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Wehr Words Summer 2026

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A Place For All Seasons, A Place For Everyone

Learn about our slithery neighbor- the Garter Snake.

Director’s Message

Each year, as we turn the season from spring to summer, we look forward to adding new faces to our team through Wehr’s Summer Internship Program. We are committed to inspiring current and future generations to love and value the natural world, and one of the most meaningful ways we can impact the next generation of emerging conservation leaders is through training. Wehr interns have gone on to become leaders at area nature centers such as Neighborhood House, Schlitz Audubon, Milwaukee Public Museum, and as teachers and scientists. Learn more about past interns in this Friends of Wehr Blog.

We are pleased to announce that our longstanding Environmental Education Internship program has been named in honor of Paul Brings, who served as Wehr’s UW Extension Nature Education Agent from 1977 to 1989. In his role as Education Director, Paul launched the Nature in the Parks program, an outreach effort that has brought nature education to thousands of school children for over 40 years. After retiring, Paul joined the Friends of Wehr Board, serving as a member and president for 20 years. We’re proud to honor his legacy by naming our internship program the Paul Brings Environmental Education Internship. Paul believed in mentoring the next generation of environmental stewards. It’s only fitting that his name will continue to inspire those just beginning their journey. Thank you to Friends of Wehr—and to all of you—for supporting this important work.

We are excited to welcome Halia Beutel as the 2026 Paul Brings Environmental Education Intern.

We asked Halia why they chose Wehr to complete their summer internship. “I have always been a huge lover of nature and want to do my part to make the world we all live in a better place. I think teaching everyone, especially future generations, about the environment and how it works is so important. I’m excited to bring my unique skills and knowledge into every part of this internship and to start doing what I’ve always wanted to do! Most of all, I’m just so excited to work with such an amazing organization!”

We also welcome Tarynn Lassiter, 2026 Diversity in Conservation Intern, through the Natural Resources Foundation. We asked Tarynn why pursuing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of conservation is important. “Inclusion in conservation is important to me because it allows for a variety of perspectives to be heard. The idea of ‘role models’ comes to mind. As a child, there were so many things about nature I had no idea about, because there was no one in my life who could lead by example. Even now, there is a deficit in knowledge about the environment and human impacts on it.”

Halia and Tarynn will support environmental education this summer, helping with camps held in partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools, Indian Community School, and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, as well as assisting with family programs, land stewardship, and community science efforts at Wehr.

We believe investing in young conservation leaders is really an investment in the future of our communities, our environment, and the generations still to come. Through mentorship, education, and shared experiences in nature, we continue the legacy of leaders like Paul Brings—creating opportunities for all people to connect with and care for the natural world. Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping Wehr inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a sense of belonging for everyone who walks our trails.

Nature Education Director Paul Brings, 1977
Paul Brings with intern Halia Beutel
Tarynn Lassiter

Friends of Wehr

The Friends of Wehr Board of Directors is a volunteer group supporting Wehr Nature Center through mission-based leadership, strategic governance, fundraising, and fiduciary oversight to ensure organizational sustainability. I am very honored to introduce our new Friends of Wehr board members.

Michelle Dluzak brings decades of experience in counseling and education, Jacob Waterworth contributes extensive leadership and operational expertise, and Brandon Henander offers valuable nonprofit compliance experience and a passion for local history and the outdoors. Together, they bring a diverse set of skills and perspectives that will help support the growth and future of Wehr Nature Center. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Cindy Lorentzen, Friends of Wehr President

Relax and unwind at this magical outdoor evening event at Wehr Nature Center!

Browse 30 local vendors offering jewelry, clothing, desserts, handmade goods, whimsical yard art, and so much more.

Tuesday, July 7, 5-8 pm

Purchase drinks and delicious food from food trucks, and don’t miss your chance to win big with our raffle featuring vendorsupplied items—all supporting the Friends of Wehr Nature Center. Proceeds help expand accessible, inclusive programming and support restoration of natural areas.

