Friends of Wehr Nature Center

Restoring Wehr's Wetland

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:01:18 GMT

Why is restoration needed?

Unfortunately, our wetland and southern lowland forest habitats have been heavily degraded over the last 25 years. Sediment from increased run-off and floods has buried native plants and disturbed the soil. Highly invasive plants like buckthorn, garlic mustard, and yellow iris have thrived in this disturbed environment. Over time, they have displaced the native wetland shrubs and flowers, reducing natural biodiversity and habitat for wildlife.

Major efforts are needed to restore this area to a functioning ecosystem. Healthy wetlands provide important natural services such as flood and erosion control, and act as habitats for unique wet-loving plants and the insects, birds, amphibians, and fish they support. We are confident these natural areas can become healthy and resilient with careful management and time.

What work has already happened?

What comes next?

Management of invasive herbaceous plants will start in the spring of 2025. We will manually remove garlic mustard, but yellow iris, lesser celandine, and reed canary grass will require backpack herbicide application to kill. Herbicides will be applied by trained and certified staff, using best practices such as appropriate concentrations, timing of herbicide, and favorable weather conditions. This phase of the restoration project will conclude in early summer

Native plantings will begin in mid-summer. NRF and SEWISC grant funds will be used to purchase plants, seeds, shrubs, and trees to restore cleared areas with native vegetation. Wet prairie/shrub carr featuring dogwoods, pussy willows, will be restored to the northern portion of the plot, along with a grove of native tamarack trees. The remaining 0.08 acres of southern lowland forest near Warbler Bridge will be planted with willows, silver maples, and birch trees to create a closed canopy. A ground layer of sedges and native manna grass will be established to deter invasive plants from reappearing. Over 800 native herbaceous plants will be planted in the restoration area.

While this restoration work should be finished by the end of 2025, long-term management will continue well into the future. Buckthorn seeds are abundant in the soil, so areas may need to be brush-mowed as they sprout. Prescribed burns could also be used to suppress weed growth.

What about the wildlife?

Some visitors have expressed concern that the absence of a shrub layer in the wetland will impact birds and other wildlife. Until new trees and shrubs are established, there will be a period of reduced cover for nesting birds at the site. However, in the long term, this work will create a richer, more biodiverse habitat to support resident and migratory wildlife.

How can I help with this project?

Because of NRS and SEWISC’s generous support, we can tackle this huge project, but additional help is always welcome as we work to rebuild this critical ecosystem. Please consider donating a plant to Wehr during the Friends of Wehr Native Plant sale on May 31 and June 1, or donate a shrub or tree to plant in the wetland during the Friends’ Tree and Shrub Sponsorship Fundraiser . Do you like to work outdoors? The Stew Crew welcomes new volunteers to join them for their weekly restoration work

Journeys in Spiritual Ecology

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:12:31 GMT

Journeys in Spiritual Ecology

Written by Brooke Gilley

Park Naturalist and Interpretive Media Coordinator

Give yourself a moment to pause and think about your favorite place in Nature. Maybe this is a place that you remember from your childhood or a place you visit often. What kinds of emotions come over you when you think about this place? If you feel inclined, maybe you would like to draw or write about your favorite place in Nature. For many of us, being in Nature brings us a sense of calm in our busy lives. This individual nature connectedness can even directly influence our physical, emotional, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

While being in a relationship with Nature is everyone’s birthright, we recognize many barriers can impede these connections. This distancing has cost us greatly, impacting our wellbeing on many levels and the science being done in this field is shedding light on these effects. If you would like to learn more about this some books we can recommend are Losing Eden by Lucy Jones, Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt, The Nature Fix by Florence Williams, and Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li. Not only is our separateness from Nature affecting our health, but in many cases, it also results in us “othering” Nature, or seeing Nature as only a commodity to be bought and sold.

Books like Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer have many people looking at our relationship with Nature differently. You can read the essay that inspired the book The Serviceberry here: The Serviceberry – Robin Wall Kimmerer

Many folks have been inspired by these readings, seeking kinship with the natural world, finding like-minded individuals, and finding a sense of community. For those seeking these connections not being able to find tools, resources, and supports can be frustrating.

What is Spiritual Ecology?

In offering support for seekers, we have created a six-part series on Spiritual Ecology. What exactly is Spirit Ecology? The concept of Spiritual Ecology was originally brought forward by Sufi mystic, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee ( The Radical Intimacy of Spiritual Ecology – A Talk by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee ). I have come across a few definitions, however, I personally prefer St. Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace version. They define Spiritual Ecology as an “emerging field and an aspect of our work that we are exploring in relation to building a global culture of peace, which includes learning to live in peace with the Earth.” It brings together ecology and environmentalism with a deeper awareness of nature as alive, animate, and sacred. Spiritual Ecology is not based upon any single religion or spiritual path but rather points to the primary and universal recognition of the sacred nature within creation. It is informed by the teachings of religious and spiritual traditions, indigenous wisdom, and the new scientific paradigm. The central values of this worldview are interconnectedness, reverence, service, compassion, and stewardship.

While Spiritual Ecology is a new, emerging field, we recognize the concepts and practices of Spiritual Ecology are not new, as cultures across millennia have had and still have a deep connection and kinship with the natural world.

Wehr’s Spiritual Ecology Workshop

In the six, 90-minute sessions offered, you will have the opportunity to learn about the five values of Spiritual Ecology which include compassion, interconnectedness, reverence, service, and reciprocity. You will find support in how you can incorporate these five values in your own spiritual practices, through actions such as slowing down, engaging all your senses, nature journaling, making ephemeral art, and taking part in ritual. Rituals may include “Global Earth Exchange,” “Lost Species Day, ““Council of All Beings,” or Solstice Celebrations.

My Path to Spiritual Ecology

I was introduced to Spiritual Ecology as practice in 2020 when I attended an online course offered by Emergence Magazine and facilitated by Amrita Bhohi who became my first teacher. The class led me to further exploration. I found a course titled “Compassionate Spiritual Ecology” offered by the Charter of Compassion where I became acquainted with my teacher and mentor, Dr. Jennifer J. Wilhoit TEALarbor stories - Guidance through Writing, Nature, & Life - Bainbridge Island, WA . Subsequently, I enrolled myself in a yearlong mentorship with Dr. Wilhoit to become a Certified Spiritual Ecology facilitator which I have now completed. I am currently enrolled in the Eco-Spirituality Graduate Certificate program through Hartford International University and have completed my first semester.

Spiritual Ecology resonated with me and I am excited to have this series be a new offering at Wehr Nature Center.

By offering this series at Wehr Nature Center, we hope to provide participants with more tools in their tool kit to explore their own nature connectedness, expanding their relationship with the natural world and more-than-human kin.

Words from our Wehr Community - Former Staff

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:24:10 GMT

Words from our Wehr Community - Former Staff

Learn how Wehr has had an impact on the lives of former staff.

Brian L. - NIP 1990's

"As a kid, I participated in Nature in the Parks programming. I have fond memories of the fishing programs, the pioneer programs at Ross Lodge, and many other ones. Then, as an adult (18!), I started working part time on the weekends at Wehr. Since then, I have worked for Milwaukee County Parks in some form or another."

Johnathan B. - 1998-2005

Words from our Wehr Community - Former Interns

Jessica.Deltoro@friendsofwehr.org (Jessica Del Toro) — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:48:23 GMT

Words from our Wehr Community - Past Interns

Read how Wehr has had an impact on the lives of past interns.

Chad H. - 1997-1998 Internship at Wehr followed by some work with NIP

Jessica M. - Summer 2014

Rachel G. - Summer Intern 2022

Angela E. - Past Intern

Chris C. - 2018

Nicole L. - Summer 2015

Words from our Wehr Community - Visitors

Fri, 10 May 2024 14:48:23 GMT

Words from our Wehr Community - Visitors

Read how Wehr has had an impact on the lives of visitors.

Emily Jane L. - Visitor

Claire L. - Visitor / Operation Recon

Julie E. - Visitor

Words from our Wehr Community - Former Volunteers

Fri, 10 May 2024 14:48:23 GMT

Words from our Wehr Community - Former Volunteers

Read how Wehr has had an impact on the lives of past volunteers.

Chris T. - Volunteer 1995-1997; Park Worker 1998-2005

"In the late 70s and 80s I participated in Sunday morning guided bird watching hikes, and enjoyed evening slide shows in the amphitheater. I was also a Junior Naturalist and volunteered transplanting uncommon native plants with the Bulldozer Alert program. I later conducted a breeding bird census at the Wehr Nature Center using the territory mapping method. These experiences played a large role in my current appreciation of nature and ecosystems, and the recognition of how threatened they are."

Ken B. - Young Naturalist & Program Participator

Engaging with nature isn't just about appreciating its beauty; it's about fostering a deep connection that enriches our lives in unexpected ways. My journey with Wehr Nature Center, both as a volunteer and as a member of the Friends of Wehr Nature Center board of directors, has been a transformative experience that has left an indelible mark on my life.

Connecting with Nature: From the moment I first stepped foot onto the nature center's grounds, I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me. Surrounded by towering trees, chirping birds, and meandering trails, I found solace in the simple beauty of the natural world. As a volunteer, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in various efforts, from trail maintenance, fundraising and event planning to habitat restoration. Each task has not only deepened my understanding of environmental stewardship but has also instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility towards our planet.

Building Community: One of the most rewarding aspects of being involved with the nature center has been the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for inspiring current and future generations to explore and value the natural world. Whether we're organizing educational workshops for local schools or hosting community clean-up events, coming together to make a positive impact on our environment has strengthened the bonds of camaraderie and solidarity within our community. Through our collective efforts, we've not only preserved precious natural spaces but have also cultivated a sense of belonging and unity among ourselves.

Personal Growth: Serving on the board of directors has challenged me in ways I never imagined. From strategic planning to fundraising, I've been pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to confront my own limitations. Yet, with each hurdle comes an opportunity for growth, and I've emerged from each challenge with a newfound sense of resilience and determination. Through my involvement with the nature center, I've honed valuable leadership skills, learned to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of effective governance in non-profit organizations.

Inspiring Future Generations: Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of my involvement with the nature center has been the opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of nature in shaping young minds and instilling a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. By nurturing a love for the natural world in today's youth, we're not only safeguarding the future of our planet but also sowing the seeds for a more sustainable and harmonious future.

Conclusion: Being a part of Wehr Nature Center as a volunteer and member of the non-profit Friends of Wehr Nature Center board of directors has been a profoundly enriching experience that has touched every aspect of my life.

Starting as an admin intern, writing grants for the accessibility project, influencing the use of digital media at the nature center, creating annual reports, becoming the youngest board of directors member, being involved with the creation of a programming series, Wehr Naturally, to help improve sustainability efforts, to being on various committees, it has been such a rewarding journey.

