Ones is for you.” Vice President Deb Ciszewski emphasized, “Wild Ones is not just about what we do in our yards. We are out tabling at events to educate the public, supporting school yard gardens, and advocating for natural gardens in communities. If you care for the Earth, you’ll find like-minded people who share your values here.”

Member Ted Porada discovered Wild Ones over 30 years ago when looking to create habitat for birds in his yard. “I’ve learned so much from guest speakers, seeing other people’s yards, and having experienced members mentor me.

©Ryan Brady

Critter Close-up

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Lifespan: averages 3-5 years, but can live to 10 or more

Favorite Foods: Diet varies by season; acorns, nuts, seeds, and berries fall to early spring; grass/sedge seeds, arthropods in summer, and fern fronds and evergreen buds when there is snow.

Predators: Egg and poult (baby turkey) predators include skunks, raccoons, opossums, foxes, coyotes, and rodents. Great horned owls, hawks, and coyotes hunt adults.

Family Life: Females (hens) choose who to mate with by watching males (toms) elaborate dancing and gobbling during a March to May mating season. Older, dominant toms mate with multiple females, often with the support of their brothers. Hens make a ground nest of leaves in the woods, laying 8-15 eggs over two weeks. Poults hatch after 28 days and are ready to follow the hen within hours of hatching. Hens gather their poults together in large bands over the summer. These female flocks stay together all year, while males form bachelor flocks of their own. Turkeys have over 30 vocalizations, including purrs, clucks, and gobbles!

Look for these turkey signs along Wehr’s trails

Turkey droppings

Seeing Turkeys at Wehr:

Look for turkeys feeding during the mid-morning and afternoon. They are easy to see during the mating season when toms use open areas around Wehr to display to females. They are quiet and secluded during summer, but you may see them feeding in the prairie. During the winter, turkeys often gather by our building and bird feeders for warmth and food. Walk through our woodlands at sunset to see them flying up to roost in large trees for the night.

Fun Facts About Wild Turkeys:

Super Turkeys: They look bulky, but turkeys can move fast. In bursts, they can run 25 mph and fly over 55 mph! They can even swim.

A Very (North) American Bird: The Wild Turkey is native to 49 US States and parts of Mexico. Turkeys were domesticated by the Aztecs in 800 BC. What Nice Feathers You Have: Turkeys have 5000-6000 feathers. They replace all of them each summer.

Be A Good Neighbor to Turkeys

Practice Patience in Spring: From March to May, Tom turkeys have love on their minds. They are highly territorial and will attack anything they think is another male turkey, including their own reflections in your window, car doors, or hub caps! They may even mistake your legs, dog, or child for a turkey, so it is best to give them space and patience!

Give Them Space: Urban turkeys are acclimated to humans, but they are not tame! Please give them space and never try to touch them.

Don’t Feed Them: Feeding wild turkeys can cause them to lose their fear of humans, which leads to more negative behaviors.

Dust wallow Turkey tracks

Poults leave their ground nest to follow mom a few days after hatching.

Hen with poults photo by John Mishfeske

What is Buzzing with Wehr’s Bees?

Wehr’s honeybee display hive has been a fixture in our Fireplace Room for over 40 years. Generations of children have peered into the inner workings of hive life and been amazed. It has been an impactful educational tool, but in a world where local insects are struggling, our staff can’t justify the resources needed to continue raising non-native honeybees. We’ve made the difficult decision to retire our hives to focus our efforts on supporting our native bee populations at Wehr. We based this decision on several factors: We want to focus on helping our native bees

Honeybees have become the celebrities of the insect world, garnering attention due to their recent struggles. While it is appropriate to worry when we see honeybees impacted by pesticides and other environmental changes, it is equivalent to focusing on the health of chickens rather than populations of wild birds. Domesticated honeybees were brought to North America in the 1600’s to support crops brought from Europe. They are critical pollinators for some large-scale crops, but they are poor pollinators of our native ecosystems.

North America has over 4000 native species, including about 500 in Wisconsin, such as the federally endangered rusty patched bumblebee. Many native bee populations are declining, but their stories are seldom told. By phasing out European honeybees, we can redirect educational efforts toward our native bees. In 2025, we received an $800 grant from the Entomological Society of America to create a field trip for students focused on Wisconsin’s native pollinators. This program will include installing native bee homes and “safe zones,“ along with educational signage.

