Milwaukee's Natural Resources

101 — Lake Michigan

Milwaukee's greatest natural asset, "The Lake" is a powerful influence on our lives. From the earliest days of human habitation it has been the source of our water, the dumping ground for our waste, a source of recreation and a principal determinant of our economic and cultural development. It has shaped the history and the health of all people and cultures who have lived here. One of America's Great Lakes, Lake Michigan holds some 1,108 cubic miles of freshwater. It is now becoming cleaner as many people and groups work to restore its watersheds, monitor its waters, and establish policies to secure its future quality. For more information on Lake Michigan, see Other Information Resources and Regional Watersheds.

parklands

Milwaukee County Parks

Growing from Milwaukee's first public squares and Bier Gartens, the Milwaukee County Park System now encompasses 144 parks of nearly 15,000 acres of open green space, recreational areas and facilities, public gardens and playing fields. Carefully managed, many parklands coincide with and define environmental corridors. Since 1937 Milwaukee County has provided parklands for its 19 municipalities. With picnic grounds, playgrounds, more than 90 miles of bike and off-road paths, and as habitat for many wild animals and plant species, the parks do much to sustain both human populations and natural processes. Some parks also maintain fishing lagoons. For more information call the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture at 414-257-6100 and ask for the Recreation Guide.

102 — Milwaukee County Greenhouses

Greenhouses operated by Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture. Annual plant sales the last two weekends of May. 10340 Watertown Plank Rd. Call 414-257-6563.

Invasive Species

One of the greatest threats to Milwaukee parklands is the invasion of non-native plant species which crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity in local habitats. In response, a local citizen advocacy group has developed a volunteer program to remove invasive plants by hand. The Park People administers this Weed-Out! Program.

103 — Milwaukee Lakeshore Park

A 20-acre offshore park made of rubble from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's Deep Tunnel Project, this will be the first new state park since 1978. It will link Milwaukee County's Oak Leaf Bike Trail and the Hank Aaron State Trail, which will run through the Menomonee River Valley. Call 414-263-8711.

bioregional sites

104 — Blue Mound Country Club Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 16-acre woodland owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

105 — Bradley Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 35-acre woodland site owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

106 — Brown Deer Park Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 40-acre woodland site owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

107 — Cudahy Woods

Natural Area of Regional Significance. 47-acre woodland, wet and dry site owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

108 — Currie Park Low Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 27-acre woodland site owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

109 — Downer Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. Eleven-acre woodland owned by University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Call 262-547-6721.

110 — Elm Road Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 20-acre woodland, privately owned. Call 262-547-6721.

111 — Esh-Honadel Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 72-acre woodland, privately owned. Call 262-547-6721.

112 — Falk Park Woods

Natural Area of Regional Significance. 77-acre woodland and ponds owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

113 — Fitzsimmons Road Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 42-acre woodlands and ponds owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

114 — Franklin Oak Woods and Oak Savanna

Natural Area of Local Significance. 76-acre oak savanna owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

115 — Franklin Woods, Puetz Road

Natural Area of Local Significance. 28-acre woodland owned by Wisconsin Department of Public Transportation. Call 262-547-6721.

116 — Grant Park Woods, South

Natural Area of Local Significance. 45-acre woodland owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

117 — Grant Park Woods, Old Growth

Natural Area of Local Significance. 38-acre woodland owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

118 — Greenfield Park Woods

Natural Area of Regional Significance. 52-acre woodland, swamp and ponds owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

119 — Grobschmidt Park Wetlands and Upland Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 80-acre woodland and marsh owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

120 — Harbringer Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 34-acre woodland (plus 13 adjacent acres in Waukesha County) owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

121 — Harley-Davidson Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 11-acre woodland owned by Harley-Davidson. Call 262-547-6721.

122 — Haskell Noyes Park Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 20-acre wetland, ponds and woodland owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

123 — Jacobus Park Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 11-acre woodland site owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

125 — Menomonee River Swamp, North

Natural Area of Local Significance. 74-acre floodplain and woodland (plus 4 adjacent acres in Waukesha County) owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

126 — Menomonee River Swamp, South

Natural Area of Local Significance. 39-acre wetland, riverland and woodland owned by Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Call 262-547-6721.

127 — Mission Hills Wetlands

Natural Area of Local Significance. 38-acre wetland, privately owned. Call 262-547-6721.

128 — Monastery Lake Wetlands

Natural Area of Local Significance. 45-acre wetland marsh owned by the Nature Foundation and private. Call 262-547-6721.

129 — Oak Creek Low Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 68-acre woodland site owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

130 — Oakwood Park Oak Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 22-acre oak woodland site owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

131 — Rawson Park Woods

Natural Area of Regional Significance. 23-acre woodland site owned by Milwaukee County the City of Milwaukee. Call 262-547-6721.