From deepening my connection with nature to fostering a sense of community and personal growth, the impact of this journey will continue to resonate with me for years to come. As we navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex world, I am grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in preserving the beauty and wonder of the natural world for generations to come.

A short-term internship turned into such an unforgettable journey. From one fantastic leader, Wehr Nature Center Director, Deb McRae to another, Carly Hintz, the current Director, to Jessica Del Toro, Marketing Assistant. All of the Wehr Nature Center staff, volunteers, members, visitors, local organizations, sponsors, board of directors and the Milwaukee County Parks. Wehr Nature Center is and always will be a special place because of the community. Cheers to another 50 years!

Paul Kohlmann - Former Intern and Board of Director

Judy Brooks-Levar, Wehr’s bundle of energy

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 21:10:00 GMT

It’s hard to imagine a time before Judy Brooks-Levar volunteered at Wehr. For 24 years, Judy has been a ray of sunshine to all she encounters at Wehr. Judy came to Wehr with a background in special education. She continues to share her enthusiasm for children of all ages by conveying her love and knowledge of the natural world with the hundreds of schoolchildren who visit Wehr each year. Judy shared some thoughts about volunteering at Wehr and those she has built relationships with at Wehr with Wehr volunteer coordinator, Mary Gaub on February 6, 2024.

Getting Started at Wehr

How did you get started volunteering at Wehr?
“… it would have been around 2000. I walked at Wehr a lot. …I saw John Jubeck (a Wehr volunteer) taking kids out on a hike when I was hiking, and I thought…ohh! I can do that! The first thing I did as a volunteer was Maple Sugar Days since it was that time of year that I got interested. I helped with the boil-down. I started taking volunteer teaching training right off the bat.” You can see Judy in action in this 2010 video https://youtu.be/6gM-Uj2l6jQ?si=T23A8mK8hmTnGzc3) of our Maple Sugar program.

A Family Affair

Volunteering at Wehr has been a family affair. What other members of your family have volunteered?
“Oh, Megan and Brooke (granddaughters) were characters at Halloween, and their brother, Dan, was a spotlighter for them. Megan still volunteers at Halloween. She started out as a little lost pumpkin.” Cheryl (Judy’s daughter) volunteers sometimes in the food areas at special events. “Frank (Judy’s husband) used to drive people from the golf course parking lot when we had to park there for so many of the events. Oh, and his thing was carving the pumpkins. He loved doing that.”

A Reason to Volunteer

You have been here 24 years. What keeps you coming back?
“For the friendship. And I feel loved. I feel appreciated. I feel wanted. I feel useful. You know, and I’m outside doing something helpful for the planet. So, all those reasons.”

Advice for New Volunteers

What advice would you have for new volunteers just starting at Wehr?
“Just sign up for things that are fun for you. Don’t ever sign up for something because you think you should. My advice would be to go out with a variety of people as you are learning. Don’t just shadow the same person.”

Stories from 24 Years of Volunteering at Wehr

Sharing a Love for Wehr’s Land

I love to see the seasons change at Wehr. I like August and September best when the prairie flowers are out, and the weather is always nice. Even if it’s buggy…I just think the flowers are amazing! And I find it just fascinating how you can walk the same trails in the late summer and they feel like I could almost get lost in them because the plants are so high and I’m so short.

Cabin Chores at Prairie Day Adventures

I helped out at Prairie Day Adventures in the mid-2000s. I helped the school marm in the schoolhouse. And I helped with chores too. I was with Debbie McRae teaching the children how to break beans and prepare them for cooking. I had a different point of view of how you should break beans. I had read many years ago that the little pointy part on the end of the bean where the flower was was where all the nutrients were. So, I never broke that off, but I did break off the stem end. Debbie told me that I had to break off both ends. “You need to do it like this,” she told me. But I didn’t! I also helped in the Prairie Preschool area. I have a story about that too. There was this little guy. This little guy cried the whole time. He wasn’t having a good time. He didn’t want to be there. He just didn’t want to do anything. Finally, at the activity where we were at the “pretend” fishing pond in the building, it was his turn to fish. He loved the fishing! Bev and I looked at each other and said, “He can fish all he wants. He’s not going to have to do anything else, because he is having fun, and he’s not crying.”

Trapped in School!

I helped with Nature in the Parks and Outreach also. I was with Brooke in a school. To get to the room we were in you had to walk through a lot of classes. It was a little bit of a disruption. When we were finished, Brooke said we could go out this other way, because she said she had done it the day before when she had been there. It was out through a closet and then you went out through another door. So, we went into the closet and sadly, the door closed behind us and locked, and the door to the outside was also locked, probably from the outside. So there we were, wondering how long it would be before somebody missed us. And then Brooke, being Brooke started pounding on the wall adjacent to the classroom that we were trying not to interrupt and screaming “Help! Help! Help! Somebody help us! Someone get us out!” And they did come let us out.

The post Judy Brooks-Levar, Wehr’s bundle of energy appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Wehr Nature Center Land Management Update

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 23:58:00 GMT

Since I began work at the Nature Center last May, the focus has been concentrated on three areas, savanna, our “beach” prairie, and the area by the bird blind.

Have you noticed changes?

Whether you are a regular visitor to Wehr Nature Center, or you come out only occasionally, you’ll probably notice some changes in the park. Most notably, the work being done in our savanna and our “beach” prairie. These two areas are seen by nearly everyone who enjoys our trails. The savanna is prominently located along the park drive, and the beach prairie is viewed as you make your way to the waterfall, so any land management work that takes place is front and center to the public.

The area by the bird blind was populated almost entirely by invasive species. Invasive trees have been removed in the bird blind area; as a result the area has been virtually clearcut. We are working to establish this area as a wet prairie and shrub- charr going forward.

Why are we removing invasive shrubs?

That brings us to the actual changes that we are all seeing. Over the last few months, the land stewardship staff and volunteers have been working diligently to get the savanna and beach prairie ready for a spring prescribed burn. In order for the burn to be as effective as possible, it was important to remove excess thickets. Many of the plants that have been removed have been non-native, invasive species, such as buckthorn, honeysuckle, and Asian Bittersweet.

The work being done in these areas have prompted discussion about change, generally speaking. Whether that’s positive discussion about the potential of the landscape around Wehr, or disheartened discussion because change can be difficult. Regardless, discussion is important and welcome.

Fire restores diversity of plants and animals

Not only do non-native plants grow faster than native plants, non-native plants also provide little nutrition to wildlife, reduce available resources (water and sunlight) to other plants, and potentially increase pests, such as ticks, in a natural area. As prescribed fire is incorporated into prairie and savanna habitat, biodiversity increases and plants begin to flourish because our native plants are adapted to fire, where non-native plants are not. This leads to better conditions for pollinators, such as native bees and butterflies, to make a home here.

Help us replant by donating shrubs and trees

The prescribed burn should take place in the next few weeks when weather conditions are right. The shrub charr will take some additional weeks to clear the cut material. As we celebrate our 50th year as a nature center and look forward to the next fifty we will be working to maintain these areas. The Savana needs some additional oak trees and we plan on planting a number of shrubs to establish our shrub-carr. This summer we will be looking for donations of trees and shrubs so we can conduct a planting in September and see these areas reach their potential.

If you are interested in joining in the work, volunteers are always welcome! It’s a great way to learn more about the land; and engage with the community who care about Wehr Nature Center. If you are interested in discussion, please reach out to Jeff Veglahn, jeffrey.veglahn@milwaukeecountywi.gov .

The post Wehr Nature Center Land Management Update appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Memories from Wehr’s Longest Serving Volunteer

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:18:00 GMT

Mary Gease has been volunteering at Wehr for 44 years. Mary shared these memories and stories in interviews in 2014 and 2023.

Getting Started with Seed Collecting

My first volunteer job was seed collecting. Mariette Nowak (Nature Center director), Jane Appleyard, and Sally Jean Lohr taught me how to process seed. Most were sold as a grass/forb mix in Wehr’s store. Seed collecting in the Kenosha area was favored, because after collecting in the A.M., we looked forward to lunch at local restaurants. Identifying species while they were dormant was tricky. We learned many species each week ; it was an excellent teaching and learning experience.

Former director Harold Rock would often join in seed collecting. He as a stickler for only picking native plant seeds. Carol Howard (current staff member) had joined us for a seed collecting session for the first time. At lunch time, we listed the species we each picked and estimated the amounts. She piped up, “Oh, and I put in lots and lots of Queen Anne’s Lace” just to see Harold’s eyes bug out. Such a subtle jokester; we knew we were going to enjoy this new volunteer!

Rescuing Wildflowers with Bulldozer Alert

I also got involved with the Bulldozer Alert volunteers who when each Thursday to rescue wildflowers that were going to be destroyed during construction projects. We transplanted them to Wehr and I even got to take some to plant at my home in Caledonia. We all rode in a county van to dig wildflowers from prime woodlands as New Berlin Industrial Park was developed. transplanted. Mariette Nowak and Harold Rock (Stay on the paths!) coordinated the group. Karen Kerans drove the van on occasion, giving riders a thrill as we barreled down the steep drop on Grange. Sometimes we have didn’t have enough seating, and this was before seatbelts were mandatory because I do remember riding in the back, sitting on the spare tire. We had a lot of fun together!

Planting Waterlilies in Mallard Lake

Mariette ordered lotus and waterlily rootstock and she and I went out in an inflatable plastic raft. As we planted those rhizomes and moved to another spot, the danged things came floating back up behind us! Finally tied each to heavy metal nuts to keep them in place. To keep the lotus rootstock from being eaten by muskrats, it was recommended that wire hardware cloth pieces be placed over them. Unfortunately, the sharp end pieces of those wires pierced our craft and we had to paddle to the lake edge to avoid getting soaked. Fun memory!

Fun with Fridays Afield

Mariette always did such a great job with Fridays Afield tours of natural areas around southern Wisconsin. She often had knowledgeable hike leaders waiting for us at these sites. I was privileged to go with her to scout some places. One involved us getting “a little lost” as we ventured off the paths to see a tamarack grove. Another time, two scruff guys with a dog approached us and asked if we could call the police to the scene, as their dog had discovered something dead rolled up in a quilt! Turned out it was a dog, but it still gave us the willies!

On one field trip, as Mariette paused us to inform us about the area and plants, she put a hand in her pocket and pulled out a small, preserved bird specimen and casually remarked, “Hmmm, I guess I haven’t worn this jacket since spring birding hikes!” Fun memory.