Fee (Includes 2 beverages) $8 per person; $5 for FOW members Pay at the door or Register here: Midsummer’s Night Market

Tree and Shrub Sponsorship Event

Support Wehr Nature Center’s restoration efforts while leaving a lasting impact! Our Tree & Shrub Sponsorship event opens in the last week of August, allowing you to sponsor native plantings that will help restore the landscape between the amphitheater and the lake. Thanks to the hard work of our staff and volunteers, invasive species have been cleared from our wetland, and the site is ready to thrive again. We’re inviting you to be part of the next chapter. By sponsoring a native tree or shrub, you’ll help create essential habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife-while directly supporting Wehr’s land restoration efforts.

Join Us for Planting Day:

Saturday, September 26 9-11 am

Donors are invited to help plant their sponsored tree or shrub alongside staff and volunteers. Thank you for helping us restore and protect Wehr’s natural spaces! Visit the website for details and to make your donation.

Milwaukee Milkmen Game benefiting Friends of Wehr

Tuesday, August 4, 6:30 pm Franklin Field 7035 S Ballpark Drive Franklin, WI 53132

Join us for a fun night and support the Friends of Wehr Nature Center by grabbing tickets to the Milkmen vs Railcats Game. “Swing” by the Friends of Wehr table and find out how you can support our mission.

Ticket sales support Friends of Wehr Nature Center. Purchase your tickets today!

Cider Sunday

Sunday, October 4, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm

Join us for Cider Sunday, Friends of Wehr Nature Center’s largest and most beloved fundraiser! This cherished fall tradition supports our mission to provide access to nature for all, with proceeds benefiting environmental education programs and land stewardship across southeastern Wisconsin.

A Day Full of Fall Fun

There’s something for everyone to enjoy:

Try your hand at the cider press

Live music by The Bluegrass Allstars

Scenic trails filled with vibrant autumn colors

Story Stroll + Leaf Hunt & Hike

Apple desserts, fresh apples and seasonal treats

Local food vendors

Homemade cider beer from the Milwaukee Beer Barons

Whether you come for the cider, the colors, or the community—Cider Sunday is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

FREE for Friends of Wehr members; $8 for non-members

Children 2 and under are free. No additional parking fee.

Kids activities, crafts, face painting and more

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring Cider Sunday is a meaningful way to support environmental education, connect with our community, and showcase your business— with visibility before, during, and after the event. Contact mhoppe@friendsofwehr.org or call 414-257-5022.

Tickets available at the door or skip the line by purchasing online.

Raffle baskets and 50/50 raffle

20th Anniversary

Sunday, September 13, 12-4 pm

Bugs Rule!

Creep, crawl, and flutter your way to fun at Wehr’s 20th Annual Bug Day!

Join us for a buggy bonanza as we celebrate the tiny creatures that help keep our planet buzzing. Whether you love ladybugs, dig dung beetles, or are just a curious critter-lover, there’s something for everyone!

Event Highlights:

Live Insect Zoo – Meet amazing bugs from all over the world—touch a tarantula, greet a giant roach, and more!

Larvae Land – Special play zone just for little bug lovers with hands-on fun and insect-themed games.

Bug Discovery Walks – Grab a net and go exploring! Hunt for bugs in ponds, prairies, and woods.

Pollinator Power – Discover how to make your backyard a buzzing paradise for butterflies and bees.

Creepy Crawly Café – Feeling brave? Try a crunchy cricket or chocolate-covered bug snack!

Ask an Entomologist – Ever wonder why fireflies glow or how ants carry so much?

A real bug scientist is here to answer it all!

Come dressed as your favorite bug and join the fun!

Wings, antennae, and buggy smiles welcome!

Calling all Bug Day Kids! Help Us Celebrate 20 Years of SixLegged Fun. Share your Bug Day stories and photos with us here.

$7 per person (non-member) $5 per person (Friends of Wehr member) Free for children ages 2 and under Pay at the door or buy your tickets online starting July 1!

Halloween Haunts

A Haunting Tradition for 38 Years

“So magical for small children”

October 15, 16 & 17, 6-8:30 pm

“We love the fun, interactive family experience” “Great family fun... and educational!”

Celebrate Halloween in nature this year.

Our Enchanted Forest combines Halloween fun with nighttime nature to create a one-of-a-kind evening for families. Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance

Online sales open Monday, September 21, at 9 am.

