Wehr Nature Center is a place where everyone belongs. Open year-round, we offer accessible buildings, trails, and park features designed for visitors of all ages and abilities. Wander our more than five-miles of trails traversing five distinct habitats all within a five-minute walk. Enjoy universally designed exhibits, comfortable restrooms, and hands-on unique programs that bring people together through nature all year round.
For all ages and abilities
February 7 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
What comes to mind when you think of a scientist? .Join us for this open-house-style event aimed to break the stereotype of who can be successful in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) fields. Recommended for ages 10 and up. This event is free, but please pre-register.
March 7 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Maple syrup is so much more than a pancake topper. Join us at our 46th Annual Maple Sugar Days Saturday, March 7th and Sunday, March 8th to hear the surprising stories behind your favorite sticky treat. Registration coming soon! Advanced registration encouraged. Walk-in’s welcome as space allows.
All Ages and Abilities
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
9:00 am – 10:00 am
10:00 am – 11:00 am
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Featured Program
Unplug, slow down, and de-stress from your daily routine. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, a certified forest bathing guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen your relationship with the natural world.
Wehr Nature Center inspires all generations to explore and value the plants and animals of our natural world through experiential education, accessible trails, native landscapes and natural areas.
October – December 2025 Newsletter
Wehr has many opportunities to connect with community this winter. Bring your friends or meet new ones at Brews and Shoes, support research in our parks at the Community Science Volunteer Kickoff, become a backyard sugarmaker at our Maple Tapping Workshops, or get inspired to take action at our Climate Change Conversations workshop. Families can dig into geology at our Fascinating Fossil for Families class, learn about STEM careers at Women and Girls in Science, and join our 48th Annual Maple Sugar Weekend in March.
In addition to our public programs and events, Wehr is home to clubs and organizations that provide a chance to pursue your favorite nature hobby. Read about the Wehr Nature Center Camera Club here and others in each newsletter this year.
One bird’s mess is another bird’s meal! Wehr’s Wild Turkeys will gladly clean up the stray seed thrown to the ground by busy birds at the feeders. It’s quite a sight to find cardinals, doves, and sparrows eating right alongside these giant turkeys.
See why Wehr Nature Center is “a place for all seasons, a place for everyone.” Explore more than five miles of nature trails through woodland, wetland, prairie and oak savanna on 220-acres of protected land in Whitnall Park at Wehr Nature Center.
This is without a doubt, the best place to birdwatch and see wildlife in the Milwaukee metro area. The nature center is fantastic. The staff is welcoming and the trails are extremely well-maintained. Always something exciting to see!
For those who maybe interested.Looking for easy, family-friendly plans around Milwaukee this weekend? We’ve got you covered with a mix of winter fun, outdoor exploration, and creative activities to keep kids busy (and happy).🌟 Glow Skate at Eble (2/6) – Lace up and hit the rink for an evening of skating under glowing lights and music. 🌟 Free Day at the Zoo (2/7) – Enjoy free admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo and see your favorite animals in their winter habitats. Parking fees still apply.🌟 Urban Ecology Center Winterfest (2/7) – Celebrate winter with hands-on nature activities, outdoor fun, and family-friendly exploration at the Washington Park UEC.🌟 Exploring the Winter Shoreline at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (2/7) – Bundle up and discover the beauty of Milwaukee’s winter lakefront with guided shoreline exploration and learning at the Schlitz Audubon.🌟 Downtown Ice CAPE-ade (2/7) – Enjoy free skate rentals and free skating at the Red Arrow Slice of Ice rink! Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero, plus a limited number of capes will be given away.🌟 Valentine Maker Space at Wehr Nature Center (2/8) – Kids can get creative making Valentine-themed crafts while enjoying the cozy, nature-filled setting at Wehr.Want the full details and more ideas like these? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the MKE with Kids Weekend Guide sent straight to your inbox every week: www.mkewithkids.com/subscribe/#mkewithkids #weekendevents
Our next scientist is Melanie Ziolecki, Environmental Educator Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. Melanie was one of our summer interns a few years ago and we are excited to have her at our Women and Girls in Science event. Here is what Melanie has to share about herself.🦉I’m Melanie Ziolecki and I have been an Environmental Educator at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center since 2022. At Schlitz Audubon, I teach the public about various nature topics including rocks and soil, photosynthesis, maple sugar farming, habitats, Lake Michigan, birds and much more! My day to day is never the same and that is what keeps it so exciting. I showed an extreme interest in my science classes in school and took advantage of anytime I could be outside as a child all the way through adulthood. I am never afraid to dig my hands in the dirt to look for insects, salamanders or even catch butterflies, as they are my favorite things to teach about. Continuing to explore the natural world, I developed a passion to want to my knowledge with others any chance I could. This is what led me to graduating with a Biology/Ecology degree from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh. I love being able to share my knowledge with people of all ages and help them get involved in their environment and surrounding nature. Women and Girls in Science 2026 is just around the corner! 🔬Join us at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center on Saturday, February 7th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about female STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) pioneers and catch the "science bug" through hands-on activities hosted by local women leaders in the STEAM field.Recommended for ages 10 and up. This event is Free of charge, but we prefer that you pre-register so we can estimate the number of supplies we need for everyone. You can find more information here as well as pre-register: www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/women-and-girls-in-science/🌻Please note no one will be turned away if you do not pre-register.
Enjoy member perks like free parking, discounts on select programs and events, and more!
Quick question!
English 
Español de México