Hiking with Phenology

The post Memories from Wehr’s Longest Serving Volunteer appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Land Management Update

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMT

I am officially in my 4th month as Land Manager here at Wehr Nature Center and it feels like I’ve been here so much longer…and I mean this in the most sincere way. Working with the weekly volunteers of Phenology, Eco Warriors, Wheel n’ Chip, and Earth Care has made me feel like one of the crew. It’s a great group of people who know how to have fun while getting a lot of work done, and I mean A LOT. Despite some of the hot and humid days, low air quality days, or raining (down pouring) days, these lovely people show up to identify all the blooming plants in our natural spaces and/or get their hands dirty in our natural spaces. The dedication and love they have for Wehr is so apparent and contagious, and it has been a joy being with them.

Along with working with weekly volunteers, I’ve been busy working solo as well. I’ve identified various areas around Wehr Nature Center that I’ll be focusing on in the near future. One of those areas is around our newly built Observation Blind. I’ve started clearing out all the invasive shrubs and vines which have been suppressing the native plants underneath. A month after the invasive plants have been removed, we’ve already seen a flush of native growth just waiting to be freed! Just adjacent to the blind, I led a WNC staff planting where we planted nearly 140 plants in an area dominated by weeds and invasive plants.

Another area I’ve been focusing on is the entrance to WNC. We’ve been clearing out a thicket of shrubs, trees, and vines (both native and non-native) to allow visibility into the beautiful woods and prairies that were once hidden from the road. This not only allows people to see these plant communities, but will also allow wildlife to move more safely across the road. This philosophy of opening up transition areas between prairie and woodland goes with a larger idea of having plant communities seamlessly flow from one to another. All-in-all, it’s a good thing for us and for wildlife.

These two areas are part of a larger vision that I have for the natural spaces around Wehr Nature Center. On November 19th at our Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, I’ll be talking more in depth about the work that I’ve been doing, but also talking about my vision for Wehr. This will include 5-7 year goals, along with summarizing my Restoration and Management Plan I’m writing for Wehr Nature Center. It will be very informative and hopefully engaging.

Jeff Veglahn, Land Manager

The post Land Management Update appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

What is Going On With Wehr’s Lake?

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 16:07:00 GMT

First, thank you for noticing and being concerned. We are concerned as well and are working towards finding possible solutions.

It is helpful to know some background information about the lake to understand its challenges.

What is Causing the Lake to Decline?

Like many things in nature, the answer is not one simple explanation. There are many factors impacting the health and appearance of Mallard Lake. The major ones are:

More water and pollutants are flowing into it.

Pondweeds spread as the lake becomes shallower.

Excess nutrients cause an overgrowth of pond plants.

What is Wehr doing to fix these problems?

We are working to understand the causes.

We are designing solutions to improve water quality

What can you do to help?

The post What is Going On With Wehr’s Lake? appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Land Management

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 19:44:00 GMT

Hello everyone! My name is Jeff Veglahn, the new Land Manager here at Wehr Nature Center. I am very excited to join this great team and work on a beautiful piece of land! I’ve been here nearly two months now and feeling very much at home. One of the biggest challenges I have faced so far is quickly learning about the land in the busiest time of the year. Figuring out where areas are in good shape, in terms of invasive species management, and areas where lots of people hours are required is essential to making a plan and being strategic in my work.

With that being said, my focus this year is on areas that are in good shape already and areas I’m calling “high impact” areas. “High impact” areas are those in rough shape, with a lot of invasive plants but in a small area. An example of one of the “High Impact” areas I’m focusing on this year is the area around our new bird blind that’s currently being built! My goal this year is to remove all the invasive trees, shrubs, and vines and open up the mid-canopy layer to allow viewing access to Mallard Lake.

Another area that I’m focusing on this year is an area that is already in pretty good shape is what we call the Gentian Prairie on the Northwest side of Mallard Lake. This prairie has a lot of high value plants, but is also being threatened by woody plants that out-compete prairie plants. My plan for the Gentian Prairie this year is to prepare it for a Spring 2024 prescribed burn. This will require thinning out the shrubs, so fire carries through, and creating a burn break around the perimeter of the prairie. Along with the Gentian Prairie being burned in 2024, we’ll also burn our Oak Savanna!

Though, none of this would be possible without the volunteers that come out and help me on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. If you are interested in volunteering and doing some really important land management work, please reach out to me ( jeffrey.veglahn@milwaukeecountywi.gov )!

Thank you!

The post Land Management appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Prairie Burn

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:39:00 GMT

After several months of making fire breaks and cutting and removing trees to reduce the amount of fuel in the prairie we finally had the right conditions for a burn April 24th. The prairie and an area up hill from the amphitheater were burned today. We hope you have some time to observe the new growth appear and visit this summer to enjoy the flowers and pollinators. Thanks to the people from Tall Grass, Park employees and numerous volunteers.

The post Prairie Burn appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Prairie Season at Whitnall Park

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:15:00 GMT

This is the season when the prairie at Whitnall Park in Hales Corners is at its peak. A waving sea of purples, golds, and whites against a green grassy backdrop greeted hikers recently. Philip Whitford, a botanist from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee led an interpretative visit to the prairie site sponsored by the Wehr Nature Center.

Former chairman of the UWM botany department, Dr. Whitford has been researching prairies for over 20 years. The prairie restoration at Whitnall Park, said Whitford, was begun ten years ago in 1965 by Arthur Ode, then assistant director of the Boerner botanical gardens and now assistant superintendent of Milwaukee County parks. Prairie grass seeds were purchased commercially, while most of the flower seeds were collected by hand.

Prairie plants are extremely slow growing and take a long to develop the deep roots which allow them to withstand the dry desiccating conditions of a midsummer prairie. Even a year after the initial planting at Whitnall Park, few native prairie plans could be seen. Gradually, over the years more and more prairie plants emerged as they managed to compete successfully with the weeds (those plants which first come into a disturbed area and are replaced by other species).

Periodic burning, says Whitford, is required to maintain the Whitnall Park prairie. Usually, this is done in mid-April after the weeds have sprouted but before native prairie plants have broken the ground. In this way, a fire can rid the area of weeds, invading shrub and tree species, as well as dead surface materials-all of which pave the way for prairie vegetation.

Native Americans originated the practice of burning the prairies. Their purpose was to stem the invasion of woodland into prairie areas which served as a habitat for the buffalo which provided them with almost all their necessities. “The cow and plow have done away with most of the original prairie,” said Whitford. Today in Wisconsin there are 15 to 20 prairie reserves. The original prairie in this state “covered large areas of southern and southwestern Wisconsin, including major parts of Racine and Kenosha counties and extending into three- or four-square miles of Franklin.”

“A prairie,” said Whitford “is not just a sea of grass. Wildflowers may dominate at certain seasons.” In remnants of prairies found along railroad rights-of-way and in abandoned cemeteries 60 to 80 species of prairie plants may be found in an area only several yards wide by 100 yards long”

True prairie soil which takes “centuries to develop” is also a complex mixture, including minerals, millipedes, pill bugs and bacteria, insects, fungi, algae and earthworms, said Whitford. The Whitnall prairie, which was established on forest subsoil, has not yet developed such a true prairie soil. As a rough estimate, ecologists believe that only one inch of prairie soil accumulates in a century.

The animals of the prairie, said Whitford, have an important role to play in aerating the soil. In research on ants in a Platteville prairie, scientists concluded, on the basis of the number and size of the ant colonies, that every inch of soil depth of five feet is aerated every 1000 years. Other animals such as gophers, groundhogs, mice, and other burrowing animals aerate the soil by digging and burrowing and fertilizing the soil with their droppings.

In prairies, there is as much living plant tissue underground as above the surface. Soil is built up to a depth of two to three feet. It is due to this deep, rich soil that native grasslands have been extensively used in food production both here and on other continents, said Whitford. Overtaxing such soils, however, can lead to their destruction, as occurred in the dustbowl days of the 1930s and again, to a lesser extent, in the 1950s. Today’s intensive agriculture may be endangered, said Whitford, since there is an input of five calories in energy supplies (including fertilizer, equipment, fuel to run the equipment, etc.) for every one calorie of food produced in this country. The price of food is bound to increase in the future, he said, as it has already begun doing.

Whitford, whose specialty is plant ecology, also explained some of the intriguing adaptations of the prairie plants. Nearly eight feet high stood the prairie dock and compass plant whose large leaves lie on a north-south line to avoid facing broadly the scorching southern sun. Due to this reliable characteristic, the latter was used as a compass by early settlers who could easily become lost in the tall sea of grass over which they could not see any landmarks.

The leaves of these plants, as well as those of the rattlesnake master with its large white balls of blossoms, are thick and leathery to prevent desiccation during droughts. Even the grasses have leaves well-adapted for prairie life- narrow, tapered leaves to reduce the exposed surface area.

A variety of clovers and other legumes fertilize the prairie with nitrogen-fixing ability. Nodules of bacteria on their roots take in nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into nitrogen-containing compounds.

The patterns, textures, and colors of the prairie plants were as interesting as their adaptations. Blazing stars thrust their purple plumes skyward amid the straw-colored hues of coneflowers, goldenrod, and rosinweed. Here and there were purple-petaled coneflower with their orange-tinted centers-their unique color combination strikingly beautiful. Only a weed species, but nonetheless lovely is the Queen Anne’s Lace, a “settler” from Europe, having come in with seed mixtures for hay and pasture crops. The delicate blue chicory flowers were scattered among these lacy white foreigners.

Such was the beauty and interest of the Whitnall prairie that many participants asked questions about establishing prairie plants on their own properties. A heritage, nearly lost has at last been valued and hopefully, will flourish more widely in our yards, our parks, and even perhaps along our expressways and highways. Legislation to come up next month in our state legislature will seek to revise statutes on weeds and may “legalize” some of our native prairie plants.

The post Prairie Season at Whitnall Park appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

From Yard to Natural Habitat

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:54:00 GMT

Here’s How We Did It! by Sarah and David Stokes

When my husband, David, and I moved to Hales Corners in 2017, our yard consisted of a green grass lawn and several trees. We are both environmentalists and knew that a natural yard was in our future, but were not sure how to get started.

Fortunately, we had three wonderful resources available to us: the Wild Ones Natural Landscaping local chapter at Wehr Nature Center, the annual native plant sale offered by the Friends of Wehr, and professional native landscaper Danielle Bell of Native Roots, LLC.

Adding a Rain Garden

We started in 2019 by planting a rain garden located where our sump pump was discharging and creating a wet area. One year later the area looked amazing with joe-pye weed, golden alexander, obedient plant, and many other plants!

Expanding with a prairie

Meanwhile, we used a 20’X20’ plastic tarp to cover the turf grass for one year to kill it without chemicals. Each year, we planted native plants into the dead grass area and then moved the tarp over to cover another area of grass for another year. We have now planted three new sections and will add more each year. In addition, we used cardboard covered with mulch to kill more grass for “islands” of native plantings around the property. Shrubs such as hazelnut, witch hazel, red osier dogwood, and sumac, along with a baby burr oak tree were also added.