132 — Root River Canal Woods

Natural Area of Regional Significance. 121-acre woodland site (plus 158 adjacent acres in Racine County) owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

133 — Root River Parkway Prairie

Natural Area of Local Significance. 27-acre wetland owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

134 — Root River Parkway Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 53-acre forest owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

135 — Root River Riverine Forest

Natural Area of Local Significance. 140-acre river corridor (plus 184 adjacent acres in Racine County) owned by Milwaukee County, Racine County, Wisconsin Department of Transportation and private. Call 262-547-6721.

136 — Root River Wet-Mesic Woods, East

Natural Area of Regional Significance. 50-acre wet and dry woodland (plus 2 adjacent acres in Racine County) owned by Milwaukee County and Racine County. Call 262-547-6721.

137 — Root River Wet-Mesic Woods, West

Natural Area of Regional Significance. 260-acre wet woodland owned by Milwaukee County and private. Call 262-547-6721.

138 — Ryan Creek Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 87-acre woodland site, privately owned. Call 262-547-6721.

139 — St. Francis Seminary Woods

Natural Area of Regional Significance. 37-acre woodland owned by St. Francis Seminary. Call 262-547-6721.

140 — Schlitz Audubon Center Woods and Beach

Natural Area of Local Significance. 54-acre woodland and sand beach owned by Schlitz Audubon Center. Call 262-547-6721.

141 — Warnimont Park Fens

Natural Area of Regional Significance. Two-acre seepage and fen owned by Milwaukee County. Call 262-547-6721.

142 — Wedge Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 19-acre woodland, privately owned. Call 262-547-6721.

143 — Whitnall Park Woods, North

Natural Area of Local Significance. 82-acre woodland owned by Milwaukee County.

144 — Whitnall Park Woods, South

Natural Area of Local Significance. 137-acre woodland owned by Milwaukee County and private.

145 — Wil-O-Way Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 41-acre woodland owned by Milwaukee County. Call 414-257-6100.

146 — Wood Creek Woods

Natural Area of Local Significance. 35-acre woodland and ponds, privately owned.

147 — Fardale Woods

Loomis/Howard @ 27th Street.

148 — Grand Trunk Yards Natural Area

Old railyards area of bioregional significance. East end of Steward Street.

bioremediation / restoration sites

149 — Menomonee River Restoration Project

Started in fall of 1998, this project includes the demolition of a concrete drop structure which crosses the Menomonee River at North 45th street and West State Street. Call MMSD @ 414-272-5100 or Friends of Menomonee River @ 414-476-6042.

150 — Lincoln Creek Flood Control

To prevent recurring flood damage, parts of Lincoln Creek are being rebuilt, replanted and partially diverted to a holding pond. This is a joint local and state project, effecting lands at Havenwoods State Forest and surrounding communities. This project is managed by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Lincoln Creek at Havenwoods State Forest and areas north. Call 414-272-5100.

151 — Wisconsin Avenue Viaduct Wetland

In an effort to catch and filter water from street level, a 3-acre wetland demonstration project is being reconstructed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Menomonee River at Wisconsin Avenue viaduct. Call 414-272-5100.

152 — Milwaukee River Remediation Project

One of the most ambitious river renewal projects in Wisconsin, the MRRP is a joint effort of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee. This effort has orchestrated the opening and removal of the North Avenue dam, stabilization of contaminated sediment, an increase in the flow rate of the Milwaukee River, and the landscaping and restructuring of the river banks. This project is an effort to restore the quality of the water, and improve the Milwaukee River ecosystem. From North Avenue dam site to Capitol Drive.

flyways

Migratory Flyways

The shoreline of Lake Michigan and most river corridors are well-used flyways for many migratory birds because they provide access to food, water and shelter. Milwaukee is under a major spring and fall flyway, with an abundance of birds stopping off as they travel nnorth or south on their yearly migrations. More than 300 species fo birds have been recorded. For more information call the nature centers listed in Other Information Resources, call the Milwaukee Public Museum at 414-278-2702, or visit the birdwatching sites listed below.

birdwatching sites

Peregrine Falcons

Observe peregrine falcons nesting and raising young at Sites 153 - 156. For information on shoreline nesting stations between Manitowoc and Sheboygan call the Milwaukee Public Museum at 414-278-2702.

153 — Firstar Center

Observe peregrine falcons nesting and raising young. 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue. Call 414-278-2702.

154 — Froedtert Malt Complex

Observe peregrine falcons nesting and raising young. 3830 W. Grant. Call 414-278-2702.

155 — Landmark on the Lake

Observe peregrine falcons nesting and raising young. 1660 N. Prospect. Call 414-278-2702.

156 — WEPCO Oak Creek Power Plant

Observe peregrine falcons nesting and raising young. 4801 E. Elm Road, Racine, WI. Call 414-278-2702.

157 — Cudahy Nature Preserve

Cudahy Nature Preserve. Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline: 414-352-3857.