Friends of Wehr members at the family level or higher can purchase tickets starting Monday, Sept. 14, at 9 am.

$16 per person; $12 for Friends of Wehr members Visit our website for more information.

Donors

Thank You!

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

Anonymous

Mary Benes-Malone

Marsha Berenson

Ted & Kathy Bosch

Joe Bruno

Jacci Buehl

Mitch Calkins

Carrie Candee

Sally Carlson

Devan Clark

Lynn Crawford

Cathy Drexler

Julie Emery

Harold Haase

Stephanie Helm

Margaret Hirschfeld

Brett Hoffman

Robert Koebert

Tom Kowalski

Stephanie Kopet

Leann Kotowski

John Kreznar

Nina Kuda

Cynthia and Bryan Lorentzen

Tim and Tracy McCollow

Mary Jo Nietupski

Gregory Osborne

Pledgeling Foundation

Audrey and Frank Reineck

Jan Raz

Donna Rehbeck

Christos Reppas

Jason Rohloff

Cheryl Schwark

Mary Shearer

Gary and Connie Smieja

Trish Smith

Dave Soike

Kathleen Toohey

Donn Vaught

Kelly Walker

Jacob Waterworth

Jonathan Wichmann

John Wierschem

Nancy Wojnarowicz

Debra McRae Scholarship Fund for Environmental Studies

Pamela Gotch

In Memory of Zoltan Kekesi

Steven and Jeanne Giving Fund

In Honor/Memory of Greg Joers

Anonymous

Ted and Kathy Bosch

Paul Brings

Emma Fritsch

Gail Brodersen-Heins

Leslie Hermann

Lynn Horne

Carolyn Kutz

Lenore Lenten

Cynthia & Bryan Lorentzen

Trish Smith

Mark Yanisch

In Honor/Memory of Elizabeth J. Kowalski

James Drosen

James Gmeiner

Joanne Hardtke

Mary Ann Kampe

Stephanie Kopet

John Mann

In Honor/Memory of John Bochniak

Judy Dunfrund

Kathi Glick

Pete & Terry Koch

Mary Beth Terhaar

Steven Tischer

In Honor/Memory of Tom Neiman

Paula Irish

Paul Hugo

Meadows of Stone Crest HOA

In Honor of Susan Jensen

Michael Soike

Midsummer’s Night Market

Sponsors

Avenue Wine and Liquor

Krause Funeral Home and Cremation

Services, Inc.

Pick N’ Save

Midsummer’s Night Market

Raffle Vendor Donors

A Joyful Piece, LLC

Art by Karen

Beaded Creations

Bee That Jewelry

Blank Slates

Button Flowers by Becky

Cassandra’s Pressed Flowers

Country Bumpkin Baking, LLC

Dance Around the Moon

Daybreak Goods

Eco Evie Apparel

Elegant Dahlia

Essentially Jen

Forever Chocolate

Grape Twine Creations

Inspired Art

Jodi B Art

Lola Bags

LS Creative Clay

Oakwood Lane Crafts

Origaminoshi

Phoenix Design Gifts and Decor

Pink Geranium

Polished Patina

Serenity Soap Works

Stone Crete

The Fancy Bird

Turtle’s Quilts & Crafts

Wear Nature Designs

Zig Zagity

Outdoor Classroom

Cynthia and Bryan Lorentzen

In-Kind

Mary MacLaren

Muskego Feed & Seed

Sendik’s Franklin

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.

Make sure to stop at the Nature Store after your outdoor adventure. We have new shirts, local honey, kids’ field guides, bird-benefiting coffee, and a whole lot more.

by Wehr’s own

Mariette Nowak

And….we have Sweet Summer News!

Pete’s Pops has arrived at the Nature Store! Stop in to see which six delicious flavors we’ve chosen and treat yourself to a refreshing, all-natural popsicle.

The Nature Store is open daily from 10 am-2 pm, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Nature Center. Better yet? Friends of Wehr get 10% off everything year-round.