When the new “yard” is blooming, we feel great satisfaction watching the birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects utilizing the habitat that we created. We’ve even had a nest of bluebirds! In winter when the plants are dormant, we know we are providing habitat for overwintering bees, insect larvae, toads, and an assortment of other living things. It’s doubly rewarding to not just enjoy the beauty of our natural habitat yard but also know in our small way, we’re adding to the richness and health of the local ecosystem.

Watch for the Friends of Wehr Native Plant Sale each spring to get started on your own rewarding natural landscape!

Sarah Stokes, Naturalist

The post From Yard to Natural Habitat appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Forest Bathing Opportunities Come to Wehr Nature Center

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:56:00 GMT

Many of us have had the experience of going into nature to “get away from it all.” Intuitively we have sought refuge in our green spaces for various reasons, such as rest, relaxation, stress relief, and personal reflection. We are guided instinctually to seek these spaces out; however, recent scientific evidence has shown that our nature connectedness supports and nourishes our mind, body, and spirit. One such article suggested that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and well-being.

Author Note:

Brooke is a Park Naturalist at Wehr Nature Center and is certified as a forest bathing guide through the Nádúr Centre for Integrative Forest Therapy.

Book recommendations on the nature and healthy well-being connection are:

“The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative” by Florence Williams

“Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild” by Lucy Jones

The post Forest Bathing Opportunities Come to Wehr Nature Center appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Memorial Donation Keeps Frogs Happy

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 16:58:00 GMT

I love Wehr Nature Center. I know. That might sound obvious. After all, I’ve been here for over 26-years, but I really do. Wehr is of course special. It’s an island of green in an increasingly urban metropolitan area. But what I really love are some of the special places within this special place. One of those special places is observed and visited thousands of times a day. And yet, most who see it, have zero idea as to why it’s so special. I speak of Wehr’s ephemeral pond.

Located on the north boundary of Wehr Nature Center, the ephemeral ponds are bisected by West College Avenue. For the myriad of people travelling that road daily at 30mph, it might be described as non-descript. Simply drainage basins or ditches on either side of the road. But nothing could be farther from the truth. The two “drainage ditches” are in fact one of the most important and ecologically sensitive areas in all Whitnall Park and is the recipient of a targeted and deliberate restoration effort.

Due to the underlying geology, these shallow ephemeral (meaning “short lived” as they usually dry up by Labor Day) ponds fill up from snow melt and spring rains. That’s when they literally spring to life. Creatures like Planaria, Blood Worms, Water Beetles, and the whimsical looking Fairy Shrimp abound. But taking the prize for the most remarkable ephemeral pond resident is the Wood Frog.

Best described by the saying “tough critters come in small packages”, these diminutive frogs max out at only 2” to 3” in length and sport a black facial marking that is mask-like in appearance. However, their superpower is an ability to produce a special anti-freeze during the winter (they are Alaska’s only frog) and to survive very cold temperatures in the Spring. The first Wisconsin frog to emerge, they come to the pond to breed as early as March and have been observed in ponds still covered with patches of ice. This early emergence gives them the advantage of feasting on the tasty invertebrates mentioned earlier before other frogs emerge. But the best part of breeding in an ephemeral pond is what they don’t have to worry about. That is competition from, and lack of competition from fish.

As special and resilient the Wood Frog and the coterie of creatures are, they also face many challenges: Road salt from College Avenue, and even illegal dumping of litter and paving oil has affected this frog haven. However, in the last ten years, a new threat emerged: the loss of the tree canopy.

One of the most challenging changes occurred in 2008 with the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer in Wisconsin. A few years later they were documented at Wehr. The result? The entire population of mature Ash trees in Whitnall Park succumbed to this Asian beetle. The loss of Ash completely changed the complexion of our tree canopy, especially in the ephemeral ponds. Wehr staff grew concerned over the loss of so much vegetation as trees provide cooling shade and therefore cooler water temperatures. While water temperature is important, it’s also directly related to another key component in pond health: Dissolved Oxygen. Essentially, if the ephemeral pond get’s too warm due to too much sunlight from canopy loss, dissolved oxygen in the water drops. This could negatively affect the invertebrates and the Wood Frogs that depend on them.

Fortunately, we’re pleased to say that 2022 featured tremendous progress towards the restoration of the ephemeral ponds and the creatures that depend on them. Friends of Wehr (FOW) was the recipient of a generous donation. A local family who’s been visiting the nature center for decades made a memorial donation in memory of a loved one who recently passed. Their donation allowed Wehr to purchase a whopping 44 native trees for replanting around the pond. Specific species of tree were selected with our restoration goals in mind. First, many of the trees consisted of Silver Maples and Cottonwoods which like wet conditions found by the pond and grow REALLY fast. In the next five to ten years these trees will be providing much-needed shade for the ephemeral pond. Next, planted under the fast growers are another moisture-loving species, the Swamp White Oak. Hopefully, the Silver Maples and Cottonwoods will live between 50 and 100 years. When they pass on, the Swamp White Oaks will take their place and potentially provide shade for our frogs for the long term of 150 to over 200 years! Hopefully, this effort will give the ephemeral pond, and the Wood Frogs much-needed cooling, truly keeping them “made in the shade.”

The preservation and restoration of Wehr’s ephemeral pond could not have taken place without the efforts of so many. The family who made the generous donation “planted the seed”. The many volunteers who hauled, planted, and caged trees over several days made it a reality. And the dedicated field staff of Wehr provided leadership and logistical support.

Participating in the project has been immensely rewarding. I will always take pride in this project. A project that will live on long after I and everyone else reading this post are gone. If you would like to donate for yourself or on behalf of someone you love, please contact Wehr Nature Center. We would be happy to help you make a donation for the ephemeral pond or for some other project to make a lasting legacy.

The post Memorial Donation Keeps Frogs Happy appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Wehr’s Natural Diversity: The Upland Woods

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 05:40:00 GMT

The all-season beauty of the upland forest along our Blue Trail makes it must-see for visitors to Wehr. The 53-acre stand is diverse. Oaks, hickories, and black cherry trees are common in drier areas, while sugar maples dominate in moist north facing l ocations. Everything in the woodland revolves around these trees. Competition for light creates the early spring display of wildflowers we see April to May. Spring ephemerals like spring beauty and trillium race to finish their life cycle before the trees leaf out. Those colorful leaves that cover the ground in fall are not just a beautiful show, they bring life giving nutrients to the soil and create a moist blanket that shelters living things.

History of the Woodland

Wehr’s landscape is a gift of the glaciers that covered this part of Wisconsin until just 15,000 years ago. When the glaciers receded, they left behind hills called moraines made of glacial till (rocks, gravel, sand, and clay). You’ll climb up and down the edge of moraine as you explore the Blue Trail. Look for large boulders called erratics scattered throughout the woodlands. They were dropped by the glaciers as they melted away.

Indigenous people have lived in the forests, wetlands, and oak openings of what is now Franklin for thousands of years. In 2010, erosion of the drainage way in the woodland exposed an artifact that was identified as a knife point created roughly 2500 years old during the Middle Woodland Era!

What we see today is a remnant of larger forests that covered Franklin in the past. We estimate the large oaks and hickories in the woods are over 200 years old, and some sugar maples are over 180! We believe farmers pastured cattle and selectively harvest timber from the woods up to the 1930’s when the land became a park.

How You Can Help Wehr’s Woodland

The post Wehr’s Natural Diversity: The Upland Woods appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Worms Threaten Wehr’s Woodland

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 05:40:00 GMT

Wait, what? Worms are supposed to be good for the environment, right?

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. All worms in Wisconsin are technically invasive. Worms were wiped from the Great Lakes’ landscape by glaciers that receded just 15,000 years ago. European settlers reintroduced worms such as nightcrawlers and red wigglers when they arrived. But while they can be helpful in our garden and farm soil, worms have been found to disrupt Wisconsin forest ecosystems by consuming the leafy duff layer that blankets the soil. However, even these exotic worms are no match for the latest annelid invader: Asian jumping worms.

What is a jumping worm?

Jumping worms ( Amynthas spp .), also known as snake or crazy worms , are native to East Asia and probably traveled to the US in soil on horticultural plants. Currently found in 21 states, they were first found writhing in Wisconsin in 2013 at the UW Arboretum. Wehr has had a population in our upland woods since at least 2015. Unlike our familiar worms, the East Asian jumping worm does not burrow so they are easy to see when you brush away leaves or mulch from the soil. They have brown bodies and a distinctive white band near their head. They cluster together so you will usually find a mass of jumping worms. To make sure you have a jumping worm pick it up because they really do jump! Watch how they move in this video:

Jumping Worms Prolific Breeding and Eating Impact the Forest

How did these worrisome worms spread to Wehr? Probably as cocoons hidden in mulch or soil. Jumping worms cannot survive winter as adults, but they deposit hundreds of egg filled cocoons in the fall. These eggs hatch in early spring and the tiny worms grow large enough to be seen by June. Once they are introduced to a forest or garden they take over quickly. Adult worms don’t need a mate to reproduce ( a process called parthenogenesis) so they can fit in two generations each summer. Look for them in September/October when their populations are at their peak.

Jumping worms are voracious eaters of dead leaves and will sometimes even eat the roots of living plants! And since they don’t burrow, their nutrient rich castings accumulate on the soil surface, creating a texture that looks like coffee grounds or ground beef. The soil becomes depleted of nutrients and more prone to erosion because of the “hyper” rate at which they decompose leaf litter and mulch.

What Can You Do About Jumping Worms?

Research is ongoing, but so far scientists have not found a practical method of removing jumping worms once they are established, so prevention is key. Here are some tips to prevent their spread:

Learn more about jumping worms:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/jumping-worms/

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/jumpingWorm.html

https://www.vox.com/2021/5/5/22408390/crazy-jumping-worms-invasive-earthworm-garden-soil

The post Worms Threaten Wehr’s Woodland appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Ghost Pipes

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 16:25:00 GMT

Dried out Ghost Pipes are always something interesting to find in the forest. During seed set and capsule formation, stem dries down to a twig-like stalk with an upturned seed capsule that can persist into the next growing season.

What are Ghost Pipes? Ghost Pipes are a plant but they contain no chlorophyll and therefore cannot make their own food. Instead, they rely on a large network of roots and fungi to “steal” energy from surrounding plants.

The post Ghost Pipes appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Volunteers

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 15:44:00 GMT

We had a volunteer recognition luncheon on November 6 ^th . Thanks to the 397 volunteers who logged in 12,635 hours in the last year to support the Nature center and it’s programs. Jim Wroblewski, Deb McRae and Ted Bosch; all shown in the photo, were the three Friends who logged in the most hours last year (280+hours) The Wehr Nature Center programs and facility would be severely degraded without this support.