European honeybees put native bees at risk Honeybees negatively impact native bees through competition for pollen resources. One study calculated that over a period of three months, a single honeybee hive collects as much pollen as could support the development of 100,000 native solitary bees! They can also spread mites and disease into wild bee populations. Having a honeybee hive within our nature preserve doesn’t support our goal of protecting our local ecosystems and species.

Visit the FOW Native Plant Sale to purchase local plants that support bees in all seasons. Pollinator Party Packs and Prairie Bees starter trays are available if preordered by April 22. The Wehr chapter of the Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Ltd., offers yearround programs and mentoring to support new gardeners. Other great resources include Homegrown National Parks and native bee guru Heather Holm.

How can you help?

Learn more about your local bees. One way to do so is to get involved with the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade, which focuses on our 20 species of bumble bees. Attend the MCP Bumble Bee Brigade Orientation at Wehr on June 28 to get hands-on training. This article from the Xerces Society explains the important work of native bees and actions you can take at home to protect them.

Apr-May Virginia Bluebells Apr-June Virginia Waterleaf June-Oct Giant Hyssop June-Aug Lead Plant

Spring Beauty Mining Bee on Spring Beauty

Endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee

APRIL

Programs offered by an affiliated organization are listed in orange

Happy Easter!

Wehr’s Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails.

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

Wehr’s Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails!

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

FOW Annual Meeting 12:30-1 pm

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

NatureNauts 1-2 pm

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

Guided Forest Bathing Walk 1-3 pm Rain Barrel Workshop 1-2 pm

Little Wonders for Twos 9:30-10:30 am

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Little Wonders for Threes 11 am-noon SPARK! 1-2:30 pm

Wehr Astronomical Society 7-9 pm

NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am

Hike for Health

10:30-11:30 am

New Volunteer Open House 3-4:15 pm

WI Metro Audubon Society 7-9 pm

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am SPARK! 10-11:30 am

Bluebirds nesting 2014

Operation Recon Nature - Veterans 5-6 pm

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am Flow Yoga 9-10 am

For more information call 414-425-8550

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

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Presented by Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District Sunday, April 26, 1-2 pm

Learn how to install and care for a rain barrel! In this rain barrel workshop brought to you by MMSD and the Fresh Coast Guardians, participants will learn about water conservation and the many benefits of using rain barrels. Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof that you can use later when it’s dry for thirsty gardens. They also help prevent rain from becoming polluted stormwater runoff, the biggest remaining threat to clean rivers and our Great Lakes. One FREE rain barrel will be provided per owner-occupied household at this workshop. You must live in Milwaukee County (excluding South Milwaukee) to receive a free rain barrel. Fee: Free, but registration is required through MMSD

Frog Frolic for Families

6:30-8:30 pm

Birding Beyond the Feeder: Basic ID 8 am-noon

Great Whitnall Park Clean-up 10 am-1 pm Teen Conservation Club 10-1 pm

Operation Recon Nature for Families 3-4 pm

April Programs

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

Wehr Birders

Every Sunday, 8-10 am

Join us for a morning bird 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.

Flow Yoga

Little Wonders Mud Puddles

Monday, April 6

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

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

Spring is here, bringing raindrops and mud puddles. Toddlers will enjoy the story, Mud by Mary Lyn Ray, fingerpaint with mud, and enjoy a “muddy” snack. We will go on a puddle-jumping walk and make mud pies, so please bring rain boots!

Saturday, April 18, 9-10 am

Give yourself the gift of self-care in a beautiful, serene setting at 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. To reserve your space, pre-register online at https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/schedule. Fees: $15 per person to Barefoot Haven

Frog Frolic for Families

Saturday, April 18, 6:30-8:30 pm

Calling all frog lovers. Hop over to Wehr and celebrate spring with these amazing amphibians. We will meet some Wisconsin amphibians up close and then stroll to Wehr’s vernal pond to listen for the sweet sound of frogs chorusing.

Recommended for families with children ages 5 and older.

