Experience the wonders of the natural world during a day of free access to sites in greater Milwaukee that advance education, conservation, adventure and ecology. For its August Gift to the Community, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is partnering with the Urban Ecology Center, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Riveredge Nature Center and Mequon Nature Preserve to offer free entry and an array of special programming across six different locations.
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015
Where: 8200 W. County Line Road, Mequon, WI 53097
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (trail access: dawn to dusk)
Phone: 262.242.8055
About: Mequon Nature Preserve is 438 acres of hardwood forests, wetlands, prairies and fields. Its primary mission is to be a guiding example of land restoration by returning an urban/suburban area to pre-settlement conditions. In addition, it serves 7,500 students annually through a science-based, hands‐on environmental education program. All programming is provided without fees to schools or students, and transportation is provided at no cost to City of Milwaukee schools, an area of focus. The land offers five miles of trails and is free and open to the public daily, sunrise to sunset.
Details for the day: www.mequonnaturepreserve.org/gmf-gift-to-our-community
Highlights:
Where: 4458 County Road Y, Saukville, WI 53080 (All parking at Fireman’s Park, 508 Main St., Newburg. Shuttles will be provided).
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (trail access: dawn to dusk)
Phone: 262.375.2715
About: For nearly fifty years, Riveredge Nature Center has been a pioneer in engaging people with the natural world. Its 379 acres of restored wild Wisconsin ecosystems, 10 miles of trails for adventuring, and a legacy of hundreds of thousands of kids transformed by a deeply intimate interaction with nature are a testament to Riveredge's passion for this cause. That passion continues today through the building of a movement to bring the great outdoors to families, schools and neighborhoods.
Details for the day: www.riveredgenaturecenter.org/gifts-to-the-community
Highlights:
Where: 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (trail access: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Phone: 414.352.2880
About: Once a farm for the Schlitz Brewery draft horses, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is Milwaukee’s comprehensive nature center. It offers six miles of trails that take visitors through 185 unique acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, bluffs and a shoreline. You will see evidence of its active and progressive management of the land, restoring habitats unique to the region and reclaiming its bountiful natural history.
Conveniently located just north of the city on Lake Michigan, it provides the full experience of nature throughout all seasons. With leading experiential, environmental education for people of all ages, Schlitz Audubon is both a destination for adventure and an oasis from the busyness of life.
Schlitz Audubon is a designated Important Bird Area because of the habitat provided by the lake for certain waterfowl. It is also a birding hot spot because of its location within a migratory flyway.
Details for the day: www.schlitzaudubon.org/greater-milwaukee-foundation
Highlights:
Where: Three Milwaukee locations (see below)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (all branches)
Phone: 414.964.8505
About: The Urban Ecology Center fosters ecological understanding as inspiration for change, neighborhood by neighborhood. Its Environmental Community Centers:
Today, the Urban Ecology Center has three locations throughout the City of Milwaukee: Its original location and organizational headquarters in Riverside Park, one in Washington Park to serve communities and schools on Milwaukee’s west side, and one in the Menomonee Valley on Milwaukee’s south side. It is a vibrant and growing organization, serving more than 77,000 people each year and protecting and restoring urban green spaces in Milwaukee.
Details for the day: www.urbanecologycenter.org
Highlights:
Menomonee Valley Branch
3700 W. Pierce St., Milwaukee, WI 53215
Riverside Park Branch
1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Washington Park Branch
1859 N. 40th St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