We are always looking for additional volunteer help. There are three significant gaps in our volunteer base.

Food is always a part of our events. We need some volunteers who can coordinate food preparation and serving for the various events.

How is your writing? A significant portion of our revenue is from grants. We are looking for a volunteer who has grant writing experience.

Finally we have worked to make the Nature Center accessible to all. We need a more diversified board to represent all the people we wish to serve. Can you help us diversify our board?

For more information about volunteering, visit: https://friendsofwehr.org/volunteer/

The following link for a short video update on the friends:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wpDdz0N47ypfVqrTVtpCst8GXenxzzxC/view?usp=share_link

The post Volunteers appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Don’t feed the animals

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:02:00 GMT

Thank you to the nice human that thought they were doing something kind for wildlife by leaving a large pile of bread next to the trail in the woods. Unfortunately, it is not a great thing for wildlife to eat.

Think about that gluten intolerant friend or family member that can’t eat bread and what it would do to them if they eat bread. Then thinking about it from a wildlife perspective. Bread is not something a creature is normally going to find in the wild. Sure they may eat it, but is it good for them?

Bread products contain very little nutritional value for wildlife. In fact, they can be full of sugars, sodium and carbohydrates. Sadly, these ingredients can be deadly to birds, squirrels, fish and many other animals that are not equipped to digest this unnatural diet.

For example, ducks and geese can develop wing deformities know as “Angel Wing,” if they eat too much bread which in turn prevents them from flying.

*Please note, the naturalists cleaned up this large pile of bread and placed in the trash*

The post Don’t feed the animals appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Cider Sunday

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 13:31:00 GMT

We thank all the participants, sponsors and, volunteers who made Cider Sunday a success this year. You can check out some of the activities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrRSNQLPMgE

The post Cider Sunday appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Halloween Haunts Pumpkin Carving

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 20:22:00 GMT

We thank the Hunger Task Force Farm for the pumpkins and thank Kohls, MAID and the Froedtert imaging department for the great effort in pumpkin carving this year. We completed the job in record time.

The post Halloween Haunts Pumpkin Carving appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Halloween Haunts 2022

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 20:18:00 GMT

We had great weather and participation at Halloween Haunts this year. We had over 880 visitors and raised over $9400 for Wehr (which is a bunch for us!). Survey feedback included these comments:

“Everything was perfect, will return! My kids loved it! The volunteers put in a lot of effort to make this a great event .”

“It is wonderful and super entertaining for the whole family! We love it!”

“ Absolutely love the event. Fun, educational. Love the carved pumpkins. So much effort is appreciated!”

“It’s always very enjoyable, the decorations are beautiful, and everyone is so welcoming.”

“ Our family looks forward to it every year and it helps remind us how magical nature can be.”

“ Everything was great! Everyone was super fun and we really enjoyed all the characters.”

As you can see, the audience really appreciated the show! Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent to bring nature and Halloween joy to them. Your organization and hard work made the event possible and I couldn’t imagine doing it without you.

This is a short, public video of the event you can share: https://youtu.be/dNdXS7IOlAA

The post Halloween Haunts 2022 appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Buckthorn Baggies

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 20:13:00 GMT

There have been some questions about the little black bags along the trails. They are buckthorn baggies. We began using them last year in an effort to reduce our herbicide use. Before the baggies there were two ways to remove a buckthorn, we could pull it out or cut it down and apply a herbicide. Some times we do not want to apply a herbicide when the tree is near water or entwined with another tree we want to keep. We now have the option where we can bag the trunk to kill the tree.

After a year we have begun to recover some of the bags. We have found most have remained in place. If the bag is not placed in contact with the ground the buckthorn will sprout shoots at ground level. Where they have remained on the tree trunk at ground level they have been effective in killing the trees. In many cases we have been finding ant colonies reducing the tree to compost. If you see a black bag along the trail please leave it in place.

The post Buckthorn Baggies appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Erosion at the Nature Center

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:22:00 GMT

Water is washing away the very earth beneath your feet as you cross the bridges along Wehr’s boardwalks. The Friends completed a project to temporarily stabilize the stream banks under the bridges on the boardwalk in 2022 with the help of high school students enrolled in Cream City Conservation Corps. We also hired a consultant to identify a long term solution to the problem. The City of Franklin has repaired a failed storm sewer manhole at the top of the hill. Milwaukee County is working with the City of Franklin to determine who is responsible and at what level. This determination will impact the funding and pave a path forward towards a sustainable solution.

The banks under the bridges are stable for the time being but the channel continues to erode deeper in the center of the channel. Something needs to be done to solve this problem before more damage is done. Stay tuned for updates to this project by liking us on social media, subscribing to our bi-monthly eblast, or by becoming a member, or checking in here.

The post Erosion at the Nature Center appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Moving Forward Safely

Thu, 21 May 2020 02:17:00 GMT

Written by Deb McRae

The warbers are back, the wildflowers are incredible, and we are still safer at home! But “safer at home” is taking on a little different look. Summer-like temperatures are teasing us, and all of us are tired of being cooped up. Everyone is heading outdoors.

All of us at Wehr want everyone to get out and enjoy our wonderful nature center in all its spring splendor, but we are deeply concerned for the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers. With the State Supreme Court decision last week, the state was thrown into a new situation-instead of a single set of safety guideline/rules, it is now up to every individual municipality to set their own. In Milwaukee County the municipalities have worked together to create a unified set of guidelines/rules. We are still under the safer at home guideline. Each day new guidelines and criteria from the CDC and other health groups are coming out to guide cleaning and disinfecting procedures. An approved cleaning protocol, PPE, and cleaning supplies need to be available before Wehr can consider opening the visitor center and the restrooms. Milwaukee County Parks is working diligently to help us open.

While we want to provide our visitors every service possible, things have changed for the staff. The entire staff is on some type of furlough which varies from 4-6 hrs per week for the full-time staff and indefinite to intermittent for the part-time staff. You may have heard that Milwaukee County Parks is not hiring any seasonal staff this summer. With no money coming into the county and many millions going out in support of COVID-19, there is not enough money to keep everyone working. The County staff will be going to other Park units one day per week to help mow grass and pick up garbage because most of Park Operations depends on seasonal help and there are no workers. We do not know how long this will go on but it will impact how quickly staff can answer questions, respond to email, and especially create programs. Another change will be the work schedule for staff. With more hours of sunlight the Center trails are remaining crowded much later into the evening. To help handle the large number of people, the staff will be walking the trails from 5pm to 8 pm each night except during inclement weather. This may further impact when staff will get back to your emails or questions. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Wehr’s trails are open and we encourage those who want to come and hike our trails. But to keep everyone safe, please follow physical distancing of 6 ft, wear a mask out of respect for others, and use common sense. There are some narrow places on the trails that make 6-foot distances impossible-like crossing Warbler Bridge. Please use common courtesy and allow alternating crossing of the bridges.

While we wait to open, the staff is working hard to create on-line content for programs, YouTube videos, blogs, and a variety of small programs that can be offered when we will be able to re-open. Please check the Friends of Wehr website for the latest information and on-line content.

Please remember to stay safe, enjoy our trails responsibly, and wash your hands frequently. We can’t wait to see everyone in person once we are able. Your support for the Friends of Wehr is greatly appreciated whenever you can. With County budgets stretched to the point of breaking, support from the Friends of Wehr is even more critical- please donate if you can.

The post Moving Forward Safely appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Climate Change is Changing Wehr

Tue, 19 May 2020 15:30:00 GMT

Written by Bev Bryant

We tend to think of climate change as being a far-away problem; something that is happening in Australia or to Polar bears, or to our great-grandkids at some point in the distant future. The reality is climate change is happening right now and right here. At Wehr we have noticed the changes that warming temperatures and stronger storms have made to our natural areas.

What is causing the climate to change?

Climate change is caused by an increase in the amount of CO _2, and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. When we burn fossil fuels like oil, gasoline, coal, and natural gas we release large amounts of CO ₂ into the atmosphere. This rampant CO ₂ accumulates in the upper atmosphere where it acts like a thick, heat-trapping blanket. The extra heat that it holds inside our atmosphere is causing temperatures to rise and disruptions in our global weather system.

These videos explain the role of CO ₂ in the climate crisis:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A Student’s Guide to Global Climate Change. EPA,

It’s Okay to be Smart. “Climate Science: What You Need to Know”. PBS Learning Media.

How is climate change impacting Wisconsin and Wehr Nature Center?

Impacts of Changing High/Average Temperatures

Wisconsin’s average temperature has increased 2.2⁰ F since 1900. Winter and spring temperatures are seeing the most dramatic shifts. Scientists project that by 2050 our average winter temperature will have increased by 5⁰ to 11⁰ F! In other words, by the mid-21 ^st century our climate will more resemble that of current day Missouri than the climate we have known in the past.

Here at Wehr, maple syrup making is one of our favorite traditions. That process depends on having a stable winter/spring climate and healthy sugar maple trees. Our maples are increasingly stressed by summer heat and drought, and in the future will likely disappear from our woods. After all, Missouri doesn’t produce maple syrup.

Visit NOAA’s Wisconsin climate summary for learn about impacts of temperature change.

To see how maple sugaring and other Wisconsin traditions such as fishing are being impacted by climate change, view the excellent stories at Climate Wisconsin .

Impacts of Changing Precipitation Patterns

Wisconsin is already experiencing changes in our precipitation patterns. There is more rain falling in the winter and spring, and we have more droughts and downpours in the summer. This new pattern is causing frequent flooding which impacts Wisconsin farms, roads, buildings, and basements and our natural environments.

Increased flooding and heavy downpours have significantly impacted the streams, wetlands and lake here a Wehr. Flash flood events erode stream banks and deposit sediment in our wetland and lake. This has caused Mallard Lake to become shallower and warmer, which impacts water quality. Heavy spring run-off brings high loads of nutrients from fertilizers, manure, and sediments, causing algal blooms in Mallard Lake. Flooding also impacts our man-made structures, damaging our piers, boardwalks and bridges.

What can we do to help?

There are many ways to help! Actions can be taken to adapt to the changing climate, while at the same time we work to mitigate the worst of the possible climate change scenarios.

This excellent video from Climate Wisconsin illustrates adaptation and mitigation: https://climatewisconsin.org/story/adaptation-mitigation.html

Here at Wehr we have adapted by installing permeable pavers which absorb run-off during flood events, reinforcing our piers and boardwalks to withstand high waters, and including more southern species as we replant areas impacted by tree loss. Protecting and restoring natural habitat here at Wehr, in our parks, and even in our own yards is also vital to preserving biodiversity stressed by climate change.