NatureNauts

Crazy Over Cranes

Sunday, April 19, 1-2 pm

Monday, April 20, 9:30-10:30 am

Discover how you compare to Wisconsin’s tallest bird. Learn how to “talk” like a crane, do the “crane dance”, and find out what it takes to raise a baby crane. NatureNauts will make and take home their own craft crane. A program for 4 - 6-year-olds with an adult

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

Earth Day

Tues., April 21, 1-2:30 pm Wed., April 22, 10-11:30 am

Did you know Earth Day has Wisconsin roots? Come learn about its history and what you can do today to care for our planet. You’ll even have the chance to make your own recycled paper! No fee, but registration is required.

Operation Recon Nature for Veterans

Friday, April 24, 5-6 pm Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel are invited to attend monthly walks held at Wehr Nature Center. For about 1 to 1 1/2 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, April 25, 3-4 pm

Veterans and their families are invited to attend monthly walks held here at Wehr Nature Center. We will have spring-time fun on the trails of Wehr Nature Center experiencing and observing seasonal nature happenings. Both programs are Free but pre-registration is required. Contact Holly at: holly.walz@milwaukecountywi.gov for questions.

Birding Beyond the Feeder

Bird ID

Saturday, April 25, 8 am-noon

What was that bird that just flew by? Learn basic bird identification using behavior, field marks, shape, and more, then test your new skills on a hike. Binocular and field guide/bird app information included. Join us for a bonus pre-class hike at 7 am. Accessible options available; contact carol.howard@milwaukeecountywi.gov or 414-425-8550.

For ages 13 and older. Fees: $20 per person; $17 for Milwaukee County residents; $15 for Friends of Wehr members Reservations guarantee a space. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

Great Whitnall Park Clean-up

Saturday, April 25, 10 am-1 pm

See page 5 For description

Teen Conservation Club

Whitnall Park Clean Up Day

Saturday, April 25, 10 am-1 pm

This is the second meeting of our club for 13–17-year-olds who want to meet Earth-minded teens, get involved in their community, and learn about conservation! We’ll help with our Earth Day park clean-up. No fee, but registration is required.

Guided Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, April 26, 1-3 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

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.

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

8-10 am

Birdathon for Birders with Vision

Loss 9 am-4 pm

Guided Forest Bathing 1-3 pm

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

Sedge ID Workshop 9 am-2 pm

Little Wonders for Twos 9:30-10:30 am Little Wonders for Threes 11 am-noon Wehr Astronomical Society 7-9 pm

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

Wehr Birders 8-10 am Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Wehr Birders 8-10 am FOW Native Plant Sale

MAY

Wehr Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails. MEMORIAL DAY Remember and Honor Fridays Afield: Greenfield Park 2-4 pm 31

Birding Beyond the Feeder: Birding By Ear 9:30 am-12 pm

HIGHLIGHTS Global Big Day Bird Count 8 am - Noon Camera Club 9-11 am

New Volunteer Orientation 5-6:15 pm

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am SPARK! 10-11:30 am Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Flow Yoga 9-10 am

NatureNauts 1-2 pm NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am SPARK! 1-2:30 pm Operation Recon Nature for Veterans 5-6 pm FOW Native Plant Sale 10 am-3:30 pm Teen Conservation Club 12-2 pm

10 am-3:30 pm

BIRDING BEYOND THE FEEDER: Birding by Ear

Saturday, May 2, 9:30 am-noon

Would you like another tool to help identify birds? Join us to get started identifying birds by their distinctive sounds. We’ll use ornithological tips and tricks to learn 10-ish local species and share tools to continue learning at home.

Appropriate for ages 13 and up.

Fee: $20 per person

$17 for Milwaukee Co. resident

$15 for Friends of Wehr members. Online registration is required two days before the program.

SEDGE IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP

Monday, May 11, 9 am- 2 pm

Operation Recon Nature for Families 3-4 pm

Sedges are the heroes of our wetlands. Join us at this workshop for an introduction to these grass-like perennials. We’ll learn about sedge ecology, the plant communities they grow in, and how to identify some of the most common sedges found in SE Wisconsin. This workshop includes a presentation, working with pressed specimens and live samples, as well as field identification. Please bring a bag lunch.

Fee: $40 per person (including parking); $35 for Friends of Wehr members

May Programs

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

Hike for Health

Every Wednesday through November, 10:30-11:30 am

Hike along with this group that walks Wehr’s trails together for camaraderie, exercise, and fun. Meet in front of the Visitor Center. No fee or registration.

