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.
Save the Date!
agosto 22 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Discover the plants behind your favorite beverages at this leisurely, fun, and educational evening at Wehr featuring local coffee, tea, craft beer, and other purveyors. Live music, food trucks, and more!
septiembre 13 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
¡Salta, arrástrate, vuela o salta para ingresar a la exhibición de insectos más sorprendente del sureste de Wisconsin!
All Ages and Abilities
8:00 am – 10:00 am
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
10:30 am – 11:30 am
12:00 am – 11:59 pm
8:00 am – 10:00 am
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Programa Sobresaliente
Join us for a monthly ecology walk at various Milwaukee County Natural Areas, where we’ll learn, observe, and ID native flowers! On our walk, you’ll also learn about the characteristics of the native plant community that we will explore.
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.
July – September Newsletter
Happy Summer! Wehr’s trails are overflowing with an abundance of green, flowers, interesting insects, and wildlife. In nature the delight is in the details – slow down and see for yourself during your next hike at Wehr.
In the summer issue of Wehr Words, we hope you’ll enjoy learning about Wehr’s efforts to support the next generation of environmental leaders, spotlight the amazing Wehr Astronomical Society, highlight the 16,000+ volunteer hours, and more!
¡El excremento de un pájaro es la comida de otro! Los pavos salvajes de Wehr estarán encantados de recoger las semillas perdidas que los pájaros ocupados arrojan al suelo en los comederos. Es todo un espectáculo encontrar cardenales, palomas y gorriones comiendo junto a estos pavos gigantes.
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!
Yesterday at Wehr Nature Center we gathered to celebrate something far greater than a ribbon cutting (although that was pretty great). At our first annual ADA Anniversary Celebration, we were honored to welcome city officials, community members, advocates, and partners who share a vision of the world where everyone has the opportunity to experience the healing, joy, and wonder of nature. Together, we celebrated the newest addition to our All Abilities Loop with a ribbon cutting that symbolizes more than a new section of trail. It represents progress, belonging, and the belief that the outdoors is a place where every person can explore the natural world. Thank you to our Director, Carly Hintz, for advocating for progress and helping make this vision a reality. Thank you to Emily Brown, our park naturalist, for your unwavering commitment to making adaptive programming a lasting commitment here at Wehr. Because of both of you and the rest of the Wehr Staff, more people can discover the joy, peace, and belonging that nature offers. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone and to the many partners, supporters, and advocates who continue to help turn this vision into reality.
Plant of the Week: Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) 💜There’s something magical about Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) swaying in the summer breeze, its bright purple, thimble-shaped flower heads dancing atop delicate stems. But this beautiful Wisconsin native is more than just a pretty face!Its flowers are a favorite of bees and other pollinators, including bumble bees, leafcutter bees, and honey bees. It's also an important food source for the Endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and serves as a host plant for several butterflies. Like other legumes, Purple Prairie Clover partners with beneficial soil bacteria to help fix nitrogen, enriching the soil naturally. Its deep taproot also helps the plant withstand heat and drought.A prairie staple, this tough perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and is right at home in prairies, savannas, and native gardens.Next time you spot a patch of Purple Prairie Clover, take a moment to watch the flowers. With bees buzzing from bloom to bloom, it can feel like a tiny, very busy airport terminal! 🐝💜Photo is of a Red-belted Bumble Bee on Purple Prairie CloverThe image depicts a close-up view of a vibrant natural scene featuring blooming plants and a bee. In the foreground, a fuzzy bee is perched on a tall, spiky flower stalk that is predominantly violet with small, tubular blooms clustered near the top. The bee has a distinctive striped body, showcasing shades of brown and yellow, with visible pollen sacs. Surrounding the central flower are several other stalks of the same plant, also adorned with purple flowers and gray, textured spikes. The background consists of soft green grasses and foliage, providing a blurred contrast that accentuates the vivid colors of the flowers and the bee. The composition emphasizes the richness of biodiversity and the pollination process.
Enjoy member perks like free parking, discounts on select programs and events, and more!
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