Reducing carbon emissions is key to mitigating climate change. We can all make changes in our lives to reduce emissions and to increase carbon uptake. Wehr invites you to join us in October 2020 as we participate in a global action to reduce carbon emissions. Volunteers, staff, and supporters can join Team Wehr to participate in the People’s Ecochallenge.

The Ecochallenge is an online education portal that supports and educates you to take actions that protect our environment. You can choose from daily or one-time challenges, set your own goals, and report your progress all within our team portal. Like Weight Watcher programs supports people to lose weight, the Ecochallenge helps us as we change habits that shed CO _2. We will share more details about the Ecochallenge in our summer Wehr Words and via our website, but you can visit Project Drawdown and Ecochallenge dot org to start learning about effective ways to take action to protect our climate.

The post Climate Change is Changing Wehr appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

A Great Time to be a Birder – updated 5/14/21

Sat, 09 May 2020 04:11:00 GMT

Written by Jennifer Rutten

In his foreword to A Sand County Almanac , Aldo Leopold wrote these familiar words. They ring true to me as a newish birder (3 years now) for I along with others cannot lie in bed on an early May morning knowing that scarlet tanagers may have arrived in a nearby Wisconsin woodlot the night before or drive by a flooded farm field without stopping, or at least slowing down, knowing that shorebirds may be foraging along the muddy edges (I’m continually late for calls, meetings).

Birding in a Pandemic

About 65 million Americans plan outings to observe wild birds annually, where they enjoy the peaceful respite from our fast-paced world. With the COVID-19 restrictions dragging on, interest in birdwatching has soared as bored Americans notice the amazing natural world outside their windows. Popular bird identification apps and online birding guide purchases have spiked, nest boxes and sales of bird feeders and seed have jumped as well (try and purchase from your local shops that are open too!) Lucky for us, this period of physical isolation coincides with peak migration for the Milwaukee area (around May 9 ^th ), giving newfound birders a front-row seat for some of nature’s biggest shows. I can’t wait to see the statistics for new birders after this pandemic!

Physical distancing is making this a migration season like no other. Birders are rediscovering their backyards for birding habitat. Smaller groups of dedicated birders are out looking for their first of the year sightings in masks, staying six to ten feet apart and driving alone, and our eBird alerts are highly anticipated emails now. Birds do not know the pandemic is happening and being outdoors observing them offers some sort of normalcy to our worlds right now.

Get Started Birdwatching

Bird Watching is an easy hobby to get into, too, especially in a state like Wisconsin. Wisconsin birds are everywhere, observed in places as simple as your backyard, along with an incredible range of natural areas around the state, rivers, streams and the Lakeshore.

I cannot seem to shake the bird watching bug- especially when the birding community in my world is so inspiring, supportive and the best teachers.

Fortunately for those of us “afflicted with this bug,” Wisconsin offers a wealth of feather bearing wildlife, boasting a bird list with 422 species. Because Wisconsin is uniquely bordered by two major waterways—the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes—many other species pass through on their way to and from their breeding grounds. And, because three vegetational zones (southeastern deciduous forests, northern coniferous forests, and dry grasslands) converge in Wisconsin, we often see species more common to the North, South, and West. Some of us may already be experiencing the thrill of the unexpected rare sighting (I just saw a Black-throated Gray Warbler!) For new watchers of wild things, that excitement awaits.

Sounds, Colors and Observations

To me, Spring migration of birds through the Wisconsin migration highway means SOUNDS , COLORS and OBSERVATIONS .

Here are a few of my favorite songs to listen for:

Vibrant blues and yellows, oranges and reds. Mottled black and white and shades of olive green. Patches of rose-colored red on breasts and black masks and colored throats. These are all migration markings that can take my breath away.

I’m usually the one who cannot stifle “OH My gosh, THERE, LOOK!” screams. I’m also encouraging you to take the time to observe these magnificent birds while the males sing and display for the affections of a female mate… carry nesting material to build a sturdy place to incubate eggs, conduct territorial spats and many more. Last Saturday I enjoyed putting my bins down and just closing my eyes to listen to the drumming of woodpeckers and songs of the birds while the trees blew. I opened my eyes and was shocked to have 9 Eastern Towhees singing and flitting about to draw in the females- they were within inches of me and I must of stood there for 40 minutes before they moved on. During these difficult times- this is what we need to soothe our souls.

Reporting your Bird Sightings

There are several interactive ways one can observe and be involved in Wisconsin’s spring migration. The National Audubon Society’s bird identification app is a helpful resource to download and use wherever you bird watch. You can download the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s bird identification app, Merlin ID to help you learn about those birds coming to your backyard or block. Cornell also has fascinating live bird cams on their website , and a guide with bird photos and calls to learn from. Cornell’s popular eBird app which lets birders around the world record important sightings has been busier than ever during the pandemic. I encourage everyone who can to document their sightings in eBird because it provides scientists valuable data for bird species. The number of birds in the United States and Canada has declined by 3 billion, or 29, over the past half-century, scientists announced in 2019. We must all do our part in tracking these migrations when possible. Wisconsin Society for Ornithology also is a great resource of all things birds.

Wisconsin Birdathon

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is Wisconsin’s largest fundraiser for bird conservation. Each year bird enthusiasts from across the state form teams with the goal of finding as many unique bird species as possible within a 24-hour period while raising important funds for bird conservation.

Birdathon teams can participate any day from April 15th to June 15th, and all skill levels are welcome to join! Teams can bird anywhere – a backyard, local park, or a route to hit all their favorite birding hot spots. As COVID-19 remains a dynamic situation, teams are encouraged to bird mindfully and adhere to public health guidelines.

Both novice and expert birders can have fun and make a difference in protecting birds. The funds raised through the Great Wisconsin Birdathon support Bird Protection Fund priority projects.

Now’s the Time to Start

There’s no better time to pick up birding as a hobby, since all it requires is your eyes and ears. Sure, a fancy pair of binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens will certainly make some birds easier to spot and identify; but even without them, you can still start with the basics right from the windows of your home.

Whether your ‘backyard’ is the interior of your apartment complex, a busy city street, or a tree-filled sidewalk or rural area, you might be surprised at how much you can find out your window. And if you know what to look—and listen—for, you can become a pro at identifying them from the comfort of your home. Happy birding!

The post A Great Time to be a Birder – updated 5/14/21 appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Keep Calm and…SQUIRREL!

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 01:18:00 GMT

Written by Holly Walz

Who’s that bushy-tailed, gray, and furry fellow on the birdfeeder?! It’s no bird – must be a gray SQUIRREL! Common visitors to parks and backyards in Milwaukee, squirrels also live in hardwood and mixed coniferous hardwood forests throughout Wisconsin – wherever there are trees with nuts. If you have a bird feeder, this critter can steal all the birdseed for himself. They are very clever! And acrobatic!

Gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ) have – you guessed it – gray fur that may be tinged with brown. They also come in other color morphs or phases – some gray squirrels are “melanistic” having black fur. White and albino squirrels have been recorded in Wisconsin too! Gray squirrels often have white hair patches behind their ears and on their chin, throat, and belly. They weigh between one and two pounds. Gray squirrels can be 18 to 21 inches long and almost half of that length is their tail! Tails can be used for balancing on power line “bridges” and for jumping branch to branch; they also make a fine shield from rain and cold wind.

Gray squirrels have excellent eyesight. Their eyes are located on the sides of their head giving them a wide field of vision. Eye placement and their excellent sense of hearing help them avoid predators like falcons, hawks, and foxes. And a fantastic sense of smell helps them find the acorns they buried last year. Seen any strange little holes in your yard lately? SQUIRREL!

When gray squirrels are not busy burying nuts, they may be “squirreling them away” in a tree hole for storage. Acorns, hickory nuts, black walnuts, and maple seeds are favorites morsels. And those four strong, sharp, orange front teeth? They never stop growing! The orange color is a special protective covering, necessary protection for gnawing mammals known as rodents. Squirrels need strong sharp teeth to open the hard shells of nuts they eat!

When a squirrel “forgets” where a nut was buried, sometimes the nut germinates and grows into a tree! Squirrels also like to eat green plants, flowers, berries, apples, corn, sap, and fungi. They’ve been known to dig up garden bulbs for food too. Pesky squirrels!

Adult gray squirrels are about a year old when they breed. They often have two litters of three to five young – one in late March/early April and the second in late July/early August. Baby squirrels – called “kits” – are born “altricial”. That means they need a lot of care and feeding from their mom. Kits are born pink and hairless, with closed eyes and ears. Their ears open at around four weeks and their eyes at six weeks. They depend on their parents for two to three months.

And if they seem to stick around a long time, it’s because gray squirrels are homebodies, not traveling far from their home which amounts to a couple of square acres of forest. Their leafy summer nests are called dreys – but they may also live in a tree hole where many squirrels may snuggle together to keep warm. You might see bedding and nesting material s being carried in a squirrel’s mouth up to the nest. They are active in winter and diurnal – meaning they are active during the day but, like us, they may take a break around midday. When the sun goes down, it’s good-night SQUIRREL!

The post Keep Calm and…SQUIRREL! appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Charmed by Hummingbirds

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 04:11:00 GMT

by Brooke Gilley

To see a group of hummingbirds (also known as a charm or tune) is a marvelous thing. I remember my first experience witnessing a charm of hummingbirds. It happened at the Woodlands Nature Station located in Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area in Western Kentucky Among the multiple native plant gardens at the Station were several hummingbird feeders and tiny, little Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flitted from feeder to feeder. It was a bit like entering Jurassic Park but with hummingbirds. Even though it was not peak migration season (which occurs in early August) for these winged jewels, I was still left in awe.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will be returning to Wisconsin soon from places like Costa Rica and we need to prepare for their homecoming. How can you attract hummingbirds to your yard so that you may witness your own charm? After spending six years in Kentucky and working several Woodlands Nature Station Hummingbird Festivals, I am happy share some helpful tips.

Finding the Right Feeder

First, if you are new to feeding hummingbirds, you will need to get a hummingbird feeder. There are a lot of choices on the market. You will want your jar to be made of glass as plastic can easily mildew. Stay away from feeders with a metal base as they can heat up quickly and potentially burn little feet or beaks. I recommend the Best-1 Hummingbird Feeder as its plastic base is easy to clean which is important in a good hummingbird feeder. Stores such as Wild Birds Unlimited www.wbu.com are great places to find a quality feeder.

Placing the Feeder

Now that you have your feeders, where should you put them? Please keep in mind that a male’s territory is ¼ acre in size. You may want to have more than one feeder and space them apart from each other so one male cannot hog all the goods. I hang mine from a shepherd’s hook near a spruce tree and my other feeder is near a native coral honeysuckle. Placing your feeder near a shrub provides a great hiding place if a hummingbird needs to make a quick retreat. Mid-April is a good time to put out feeders. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to take down your feeder by the 1 ^st of October; hummingbirds will start migration regardless of the presence of feeders. Just take them down before the sugar water starts to freeze.