Birdathon for Birders with Vision Loss

Sunday, May 3, 9 am-4 pm

We are excited to be a host site for the 2026 Blind Birder Birdathon, a global celebration that invites individuals who are blind or have low vision to listen for bird species over a 24-hour period. No experience is necessary. A designated sit-spot will be available, and volunteers will be on hand to lead trail birding walks.

Free event, Please register by contacting Holly Walz at holly.walz@ milwaukeecountywi.gov

Guided Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, May 3, 1-3 pm

Fee: $35 per person (Includes Parking); $25 for FOW members Online registration is required two days before the program

Little Wonders

Seeds & Sprouts

Monday, May 4

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

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

Bring your little sprout to this class celebrating seeds and flowers. Tots will hear the Lois Ehlert story, Planting a Rainbow, and make their own magic seed necklace. We will pot a flower to take home, walk to see spring wildflowers, and enjoy a “seedy” snack.

Friday Afield At Greenfield Park

Friday, May 15, 2-4 pm

Join us at Greenfield Park (2028 S 124th Street, West Allis) for an ecology walk to observe and ID spring ephemeral flowers! We’ll learn about the characteristics of the native plant community as we explore together.

Fee: $10 per person, $7 for Friends of Wehr members Online registration required.

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

NatureNauts

Animal Eggs

Sunday, May 17, 1-2 pm

Monday, May 18, 9:30-10:30 am

Animal eggs come in every size, shape, and color. NatureNauts will crack up for this egg-citing and egg-cellent program. Make an animal egg craft to take home. Don’t miss it, or the yolks on you.

A program for children ages 4-6 and their caregiver

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

Happy Birthday, Baby!

May 19, 1-2:30 pm May 20, 10-11:30 am

You’re invited! Join us for a one-of-a-kind birthday party where we’ll celebrate the stories of human and wild animal babies. Be sure to bring your baby picture and a party hat! No fee, but registration is required.

Operation Recon Nature

Friday, May 22, 5-6 pm

Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel are invited to attend monthly walks held at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately one to one and a half hours, we will travel on the trails of Wehr Nature Center to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. No fee but registration is required. Please register on our website so we may contact you in preparation and in case of cancellation. Contact Holly at: holly.walz@ milwaukecountywi.gov for questions.

Flow Yoga

Saturday, May 23, 9-10 am

Give yourself the gift of self-care in a peaceful setting at Wehr. Join our special monthly yoga series co-hosted by a Barefoot Haven yoga and wellness studio instructor. Participants at all levels and abilities are welcome in this 60-minute indoor, vinyasa flow class.

To reserve your space, pre-register online at https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/schedule Fees: $15 per person to Barefoot Haven; a $5 parking fee is payable at the program.

Teen Conservation Club Topic: Native Planting Saturday, May 30, 12-2 pm

This club is for 13–17-year-olds who want to meet Earth-minded teens, get involved in their community, and learn about conservation! It is a free club, but registration is required.

Operation Recon Nature for Families

Saturday, May 23, 3-4 pm

Veterans from all branches of service - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel and their families are invited to attend monthly walks held here at Wehr Nature Center. We will observe seasonal nature happenings. No fee but registration is required.

Please register on our website so we may contact you in preparation and in case of cancellation. Contact Holly at: holly.walz@milwaukecountywi.gov for questions.

Journeys in Spiritual Ecology 6 – 7:30 pm

Camera Club 9-11 am

Programs offered by an affiliated organization are listed in orange

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

Reptile Day

Noon - 4 pm

Little Wonders for Twos

New Volunteer Open House 5-6:30 pm MPM BioBlitz at Wehr 10 am-3 pm 14 15

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

Snapping turtle lays eggs 2018

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

Guided Forest Bathing

9-11 am

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

NatureNauts

1-2 pm

NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

Bumblebee

Monitoring Training

9:30 am-noon

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

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

Sunday, June 7, Noon-4 pm

Happy Juneteenth!

Spiritual Ecology Through the Seasons Summer Solstice 9:30-11 am

Wehr’s Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails.

