Wehr Nature Center

05/22/2026

We look forward to seeing everyone during this free event. It is great event for Nature enthusiasts of all ages.

05/20/2026

We are looking forward to hosting this event!

Mark your calendars! Our annual night market is back and better than ever. Browse 30 incredible local makers and vendors, grab something delicious from the food trucks, and sip your favorite drink (or two) while music and nature set the scene.

Honestly, is there a better way to spend an evening?
Even better: every dollar raised goes right back into the park: supporting native plantings, accessibility, and trail improvements.

Skip the line and register today! https://www.friendsofwehr.org/midsummersnightmarket

Interested in becoming an event sponsor? https://www.friendsofwehr.org/midsummersnightmarket & hit "sponsorship opportunities"

05/20/2026

Thanks to CBS 58 for coming out to celebrate World Bee Day with us!

https://cbs58.com/news/world-bee-day-talking-pollinators-and-native-bees-at-wehr-nature-center-05-20-26

05/20/2026

Today is World Bee Day!

Did you know that we have 20,000 bee world-wide? Out of 20,000 species, there are only eight species of honeybees are recognized globally.

In North America we have 4,000 native species of bees with one in four being imperiled and at increasing risk of extinction.

How can we help?

1) One of the biggest things we can do is learn about them. European Honeybees have some of the PR agents and little attention is given to our native species of bees and their role as important pollinators. For this we highly recommend reading the book "The Buzz on Wild Bees: The Little-Known Pollinators that Keep Our Planet Humming" written by Kira Vermond and illustrated by June Steube. It is an engaging introduction to the wide world of wild bees.

2) Plant native wildflowers, shrubs and trees when you can. Native Wisconsin plants provide the highest nutrients within their nectar and pollen compared to non-native cultivars. The more that you can integrate native species into your space the better. A great way to learn more is to check out Wild Ones, Milwaukee Southwest/Wehr Chapter, check out National Park , or even take part in the Less Lawn More Life imitative. You can find more information here: https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/

3) Using less or no chemicals at all in your landscape.

4) Tell your friends and share the message about native bees. As we said earlier, European Honeybees have the best PR agents. By telling your family, friends, and neighbors about native bees you can help to create awareness of their existence and what their needs are.

05/19/2026

You may have noticed small yellow flowers in the prairie area as you approach the waterfall.

Yellow Stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta) is a native, low-growing spring wildflower found throughout Wisconsin in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands. Reaching only 3 to 12 inches tall, it features grass-like leaves and bright, star-shaped yellow flowers with six petal-like tepals. It typically blooms between May and July.

Despite having grass as part of this flower's name, it is not actually a grass. Botanists have long debated the relationships among the plants traditionally considered lilies. Formerly placed in the lily family or the amaryllis family, this plant and its close relatives are now in a family called the Hypoxidaceae (hi-pox-ih-DAY-cee-ee), named for its genus.

The flowers attract small native bees such as small carpenter bees, mason bees, and sweat bees, which collect the pollen; this plant doesn’t produce nectar. Bees are not the only pollinators of this flower. Insects such as wasps, flies, and beetles are particularly attracted to the color yellow. Yellow star grass much be cross-pollinated in order to produce viable seed although it can spread through corms.

05/17/2026

Bring the whole family for a wild day of fun at Wehr Nature Center for our annual Reptile Day Event on Sunday, June 7th from 12-4 pm! Get up close with amazing snakes, charming turtles, and one-of-a-kind lizards and salamanders. With dozens of fascinating species to see, this hands-on event is perfect for kids and curious grown-ups alike.

🎟️ Tickets:
$7 per person (non-member)
$5 per person (Friends of Wehr member)
Free for children ages 2 and under

🐢 Event Highlights:

* Meet and learn about colorful reptiles & amphibians
* Guided family-friendly hike
* Free nature crafts for kids
* Food available for purchase
* All proceeds support local conservation

Register & see more information here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/reptile-day/

05/16/2026

May 15 was World Endangered Species Day and May 20th is World Bee Day.

So, we wanted to highlight some information about the Rusty-patched Bumblebee which is our only local Federally Endangered species of bee as well as some of the steps that you can take to support our local pollinators which you can see in the original Milwaukee County Parks post.