The Secret Recipe

You don’t need a special mix from the store to feed hummingbirds, just sugar and water. You can make as much as you need by mixing four parts water to one-part sugar. Boiling water to make the mix helps it last longer but is not required. Extra food should be refrigerated for later use. Sugar water will spoil, so if you note any fogginess in your mix, whether in the feeder or in the fridge, it is best practice to throw it out as this is an early sign of mildew. Never add red dye to your sugar water! The red food dye could be harmful to the birds and hummers will be attracted to the red color on the feeder. If stinging insects are gathering at your feeder, reduce your sugar solution to a 5 to 1 sugar ratio. A feeder with bee guards is also handy.

Can You Eat Like A Hummingbird?

Hummingbirds flap their wings up to 90 flaps per second during normal activity and upwards of 200 flaps per second during the time they are trying to find a mate. Their metabolism is so incredibly fast that they need to refuel about every 10 minutes by eating insects and nectar and visiting as many as 1,000 to 2,000 flowers per day. Each day they consume 50% of their body weight just to maintain their normal body weight of roughly 3 grams. By comparison, a nickel weighs 4.5 grams.

Hummingbirds burn from 6,600 to 12,000 calories per day. If a man had the metabolism of a hummingbird, he would have to eat almost 300 pounds of hamburger a day to keep from wasting away! You can see why having access to feeders can be very important for a hummingbird in an urban area.

Plant Some Flowers

I mentioned earlier that hummingbird feeders are important in attracting hummingbirds into your own backyard. But that is not all they need. In truth, the feeder is a supplement to the natural nectar available in an area. Flowers are really what they are after. So, what does a hummingbird like in a flower? They love flowers that are tube-shaped, red, and have little scent (most birds do not have a sense of smell). Some examples are Wild Columbine, Coral Honeysuckle, and Bee Balm. Please remember about 25% of a hummingbird’s meal consists of insects. You can also choose to plant flowers that will attract insects for the ruby-throated hummingbirds to eat. Good plants for this are Purple Coneflower and Black-eyed Susan. A native plant catalog such as Prairie Nursery https://www.prairienursery.com/ or Prairie Moon Nursery https://www.prairiemoon.com/ will have symbols that indicate a plant that is a hummingbird attractor.

Order hummingbird friendly flowers from Wehr’s Native Plant Sale by May 1 ^st . https://friendsofwehr.org/fundraisers/

If You Build it, They Will Come

If you don’t see hummingbirds in your yard soon after placing your feeders, please do not worry. It may take some time for them to find you. You may want to start out with a little bit of sugar water in your feeders and watch to see if the water level goes down, which may indicate the presence of these tiny birds.

I hope these tips help you build a Ruby-throated Hummingbird oasis and you get to experience a charm of your own.

The post Charmed by Hummingbirds appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Bluebells and the Bumble Bee Brigade

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 00:08:00 GMT

By Brooke Gilley

The blooming of Virginia bluebells marks the busy season for bumble bee queens and the beginning of monitoring season for the Bumble Bee Brigade. Bumble bee queens have been hibernating underground, waiting for the soil to warm up so they can start to gather the nectar and pollen needed to lay the eggs that will form their colony . It is thought that bumble bee queens will create hibernaculum close to spring ephemerals, so they have easier access in the spring. Bluebells are some of our earliest flowers to bloom in the spring. That’s why the bluebells are so important and, appropriately, why the Bumble Bee Brigade springs into action (pun intended) when we see them bloom.

While they are cold blooded, the furry body of a bumble bees is thought to insulate their bodies. Therefore, they can often forage for pollen and nectar at cooler temps. Bumble bees have been known to forage at temps near freezing but are typically active in temperatures ranging closer to 59 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit

The Bumble Bee Brigade is a team of community science monitors organized by the Department of Natural Resources to gather important information about the life of bumble bees. Our job is to take photos, lots and lots of photos, of the bumble bees we see. We never handle the bees but try to identify species and if our bumble bee is a worker, a male, or queen bee (in the fall the queens are called gynes). We then submit these photos to the Bumble Bee Brigade.

Not all bumble bees are the same. Did you know Wisconsin has 20 different species? Five of those 20 bumble bees are Cuckoo Bumble Bees which means they don’t make a colony of their own but will take over one from another species of bumble bee. Some of our more common species that you are most likely to see in your backyard are the Common Eastern, Two-Spotted, Brown-belted, and Red-belted bumble bees. Species identification is determined by where the yellow or even rust color is seen on the body.

In Wisconsin, we have one federally endangered species called the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. Seven species could be next on that list as well as three others that need more research to determine their status. One species of concern that we have within our Milwaukee County Park System is the Yellow Bumble Bee.

There are still a lot of unknowns about the life history of bumble bees and what is causing the decline. One of those reasons is that other bee species in general are not studied as deeply our friend the honey bee. We hear a lot about honey bees but bumble bees are just as important in the pollination of fruits and vegetables and can provide buzz pollination which honey bees can’t do. You see, some plants really hold on to their pollen. Bumble bees and some other bee species have a way to get this precious pollen. They will firmly grasp the anthers (the part of the flower that holds pollen) and move their flight muscles rapidly. This causes the flower and anthers to vibrate, thus dislodging the pollen.

I have been monitoring bumble bees as a team member in the Bumble Bee Brigade since 2018 and I would like to encourage anyone fascinated by our friends, the bumble bees, to join us in this effort. If you would like to help by becoming a bumble bee monitor, please consider joining our Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas Department as a volunteer. Bring your camera, watch for the blooming of the bluebells, and listen for the hum of bumble bee wings to help protect these amazing and vital natural neighbors.

Ready to get started monitoring bumble bees? Take the virtual training by watching these Milwaukee County Parks Bumble Bee Monitoring Program Orientation and Bumble Bee ID Tutorial . Submit observations to the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade for Milwaukee County Parks here .

Questions? Contact Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas Specialist Emilie Burmeister .

The post Bluebells and the Bumble Bee Brigade appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Go Outside and Play: Mud Pies and More

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 21:35:00 GMT

By Bev Bryant, Wehr Interpretative Naturalist

Spring! Even the word is full of energy. I have to admit that spring has always been my favorite time of year. Something about the bright color of fresh green, the abundance of wildflowers and the sweet sounds of birds and frogs calling makes Spring THE TIME to fall in love with nature.

One of the most glorious things about spring (although underappreciated by adults) is the amazing amount of MUD! Mud from snow melting, mud from spring rains, mud in puddles, mud in the garden! There is simply no excuse for any child to stay clean with such an abundance of fresh dirt! So here are a few simple ideas for encouraging your child to enjoy spring in your own yard or during a visit to Wehr Nature Center. Remember- if their hands aren’t dirty, they haven’t been having enough FUN!

Make a Mud Pie- Do you remember making concoctions from stuff you found in the yard? The back porch is the kitchen and all of nature the grocery store with some mud and imagination. You’ll need some basic tools: a trowel, old pie tins, bowls and pans that will stay outside, a source of water (buckets or water cans work well), a source of dirt (clay is great), and an area to collect natural materials. I always leave the dead plant material in my gardens to overwinter, so there is plenty of old flower heads, stalks and twigs in spring. Later in spring there are catkins, flower petals, and grass to add. Wood chips and pebbles round out the list of basic backyard cookery ingredients. If your yard doesn’t have these things, it is time to rethink your landscaping. Sandboxes can hold sand and rocks, a rain barrel provides an easy source of water for little hands, and planting native flowers, shrubs and trees will attract wildlife and backyard cooks. You can purchase ready to plant native flowers and grasses this spring through the Friends of Wehr Annual Native Plant Sale. Pre-order potted wildflowers and more and pick them up curbside on June 6 & 7. Find the pre-order form here . Looking for more inspiration? The classic book Mud Pies and Other Recipes : A Cookbook for Dolls by Marjorie Winslow is full of ideas for a backyard restaurant. With creations like “Dandelion Souffle” and “Rock Roast” it is a must read for little cooks and their grow-ups.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch a series of videos about the how-tos and joy of making mud pies!

Plant a Garden: Want your children to develop a true relationship to the earth? Then plant a garden! A garden they can eat from is best, but flowers are great as well. It doesn’t have to be big- even a pot on the porch of your apartment is a start. Let your child help pick out the plant or seeds, help dig up the garden or fill the planter, and push the seeds into the ground. Give them the job of watering their garden and encourage them to visit the new plants often to see how they grow. They will be thrilled to harvest the veggies and celebrate the blossoms of their green charges.

Interested in planting a garden but don’t know where to start? Wehr is offering Virtual Planning Your Pollinator Garden Series April 15, 22, and 29 from 7-8 pm via Zoom. For more info and to register . Pollinator gardens are an excellent addition to your yard and will provide you and your children hours of natural entertainment as you observe butterflies, bumble bees, beetles, and other pollinators. (And the flowers that pollinators love also are great materials for mud pies!)

Take Time to Smell the Wildflowers Take a family wildflower walk to discover the native wildflowers that abound in woods, wetlands and fields. You can create a game by seeing who can find the most colors, the biggest flower, the smallest flower or the flower with the most petals. Have your child take a close look at each flower and ask them to give it a name. If your children are older, take along a field guide and work together to identify the flowers that interest you. The key is to FOCUS on the details you see in the flower. Take along a hand lens if you have one or download one of the many magnifier apps to your mobile phone. A magnifier opens up a whole new world and really allows a child to observe . Take along a notebook and try sketching the flowers you see. You could even turn your walk into opportunity to teach photography by letting your children use your phone or camera to take pictures of what you find. During our building closure we will post a weekly list of what is blooming at Wehr on our Blog page, but when we reopen make sure to stop in the Visitor Center and check out our “What’s In Bloom” display for help in identifying the flowers you see . Always remind your little ones that the flowers need to stay outside for the pollinators and other animals to enjoy, so please don’t pick them.

Celebrate Dandelions- No plant inspires so much affection in children and so much angst in adults as the dandelion. Dandelions are technically not native wildflowers since they were introduced here from Europe. However, they are not invasive in our natural areas and really do no harm in our lawns. I treasure them in my yard in early Spring since they offer pollinators an early food source. It is mostly our attitudes that have turned them into pests. So please try to see the dandelion as your child does – a pretty, sturdy flower that is fun to play with. Make dandelion chains and crowns; see how far you can “pop” them with your thumb, pound the flowers onto pavement or fabric with a rock and create a yellow impression. Blow them, kick them, make wishes on the seeds and even snack on the fresh leaves! But don’t play with them if you spray them or use Weed n Feed on your yard; poison is poison and it is not healthy for children, pollinators, or flowers.