Friday Afield 2-4 pm

Operation Recon Nature 5-6 pm

Flow Yoga 9-10 am

Operation Recon Nature - Families 3-4 pm

Teen Conservation Club 12-2 pm

Discover the world of reptiles and amphibians! Meet colorful snakes, wondrous turtles, and unique lizards and salamanders. See dozens of species on display and enjoy a guided hike to look for turtles and listen for frogs. Participants will learn ways to live harmoniously with our misunderstood and scaly wild neighbors. Kids will enjoy free reptile-themed crafts. Food will be available for purchase. Join us for all the scaly fun! $7 per person; $5 per person for Friends of Wehr members. Free for children ages 2 and under Skip the line and buy your tickets now! Day-of registration will also be available.

June Programs

Journeys in Spiritual Ecology Workshop

Fridays, June 5, 26; July 10, 24; August 7, 28 6-7:30 pm

Are you looking to deepen your connection with the natural world and build community with like-minded individuals? We will explore Spiritual Ecology as one pathway to enriching your kinship with the Earth. Participants will learn about the five values of Spiritual Ecology: Compassion, interconnectedness, reverence, service, and reciprocity. Our first session will be an introduction to Spiritual Ecology, and then we will focus on one Spiritual Ecology value per session.

Fee: $60 for all sessions, $42 for Friends of Wehr members Online registration is required at least two days before the program.

Little Wonders

Animal Babies

Monday, June 8

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

3-year-olds, 11 am-12 pm

Join the birthday party as we celebrate the spring birth of baby animals. We’ll read If You Were Born a Kitten by Marion Bauer and play a fun animal matching game. Toddlers will don party hats and sing Happy Birthday to the baby animals. We will finish the party with cupcakes and a walk to look for spring babies.

Guided Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, June 14, 9-11 am

Fee: $35 per person (Includes Parking); $25 for Friends of Wehr members Online registration is required two days before the program

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

Rocks Rock

June 16, 1-2:30 pm

June 17, 10-11:30 am

Like all great rock stars, rocks have a story to tell. They can hold secrets about the past and have quite the origin stories! We’ll dig into these stories, enjoy rock music, and create some groovy rock art for the road. No fee, but registration is required.

Spiritual Ecology Through the Seasons-

Summer Solstice

Saturday, June 20, 9:30-11 am

Celebrate the Summer Solstice by incorporating the values of Spiritual Ecology. We will use readings, meditation, time outdoors, and nature journaling to honor the season and deepen our connection to nature.

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

NatureNauts

Flickering Fireflies

Sunday, June 21, 1-2 pm

Monday, June 22, 9:30-10:30 am

Discover the secrets of fireflies and how they light up our summer nights. NatureNauts will make and take home a craft firefly that glows in the dark. A program for children ages 4-6 and their caregiver

Operation Recon Nature

Fri., June 26, 5-6 pm for Veterans Sat., June 27, 3-4 pm for Veterans and their Families

Veterans from all service branches are invited to attend monthly walks held at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, we will travel on the trails of Wehr Nature Center to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. Families are invited to join their Veteran on Saturday. Questions? Email holly.walz@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Free but registration is required.

Friday Afield McGovern

Park

Friday, June 26, 2-4 pm

Join us at McGovern Park (4500 W Custer Ave, Milwaukee - McGovern Park Senior Center) for an ecology walk where we’ll learn, observe, and ID native flowers! On our walk, you’ll also learn about the characteristics of the native plant community that we will explore. Fee: $10 per person; $7 for Friends of Wehr members Registration is required by the morning of the program.

Flow Yoga

Saturday, June 27, 9-10 am

Give yourself the gift of self-care. 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. To reserve your space, pre-register online at https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/schedule Fees: $15 per person to Barefoot Haven; a $5 parking fee is payable at the program.

Teen Conservation Club - Invasive Species Saturday, June 27, 12-2 pm

This club is for 13–17-year-olds who want to meet Earth-minded teens, get involved in their community, and learn about conservation! This month, we’ll learn all about invasive plants and work together to remove some from Wehr.

It is a free club, but registration is required.

Milwaukee County Parks Bumble Bee Monitoring Program Orientation

Sunday, June 28, 9:30-Noon

Attend this free workshop to become volunteer Bumble Bee Monitor! Monitors help gather data on bumble bees in natural areas around the County using their smartphones or cameras. The workshop will introduce you to monitoring methods and bee identification.

Free. Registration is required. Email Halley at ParksComSci@milwaukeecountywi.gov by June 26.

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