You’ve likely heard phrases like “Save the Bees” or “Bees are endangered.” These statements are often tied to the European honeybee, especially in news stories and social media. While these messages come from a good place, there’s a bigger and more important story to tell. 🐝
When we talk about “saving the bees,” it’s essential to look beyond honeybees. North America is home to over 4,000 species of native bees. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, more than 1 in 4 of these species—over 700—are in decline or at increasing risk of extinction.
So how can we help?
One of the most impactful steps is to learn about the native bees that call Wisconsin home. The more we understand how incredible these species are—what they need for habitat, where they find food, and how they live—the better equipped we are to support and advocate for them.
With an estimated 400–500 native bee species in Wisconsin, that might feel overwhelming at first. A great place to start is with bumble bees. Wisconsin is home to around 20 different species, many of which are easier to observe and identify. You can explore them through the Bumble Bee Brigade:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/BumbleBeeBrigade
One species in particular deserves special attention: the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis). It is the first bee in the continental United States to be listed as federally endangered—and currently the only bee classified as endangered in Wisconsin. Remarkably, it has even been found right here in Milwaukee County, including in several Milwaukee County Parks.
Another powerful way to support local bees is by planting native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Even adding just one native plant to your yard, garden, or patio can make a meaningful difference for pollinators.
If you’re looking to get started, check out this planting guide for the rusty patched bumblebee:
https://www.fws.gov/media/rusty-patched-bumble-bee-midwest-plant-guide
📸: Wehr Nature Center

05/15/2026

Today is International Family Day. Wehr Nature Center has many different family programs and events that we offer throughout the year including our upcoming Reptile Day on Sunday June 7th from Noon-4pm. You can find more information here along with the link to pre-register if you would like to skip the line the day of the event: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/reptile-day/

Meet the Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) — one of Wisconsin’s most unique aquatic turtles! They even live here at Wehr Nature Center and although they are a common species in Wisconsin, it is rare to see them here at Wehr Nature Center because they spend the majority of their time in the water and are less apt to be seen sunbathing on a log but sightings still do occur here at Wehr.

Unlike most turtles, this species has a flat, leathery “pancake-like” shell, a long snorkel-shaped nose, and highly webbed feet built for life in the water. Found in large rivers and lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms, spiny softshells often bury themselves beneath the sand to stay hidden while they rest.

These carnivorous turtles feed on fish, insects, mollusks, and other aquatic animals, and although shy in the wild, they can deliver a surprisingly powerful bite when threatened!

Spiny Softshell, a fascinating and important part of our freshwater ecosystems.

05/14/2026

Reptile Day is slithering back to Wehr!

Get up close with colorful snakes, amazing turtles, fascinating lizards, and unique amphibians during this family-friendly celebration of our scaly and slimy neighbors! Explore dozens of species on display, enjoy guided hikes, create reptile-themed crafts, and learn how we can live in harmony with Wisconsin wildlife

📅 Sunday, June 7
⏰ 12–4 PM
📍 Wehr Nature Center

Thank you to WPS Reptiles for sponsoring this event & bringing some cool creatures!

See more information and register here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/reptile-day/

05/14/2026

Wehr Nature Center is excited to announce that we are hosting the Milwaukee Public Museum 's 11th Annual BioBlitz. What is a BioBlitz? It is a 24-hour celebration of biodiversity where scientists work together to see how many species of plants and animals they can find in one area. Learn more about MPM’s BioBlitz here: https://www.mpm.edu/BioBlitz

While the scientists are in the field, join us for fun during the BioBlitz. The Milwaukee Public Museum, Wehr Nature Center, and partnering organizations will be offering various hands-on activities on Saturday, June 13th. Wehr Nature Center staff will also lead in-person programs for the public. Public programs are free. Some programs have advance registration. Please check our website for the full list of program offerings. https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/milwaukee-public-museums-11th-annual-bioblitz-wehr/

The event and programs associated with the event are completely free to the public. Parking is free as well.

This is an accessible event. Ask about adaptive equipment available for free acquired specially to empower people of all abilities to get out and enjoy nature.

05/13/2026

FYI: This an easy way to help the birds that are migrating through the area.