WEHR WORDS - Editor: Bev Bryant

Contributors: Bev Bryant, Carly Hintz, Cindy Lorentzen, Sophia Detweiler FRIENDS

Volunteers Celebrated at Recognition Event

The volunteer efforts in 2025 were truly outstanding, with more than 16,300 hours contributed across Wehr Nature Center. From removing invasive garlic mustard and building boardwalks to teaching programs and organizing beloved events like Cider Sunday, volunteers make everything we do possible.

In April, we gathered at Boerner Botanical Gardens to celebrate our dedicated volunteers and recognize the impact they make at Wehr. Special recognition was given to the three volunteers who contributed the most hours in 2025. Together, Jim Wroblewski, Mary Joas, and Susan Jensen volunteered for more than 1,400 hours! The event included trivia, appetizers, and desserts, a presentation on the health of Mallard Lake, and time spent connecting and celebrating together.

Help Needed for Cider Sunday and Halloween

Autumn at Wehr means two favorite traditions are just around the corner: Cider Sunday and Halloween Haunts! This year marks the 40th anniversary of Cider Sunday, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone with the community.

It takes over 200 volunteers to put on events like Cider Sunday and Halloween Haunts, and we’d love to have your help! Opportunities include carving pumpkins, leading hikes, acting, face-painting, serving food, and much more. Church groups, businesses, families, and individuals are all welcome to volunteer. To get involved, please contact sophia.detweiler@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

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@milwaukeecounty wi.gov or by calling 414-425-8550. We’d love to meet you!

Local Students Award Scholarship

Congratulations to our 2026–2027 Debra McRae Environmental Studies Scholarship recipients! This year, we received an incredible 18 applications. It is always inspiring to learn about so many passionate young people committed to protecting our environment. We are proud to announce this year’s recipients:

•Lilia Hurtado, West Allis Central H.S., UW-Milwaukee

•Christina D’Amato, Brookfield East H.S., UW-Madison

•Paing Zay Hein Hamilton HS. Marquette Univ.

The Debra McRae Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors pursuing degrees in environmental science or related fields. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievements, environmental involvement, and community impact. This scholarship is a meaningful way to honor Debra McRae’s extraordinary leadership upon her retirement as Wehr’s Director while investing in the next generation of environmental stewards. Support the Scholarship Fund

Donations to the scholarship fund are fully tax-deductible and directly support future environmental leaders. You can give online using this link or mail a check to Friends of Wehr with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Thank you for helping us grow the future of environmental leadership!

Paing Hein, Deb McRae, Christina D’Amato, Lilia Hurtado

Wehr Astronomical Society

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 Astronomical Society (WAS)

Founded in 1981 Meets at Wehr on the second Tuesday of the month, February-June, September & November from 7-9 pm. Meets on the 1st Tuesday of October. Visit their Facebook page to see the schedule of activities

What does the Wehr Astronomical Society do?

WAS is a group of amateur astronomers that promotes the casual study of astronomy through education and outreach. Members offer public telescopic viewings (see July calendar for upcoming session). Monthly meetings focus on topics that range from the origin of Black Holes to how to purchase and use backyard telescopes. Their speaker schedule regularly includes experts from local universities, editors/writers for Astronomy magazine, and even NASA!

Who should come to a Wehr Astronomical Society meeting? “Anyone who is curious about space and loves looking at our sky”, says Club Treasurer Charlotte Dupree. “We are open to astronomers of all levels, ages, and abilities.” Non-members are welcome to attend meetings and viewing sessions, but President Todd Weiler encourages folks to become members. “Our membership fee is only $15 a year and helps support community astronomy and education.”

What a member says:

Member and club secretary Jaynie Kutka shared, “I love that I learn something new each meeting. I’ve learned how to observe and use telescopes alongside members and connected with the larger astronomy community through national conferences. We have a great time together!”

NASA Scientist Dr. Michelle Thaller presents her work on Black Holes
Club members Gene & Charlotte DuPree (left) and Todd Weiler share views of sunspots
Viewing the solar eclipse

Critter Close Up

Common Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis)

Lifespan: 2-5 years in the wild, but they may live up to 20 in captivity!

Favorite Foods: Worms, insects, slugs, frogs, toads, and small fish.