Go Frog Hunting- Nothing says spring as sweetly as the sounds of frogs singing. Make a point to visit Wehr or another natural area at night in April and May and listen for the peeping, creeking and croaking of frogs. Kids will be thrilled to be out after dark and will remember the experience all their lives! Join us a Virtual Frog Frolic on April 18 to learn where to look and what to listen for. Visit the Wisconsin DNR’s website http://wiatri.net/inventory/frogtoadsurvey/WIfrogs/ to learn more about our local frogs and the sounds they make.

We would love for you to share your questions, photos, and stories from from your family’s adventures with us on Wehr’s Facebook and Instagram .

Happy Spring!

The post Go Outside and Play: Mud Pies and More appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

How to Keep Yourself and Nature Safe When You Explore

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 03:30:00 GMT

Research has proven that getting outside into nature helps reduce stress…and right now we all have a lot of stress. The trails at Wehr are still open at this time for you to use to explore and relax. And judging by the number of cars in the parking lot, many people are indeed using Wehr’s trails. As always, our first concern is the health and well-being of our visitors, volunteers, staff, as well as the health of the land we all love to explore.

Keeping Yourself Safe

With so many people using the trails it is important to practice effective physical distancing (a more precise term than social distancing since we all need to stay socially connected). CDC guidelines still apply when you are outdoors! Please review the important points in this infographic from Milwaukee County Parks.

Keep these points in mind : Always leave a six-foot distance between yourself and people who are not in your quarantine group, even when passing on the trails and stopping at popular birding spots. Be aware of your surroundings and give others a wide berth. You should be prepared to choose a different, less traveled route if you arrive at Wehr and the park is busy. Scientists have shown that the coronavirus can survive for many hours or days on surfaces. This includes natural surfaces such as rock and wood, as well as our benches and handrails. To be safe, treat every surface as a source of infection and carry hand sanitizer with you on your hikes. If you are ill or have have been exposed to someone who is ill, please do not visit until you have undergone a 14-day quarantine.

Keeping Nature Safe

While it is wonderful to see so many people out exploring nature, it is important to remember the choices we make have an impact on the land. Follow these rules to be a good neighbor to Wehr’s plants and wildlife:

Please stay on the trails . We maintain well marked trails for your safety and for the safety of nature. Stepping off paths crushes plants and spreads invasive plants. This is especially important in spring when delicate, hard to see ephemeral wildflowers are at their most vulnerable stage. These flowers are the first foods for bees and other pollinators coming out of hibernation. They in turn become a food source for our returning songbirds. Mother Nature’s food chain in action. Please stay on the trail so the chain is not broken.

Practice Leave No Trace . Please be prepared to take whatever trash you create with you. We do not have staff onsite to empty trash cans and trash should not be left on the trails or in our parking lot. Likewise, plan to have no access to restrooms. The call of nature is natural but leaving it behind in a public place is illegal and a health hazard!

Leave your dog and bike at home. Bikes create ruts in the trails especially in spring and increase erosion. With spring officially here the migratory birds are returning. Ground nesters are looking for safe places to build their nests and dogs drive them away from their important nesting habitats at Wehr. Dogs represent danger to them…birds don’t know you are keeping your dog on a leash and couldn’t come and destroy their nest and/or eat their babies. People benefit as well. No one wants to walk through dog “poop”.

Thank you for helping to care for Wehr’s wonderful land resources. Stay safe!

The post How to Keep Yourself and Nature Safe When You Explore appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

How to Run a Nature Center During a Pandemic

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 03:09:00 GMT

Like the rest of Wisconsin, the last several weeks at Wehr Nature Center have been a whirlwind of emails, agency updates, and change. As the reality of this pandemic settled over our state our parent agencies, Milwaukee County and the UW-Madison (Division of Extension), took a lead in informing citizens of the dangers of the coronavirus and preparing employees to transition alternative work situations. By March 13th Wehr’s Visitor Center was closed to the public and soon after our offices closed completely.

Since then, our entire staff has moved to working from home or been provided with access to public health leave. These steps were taken for the protection of the public, the staff and our volunteers. We all want to help Milwaukee and Wisconsin “flatten the curve”. But what exactly does telecommute mean? At first it meant many phone calls and emails to teachers and program participants to refund or reschedule their programs. On-going it means working online, meeting by Zoom (a video conferencing app), and collaborating to transition our programming to new “virtual” formats. It is hard not seeing our visitors, students, and volunteers in person during this time, but we are excited to try out some new methods to connect with you in your “Safer at home” locations.

Most of you are probably thinking, enough about the staff , how are the education animals? All of Wehr’s animal ambassadors are safe and being well cared for. Like during our construction in 2019, they have once again gone on vacation. A big thank you to Howard Aprill and his wife Paula for turning their house into a zoo. Howard reports that Stripes, the Eastern garter snake, really enjoys looking out the window from his new spot on the kitchen table. Watch Wehr’s Facebook page and Instagram for photos and updates on the animals.

Just before the ice went off the lake, work began on Wehr’s new accessible pier . The very strong base (this one won’t float away) has been installed but the decking and railings have been temporarily halted due to the pandemic. I have been assured it will be finished quickly once work can resume. The unpaved section of the service drive near the new office addition will be installed once the pavers are made. We apologize to all of you that are still waiting for your bricks to be put in. Another delay caused by the pandemic. Once we get the all-clear to have the work start again, the memorial bricks will be put in along with the new section of drive. Our new drinking fountain and water bottle-filler is also waiting to be installed.

Please stay safe by practicing safe distances and washing your hands often. Working together we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and return to programming in person as quickly as possible.

Deb McRae, Director, Wehr Nature Center

The post How to Run a Nature Center During a Pandemic appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

Skunk Cabbage: Spring’s Weird, Smelly Wonder

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 02:52:00 GMT

Wisconsinites are always on the lookout for the arrival of spring. We celebrate each January or February thaw, even though we know it is just a tease. Hearing the “Konk-ka-ree” of the first red-winged blackbird in early March raises our spirits too, but nothing defines the arrival of spring quite like the blooming of the first flower. Home gardeners celebrate with the arrival of crocus blossoms, or maybe snowdrops, but nature lovers see spring’s arrival in a far less showy, if not downright homely bloom. Spring is truly sprung in Wisconsin when you see (or smell?) your first skunk cabbage flower.

Wildflowers have famously confusing common names, but the skunk cabbage is accurately dubbed. The Eastern skunk cabbage ( Symplocarpus foetidus ) resembles both a skunk and a cabbage. The large, broad leaves form a cluster reminiscent of a cabbage plant, although it is not related to real cabbages. It is a member of the Arum family a group of plants that includes more tropical plants such as calla lilies and philodendrons, but also local native plants such as Jack-in-the-pulpit and green dragon The leaves and stem release a distinctly skunky odor when crushed, perhaps as an adaptation to prevent large animals from browsing it.

The flower of the skunk cabbage is no less odoriferous, and it resembles an alien pod from a science fiction story. The white streaked, maroon colored structure we see poking up from the wetland muck in March is actually a hood-like leaf called a spathe. The spathe remains mostly furled, creating a chamber that encloses the ball-like spadix. The yellow spadix is covered in many petal-less flowers that make it look spiky and emits a pungent odor of rotting flesh. All that stink does the important job of attracting its pollinators- flies and carrion beetles!

These pollinators not only get a meal of pollen during the lean early spring, they also get a warm place to hang out. Skunk cabbage is one of a few plants that undergoes thermogenesis, a metabolic process that allows the plant to produce its own heat. The skunk cabbage spathe can actually reach temperatures up to 70⁰F! This process allows the skunk cabbage flower to push its way up early in spring by melting snow and thawing soil. The flower continues to produce heat once emerged, allowing the pungent chemical compounds in its spadix to broadcast to pollinators and rewarding them with a cozy place to rest. Truly remarkable!

Skunk cabbage occurs widely from Canada to North Carolina in moist, rich soil. We find it along Wehr’s wetland trail, in spots where it stays wet but not submerged for long. Take a walk on our boardwalk in March and early April and look for the flower peeking through the snow or mud. Visit in May through July to see the big, cabbage like leaves. Gently rub them and enjoy a skunky whiff!

Bev Bryant, Interpretive Naturalist, Wehr Nature Center

Looking for more in-depth information about skunk cabbage? I recommend this article from the Wisconsin Master Naturalists.

The post Skunk Cabbage: Spring’s Weird, Smelly Wonder appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .

If Birds Could Be Clowns, This One Would Fit The Bill

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:56:00 GMT

The American woodcock (Scolopax minor)– aka Timberdoodle, Bog sucker, Mudsnipe, Hokumpoke, Night partridge, Labrador twister, and Mud bat to name a few – is a bizarre looking woodland shorebird in the sandpiper family with unique looks and interesting behaviors.

Woodcock adaptations include an exceptionally long probing bill with a flexible tip, ideal for finding their diet of mostly earthworms in swampy soil. Their eyes are located on the side of their head to better see predators while feeding. And if that didn’t make them funny looking enough, they are short legged, have a body shaped like a football and a bobbing, hesitating style strut! Check out this video: American Woodcock Strut

One of the earliest migrants to Wisconsin, woodcock fly here during the dark of night in March and April from wintering grounds in the southeastern United States. They are among the slowest of flying birds clocking speeds of only six miles per hour. Woodcock breed in all Wisconsin counties and can be found at Wehr Nature Center on our upper prairie and savanna and throughout Whitnall Park! Males exhibit a remarkable courtship display of spiraling courtship flights during short periods at dawn and dusk. The male woodcock begin this display on the ground by making nasally peent sounds. Even more strange – they twitter kissing sounding chirps during the twirling flights – all while their specialized wings whistle during the ascent. These displays can be seen in Wisconsin beginning early in spring, into June and even sometimes early July. Here’s a video of that: American Woodcock Sky Dance and peents

American woodcock use open areas such as forest cuttings or fields for their singing grounds and roosting, but females nest and raise brood in young forest succession of up to 15-20-year-old tree. Little use of old growth forest has been found.

Nests are formed close to the singing grounds. Female woodcock shape a shallow depression in leafy twig litter on the ground for their nest. Both hen, eggs and chicks are cryptic colored and well camouflaged. Hen woodcock will lay 1-5 eggs and incubate them for 20-22 days. The highly precocial young leave the nest soon after hatching and begin to fly in about 3 weeks – becoming almost fully grown in 4 weeks!

The American woodcock has a lifespan of about 7-10 years and populations are declining due to habitat loss. Hopefully learning about this iconic shorebird of Wisconsin will help you discover your own woodcock doing a famous sky dance!

Holly Walz, Environmental Educator, Wehr Nature Center

*sources: Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Wisconsin, Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America, The Sibley Guide to Birds

The post If Birds Could Be Clowns, This One Would Fit The Bill appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center .