158 — Havenwoods Nature Preserve

6141 N. Hopkins. Call 414-521-0232.

159 — St. Francis Seminary Woods

St. Francis Seminary Woods. Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline: 414-352-3857.

160 — Schlitz Audubon Center

1111 E. Brown Deer Road. Call 414-352-2880.

161 — Shorewood Nature Preserve

East off of Lake Drive, opposite Newton and Beverly Streets. Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline: 414-352-3857.

162 — Summerfest Island

Summerfest Island. Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline: 414-352-3857.

163 — US Coast Guard Station / South Shore Park

US Coast Guard Station and South Shore Park. Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline: 414-352-3857.

164 — Wehr Nature Center

9701 W. College Avenue. Call 414-425-8550.

dog runs

166 — Off-leash Dog Park

The Milwaukee County Parks Department identifies specific parks for dog walking. These are identified on the Milwaukee Green Map with the dog icon. Bring a leash and your own waste bag for cleanup. It is illegal to let dogs run loose in any Milwaukee County Park other than this one. North of Good Hope Road and west of US Hwy 41/45. Call 414-257-6100.

duck ponds

165 — Veterans' Park Lagoon

Lincoln Memorial Dr S of Marina Dr. Some other parks also maintain lagoons popular with ducks and geese.

fishing sites

Milwaukee Harbor Area

Lake Michigan off the harbor area has good fishing in summer and winter for those equipped for seasonal off-shore conditions.

Milwaukee River and Menomonee River

Both rivers offer good fishing for rainbow trout and king and coho salmon as they come up river to spawn. Always beware of toxins in fish caught in urban waters. PCBs and mercury, traces of DDT, toxaphene, dieldrin and dioxin have been found. Before dining on your catch, consult the Wisconsin DNR guide Important Health Information for People Eating Fish from Wisconsin Waters. Call 414-263-8494.

Urban Fishing Program

Milwaukee maintains fishing in more than 20 small lakes and lagoons in the County Parks. Call the Wisconsin DNR Urban Fisheries Hotline at 414-263-8494.

natural landscaping

167 — Lake Bluff School Prairie

1600 E Lake Bluff.

168 — Indian Prairie

Near intersection of Sunny Point Road and N. Milwaukee River Parkway.

169 — Milwaukee Montessori School Prairie

345 N. 95th Street.

170 — Riverside University High School Prairie Restoration Plot

1615 E. Locust west and behind school.

Wild Ones Natural Landscapers

The Wild Ones organization — founded in Milwaukee — has a strong presence advocating for and supporting natural and native landscaping in yards, parks and greenspace. Using less water, requiring minimal or no mowing, and providing food and shelter for birds, wildlife and beneficial insects, natural landscaping saves resources and promotes biodiversity. Look for homes through the county that are growing native plants. Call 414-242-2723. Also see significant habitat sites below.

public gardens

171 — Boerner Botanical Gardens

The largest outdoor collection of flowering and landscaping plants in the area, including rose trial gardens. Whitnall Park, 5879 S 92nd St, Hales Corners. Call 414-425-1130.

172 — Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

This Milwaukee landmark shelters three distinct plant biomes under enormous glass domes. Exhibiting plants of the tropics, the desert, and more temperate parts of the world, the Domes are a unique opportunity to understand the diversity of plant life and specialized adaptations to a wide range of environmental conditions. The Domes provide a global perspective on the plant kingdom. 524 S. Layton Blvd. Call 414-649-9830.

public land

173 — Havenwood State Forest

Currently the only state-owned public land in Milwaukee County. 6141 N Hopkins Street. Call 414-521-0232.

significant habitat

Backyard Wildlife Habitats

The National Wildlife Federation has certified 65 sites within Milwaukee County, nearly all on private property, as Backyard Wildlife Habitats. These are sites specifically designed and maintained to attract and shelter wildlife. They provide vital habitat islands for resident and migrating wildlife. Call 202-790-4499.

star-gazing site

174 — Wehr Astronomical Society Observatory

Small observatory operated by the Wehr Astronomical Society. Telescopes are transported to site for observing sessions. Schedules are available through Wehr Nature Center, public is invited to attend. Froemming Park, S 51st St north of Ryan Road. Call 414-425-8550.

wildlife rehabilitation centers

175 — Timber Wolf Preservation Society

6669 S 76th St, Greendale. Call 414-425-8264.

176 — Wisconsin Humane Society

The WHS is committed to the health and welfare of animals, both domestic and wild. It provides adoption services for abandoned animals and learning opportunities for pet owners to better understand and train their animals. It also provides wildlife rehabilitation. WHS is an advocate for the proper care of all animals, and works to help people understand issues of pet overpopulation, animal violence and wild animal care. 4151 N. Humboldt Ave. Call 414-961-0310.

177 — Wisconsin Humane Society

4500 W. Wisconsin Ave. Call 414-ANIMALS (265-6257).

zoo

178 — Milwaukee County Zoo

10001 W. Bluemound Road. Call 414-771-3040.