Predators: Weasels, mink, shrews, raccoons, skunks, snakes, birds of prey

Family Life: Garter Snakes lead surprisingly social lives. Mating occurs soon after snakes emerge from hibernation in March/April. Males follow the scent of females in heat and push and jostle each other to earn their chance to mate with her Watch a video.

Snake Signs:

Snakes leave few signs behind, but you may find shed skin caught in logs and rocks.

Mother garters incubate their eggs internally, giving birth to 10 to 80 young in July or August. Females do not feed their young, but offspring often stay close by after birth. In fact, scientists have discovered that female garter snakes have close, ongoing social associations with other females, sharing basking and hibernation sites over many years. Snakes have friends!

Fun Facts About Garter Snakes: Snake of a Different Stripe

There are 5 species of garter snakes found in Wisconsin. Besides the Common Garter, Wehr is also home to the Butler’s Garter Snake (Thamnophis butleri), a species of special concern. The Butler’s Garter Snake has 3 distinct cream stripes along its body.

A Snake Slumber Party

Garter Snakes are social hibernators, with hundreds sharing the same underground hibernacula. Huddling together helps keep the snakes warm.

Special Stink and Saliva

Seeing Snakes at Wehr:

Garter snakes prefer forest edges, wetlands, and grassy areas. They are often seen basking on the rock walls near the building and the wetland boardwalks.

Garter Snakes have two special chemical weapons. They release a musky-smelling substance when caught by a predator (or handled by a person). The pungent, oily liquid helps to dissuade predators from eating them.

Scientists have recently discovered that garter snakes possess a neurotoxic venom in their saliva. They “chew” the chemical into their prey to subdue them.

Don’t worry! The venom is too weak to affect humans.

How to be a Good Neighbor to Snakes

•Let them Live: Garter Snakes pose no danger to people or pets and provide important pest control. Please don’t kill them!

•Keep them Safe: Don’t use glue or sticky traps to catch mice or insects. They catch and kill snakes and other beneficial predators.

A snake’s tongue is their best sense ©Bruce Schulz
Garter snakes are social ©Bruce Schulz
Garter snake shedding skin
Hawk with snake ©Adam Chuck
Female garter snake entwined in a “mating ball”.
Butler’s Garter Snake
©Brooke Gilley

July

JULY

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

Guided Forest Bathing 9-11 am Little Wonders for Twos 9:30-10:30 am Little Wonders for Threes 11 am-noon Midsummer Night Market 5-8 pm Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

1234 Happy 4th of July!  The Visitor Center is Closed. Enjoy the trails! Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

NatureNauts 1-2 pm NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am Operation Recon Nature 5-6 pm Flow Yoga 9-10 am Teen Conservation Club 12-2 pm Operation Recon Nature 3-4 pm

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

All Abilities Open House 11-2 pm Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Highlights

All Abilities Open House

Sunday, July 26, 11 am-2 pm

Join us for an inclusive Open House celebrating Wehr Nature Center’s commitment to providing equitable access to the outdoors for people of all ages and abilities. Enjoy summer picnic snacks from local vendors, meet local and statewide partners in accessibility, and try out adaptive equipment designed to meet the needs of all physical and cognitive abilities. This event is designed as a showcase to empower people of all abilities to love and value the natural world.  This event is free, but you will need to register by clicking here.

Parking for Persons with Disabilities is free in honor of the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

July Programs

Click on a program for more information and to register. SPARK! Nature programs for adults with memory loss and their care partner

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.

Guided Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, July 5, 9-11 am

Unplug, slow down, and de-stress from your daily routine. A certified forest bathing guide will lead you through sensorybased 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

Little Wonders Froggy Fun

Monday, July 6

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

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

Toddlers should hop, leap, and jump over to Wehr for an hour of froggy fun. We will learn frog talk, hop like frogs, and read a froggy story. Children will meet some live amphibians and visit the pond to look and listen for frogs. A program for toddlers to enjoy with their favorite adult.

Midsummer Night Market

Tuesday, July 7, 5-8 pm See page 3

Friday Afield

Friday, July 10, 2-4 pm

Join us at Warnimont Park (Warnimont Dog Exercise Area - (6100 S Lake Dr, Cudahy, WI 53110) 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 Online registration required by the morning of the program.

Fireside Friday Firefly Fun

Friday, July 10, 7:30-9:30 pm

Discover the fascinating secrets of fireflies. We will hike to the prairie to search for fireflies and then return to the campfire to enjoy S’mores.

Recommended for families with children 5 years and older

Daytime Sky Viewing

Saturday, July 11, 1-3 pm

Members of the Wehr Astronomical Society will share views of the Sun through telescopes fitted with solar filters. Visitors can learn about sunspots and how to view our nearest star safely. No fee or registration required. Cloudy skies will cancel the program

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

Wonder of Wetlands

Tues., July 14, 1-2:30 pm Wed., July 15, 10-11:30 am

A program for adults with memory loss and their care partners 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands! This includes some tiny wacky water creatures you’ve never seen. We’ll dive in and explore these incredible ecosystems and visit Wehr’s very own wetland. No fee, but registration is required.

Moth Night for Adults

Saturday, July 18, 7:30-9:30 pm

Moths rule the night! Participate in Moth Night, a Community Science event during National Moth Week. Explore the diverse and marvelous world of Moths and discover how their adaptations make them masters of the dark. After an indoor presentation, we will go outside to monitor moth bait stations and record our findings.

*New* Nature Journal Club

Saturdays, July 18, August 15, Sept.19, 10 am-12:30 pm

Join the Milwaukee Nature Journal Club as we explore our local landscape together. Whether you are a seasoned nature journaler or you are curious about giving it a try, all levels of experience are welcome. We are a supportive group of folks finding connection through our love of exploring the wonders of nature right here in Milwaukee. No fee; Registration required by emailing MKEnaturejournalclub@gmail.com

NatureNauts

Hail the Snail & Hug the Slug Sun., July 19, 1-2 pm Mon., July 20, 9:30-10:30 am

Slide into this slippery world as we go on a forest “ Slug Hunt”. Meet snails and slugs up close, discover why they’re special, and then make a craft snail to take home. No “yucks” allowed for this slimy fun.

Operation Recon Nature for Adults

Friday, July 24, 5-6 pm

Operation Recon Nature for Families

Saturday, July 25, 3-4 pm

Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel are invited to attend monthly walks at Wehr Nature Center to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. Families are invited to join their Veteran on Saturday. No fee but online registration is required. Contact holly.walz@ milwaukeecountywi.gov with questions.

Flow Yoga in the Amphitheater

Saturday, July 25, 9-10 am

Join us for a 60-minute, all-level, all-abilities vinyasa flow class in partnership with The Barefoot Haven in Greendale. Grab some friends and enjoy your morning in a serene nature-based setting. Learn more and register at: https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/ schedule Fee: $15 per session

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.

© Melissa Schwartz

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

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

Guided Forest Bathing 9-11 am

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

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

August Highlights 3031

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Tai Chi Walking 10-11 am

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am Nature Journal Club 10 am-12:30 pm

1-2:30 pm

10-11:30 am

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am Friday Afield 2-4 pm Brews and Botany 4-6 pm

The Visitor Center is closed. Enjoy the trails.

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Tai Chi Walking 10-11 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.

Brews and Botany Saturday, August 22, 4-6 pm

Plants give us drinks that make our mornings bearable and our evenings more enjoyable. Join us for an evening that will quench your curiosity about the botany behind your Brews. Sample unique beverages from local businesses that are expanding our palettes with innovative plant-based drinks. Explore flavorful craft beer, kombucha, coffee, and tea – all available in a beautiful natural setting paired with live music and artisanal food trucks.

The evening includes:

• Over six different samples of alcoholic and non-alcoholic

• Botanical trivia about your favorite drinks

• Live acoustic music in a beautiful natural setting

Operation Recon Nature 5-6 pm

Flow Yoga 9-10 am

Teen Conservation Club 12-2 pm

Operation Recon Nature for Families 3-4 pm

This event is rain or shine. All are welcome; however, you must be 21 or older to sample alcoholic beverages. $25 per person (parking included), $20 for Friends of Wehr members

August Programs

Click on 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.

Guided Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, August 9, 9-11 am

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

A certified forest bathing guide will lead you through sensorybased 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

Little Wonders

Water is Wonderful

Monday, August 10

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

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

Water is not only essential for life,it’s fun! Children will discover the joys of scooping, pouring, splashing, and measuring water as we play at Wehr’s temporary “water park”. We will hear a story about the wonders of water, create a sparkly wave bottle, and eat a watery snack.

A program for toddlers to enjoy with their favorite adult.

Nature Journal Club

Sat., August 15, 10 am-12:30 pm See page 11 for details

Tai Chi Walking

Thursdays, August 6, 27, September 10, 24, 10-11 am

Tai Chi

Walking is a gentle, mindful practice that combines the flowing principles of Tai Chi with natural walking. Participants move with slow, deliberate steps, coordinated breath, and relaxed posture—often described as “meditation in motion.” This accessible practice supports balance, joint mobility, and overall strength while promoting relaxation, focus, and emotional wellbeing. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. No fee or registration required. Weather permitting

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

SPARK!

Nature programs for adults with memory loss and their care partner

Monarch Magic

Tues., August 18, 1-2:30 pm

Wed., August 19, 10-11:30 am

From metamorphosis to migration, join us as we discover the amazing life journey of the monarch butterfly. No fee, but registration is required.

Friday Afield

Friday, August 21, 2-4 pm

Join us at Rainbow Airport (10007 S 76th St, Franklin, WI 53132) for an ecology walk where we’ll learn, observe, and ID native flowers! This hike will be off-trail through various wetlands to one of Milwaukee County’s only remnant prairies! Waterproof boots, bug/ tick spray, and a walking stick are highly recommended. Fee: $10 per person; $7 for Friends of Wehr members Online registration required by the morning of the program.

NatureNauts

Beetlemania

Sunday, August 23, 1- 2 pm

Monday, August 24, 9:30- 10:30 am Beetles swim, fly, and crawl everywhere and are one of the most common animals on Earth. NatureNauts will meet and touch a bunch o’ beetles, go on a beetle search, and make their own craft beetle that really flips.

Flow Yoga in the Amphitheater

Saturday, August 29, 9-10 am

Join us for a 60-minute, all-level, all-abilities vinyasa flow class in partnership with The Barefoot Haven in Greendale. Grab some friends and enjoy your morning in a serene nature-based setting. Learn more and register at: https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/schedule Fee: $15 per session

Operation Recon Nature for Adults

Fri., August 28, 5-6 pm

Operation Recon Nature for Families

Sat., August 29, 3-4 pm

Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel are invited to attend monthly walks at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately 11 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. No fee but online registration is required. Contact holly.walz@milwaukeecountywi.gov with questions.

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.

SEPTEMBER

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

Guided Forest Bathing

Our Visitor Center is Closed Enjoy The Trails!

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Tai Chi Walking 10-11 am

9:30-11:30 am Wehr Astronomical Society 7-9 pm Wehr Camera Club 9-11 am

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

Bug Day

12-4 pm

Little Wonders for Twos

9:30-10:30 am forThrees 11am-noon

HalloweenHaunts Tickets on Sale to FOWMembers 9 am

Wehr Birders 8-10 am

Autumn Equinox 9:30-11 am

NatureNauts 1-2 pm

Wehr Birders

8-10 am

Advanced Master

Naturalist: Fungi

12:30-4:30 pm

Halloween Haunts Tickets on Sale to Public 9 am NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am

Little Wonders for Twos

9:30-10:30 am

Little Wonders for Threes 11 am-noon

September Highlights

Bat Night for Adults

Saturday, September 19, 7:30- 9:30 pm

1-2:30 pm

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am SPARK! 10-11:30 am WI Metro Audubon Society 7-9 pm

Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am

Hike for Health

10:30-11:30 am

Tai Chi Walking 10-11 am

Discover the fiction, folklore, and facts about bats, nature’s only truly flying mammal. Join us for some “bat math”, hold bat artifacts, and hear live bats on the walk. Learn how you can participate in Community Science projects to help your neighborhood bats.

We will start inside and then use acoustic sensors during an hour-long “Bat Walk” through Whitnall Park. Fee: $12 per person; $10 for Milwaukee County Residents; $7 for Friends of Wehr members Online registration is required two days before the program.

Shine Bright Through the Night Walk

3:30-8 pm

Afield 2-4 pm Flow Yoga 9-10 am Nature Journal Club

10 am-12:30 pm Bat Night for Adults 7:30-9:30 pm

Operation Recon Nature 5-6 pm

FOW Shrub and Tree Planting Event 9-11 am

Teen Conservation Club 12-2 pm

Friday Afield Friday, September 18, 2-4 pm

Join us at Sanctuary Woods 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. 9480 W Watertown Plank Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Fee: $10 per person; $7 for Friends of Wehr members Online registration required by the morning of the program.

September Programs

Click on a program for more information and to register.

Guided Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, September 6, 9:30-11:30

A certified forest bathing guide will lead you through sensory-based invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen your relationship with the natural world. Rev. Jennifer Miller from Serenity Now Global will conclude our walk with a 30-min sound bath.   Fee: $35 per person (Includes Parking); $25 for FOW members Online registration is required two days before the program

Shine Bright Through the Night Walk

Saturday, September 12, 3:30 pm

Hosted by Wehr Nature Center in support of MAACO

This accessible 2-mile fundraiser walk along Wehr’s trails supports the mission of Michelle’s Action Angels Community Outreach to help people with disabilities live fulfilling lives. Registration includes: a Nature Walk, Sensory Space, Creature Meet, Children’s Nature Craft, Games, Cake, Music… and more!

Available for purchase: BBQ, 50/50 Raffle, and Bucket Raffle

Bug Day

Sunday, September 13, 12-4 pm See page 5

Little Wonders

Wiggly Worms

Monday, September 14

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

For 3-year-olds, 11 am-12 pm Worms are wonderful! Tots will get a chance to dig for their own worm, make some wormy art, and even eat a worm (gummy, of course!). We will read Wonderful Worms by Linda Glaser and go on an outdoor worm search.

A program for toddlers to enjoy with their favorite adult.

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

School Days

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1-2:30 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 10-11:30 am

Take a step back in time and experience life in a one-room pioneer school. We’ll use slates and slate pencils, play pioneer games, and learn about classroom “discipline”. No fee, but registration is required.

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

Flow Yoga in the Amphitheater

Saturday, September 19, 9-10 am

Join us for a 60-minute, all-level, all-abilities vinyasa flow class in partnership with The Barefoot Haven in Greendale. Grab some friends and enjoy your morning in a serene nature-based setting. Learn more and register at: https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/ schedule Fee: $15 per session

Nature Journal Club

September 19, 10 am-12:30 pm See page 11 for details.

Spiritual Ecology Through the Seasons

Autumn Equinox

Sunday, September 20, 9:30-11 am

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with us.

The values of Spiritual Ecology (Interconnectedness, Compassion, Service, Reverence, and Reciprocity) will be taught to help us honor the season and deepen our connection to nature. Some aspects of our practice will include meditation/guided imagery, time outdoors, and nature journaling.

NatureNauts

Super Snakes

Sunday, Sept. 20, 1-2 pm

Monday, Sept. 21, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Slither over to Wehr to learn why snakes really are super. NatureNauts will learn about snake adaptations, make a craft snake, and meet a live snake. Join us for all the scaly fun.

Advanced

Master Naturalist

Fungi: Introduction to a Curious Kingdom

Sunday, September 27, 12:30-4 pm

Fungi are fun! Specialists from the Wisconsin Mycology Society will help you discover the diversity of the Fungi Kingdom. Learn major fungal groups, basic fungi identification, fungal ecology, and intro to common Wisconsin species. The workshop includes a copy of The Beginner’s Guide to Mushrooms by Bunyard & Tavis.  Fee: $45 per person. $40 for Friends of Wehr members Pre-registration is required 2 days before the program

Little Wonders

Falling Leaves

Monday, September 28

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

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

Celebrate the beauty of autumn with your toddler as we learn all about trees. We will read Fall Leaves Fall by Zoe Hall, use our bodies to make a tree, take a leafcollecting walk, and enjoy a leafy snack. A program for toddlers to enjoy with their favorite 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.

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