Join WMAS members on our walk through woodland, prairie and lake habitats on the nature center trails. Depending on weather and bird activity we typically walk for 1.5 – 2 hours and cover 1-2 miles. It’s not uncommon to see over 40 species in migration seasons.
Join us at Wehr Nature Center’s front entrance. Wehr Nature Center is located at 9701 W. College Avenue in Franklin.
Walks start at 9 am in winter months (typically November through February but subject to change) and 8 am the rest of the year. Check our Facebook Events page to verify start times. All birding levels are welcome. Mentoring is offered to beginning birders. Our bird walks are free. There is a $5 parking fee for the nature center (Wehr Nature Center members park free). Questions? Contact Colleen at 414-379-6741.
More Upcoming Events
Seminary Woods – May 13, 2023
Join WMAS as we hike Seminary Woods and look for spring migrants. We generally spend a couple of hours and hike 1.5-2 miles (slowly). Meet at 8:00 at the back parking lot of Mary, Mother of the Church Pastoral Center (formerly known as the Cousins Center), 3501 S Lake Dr. When you turn in from Lake Drive, just head right to go behind the buildings and we will be there.
Forest Home Cemetery – May 27, 2023
Join WMAS on our most popular spring walk as we bird the historic cemetery on Milwaukee’s south side. Meet at 8:00am at 2405 West Forest Home Ave. Enter from Lincoln Ave or Forest Home Ave and go to the main building. The cemetery has hosted some unusual birds in the past and we hope 2023 is no different!
Old World Wisconsin – June 3, 2023
On June 3, we will have a very special birding opportunity. Old World Wisconsin is allowing us early entry into the park for a guided walk (requires extensive walking) with their land manager to be followed by birding on our own. Once the park opens, attendees can stay and visit the buildings. Tickets are limited and will be available to Wisconsin Metro Audubon members first. You must be registered to get into the park. This is the first time we are holding this event and it will be free this year due to a big win (first place!) in a parade float contest.
We will be using eventbrite.com for sign up. You will need a code to register so if you think you want to go, email Colleen at Colleen@benefit-realty.com BEFORE May 4th to get the code. Registration for tickets will open May 4th at 8 am. If you haven’t used eventbrite, you may want to go to the site and check it out ahead of time.
Want to become a member? Our membership forms are available on the Membership tab. If we still have tickets available, they will be open to the general public May 8. For questions, contact Colleen at the email above or call/text 414-379-6741.
Crane Conservation Bus Field Trip
September 23, 2023
Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society (WMAS) and Friends of Wehr Nature Center (FOW) have partnered to provide a field trip to explore Crane Conservation in Wisconsin. Come join us on a trip to learn about Crane conservation and the pivotal role of the International Crane Foundation in bringing back cranes. We will travel to Baraboo, WI to visit the International Crane Foundation (ICF) and the Aldo Leopold Foundation.
We will learn about the many facets of Aldo Leopold – on A Sand County Almanac written by Aldo Leopold. A leader-lead tour at the International Crane Foundation will show the worldwide work to conserve cranes and the places they – and we – need to survive.
Here are a few photos by photographer Jeremy Meyers – www.jmeyerphotography.net
What to Expect – Tours are approximately 1 hour for a self-guided tour at Aldo Leopold Foundation building and Memorial. (The Shack area is only available to public groups on weekend) and then travel to International Crane Foundation (12 minutes) for Lunch at 12 pm then 2 hour guided tour from 12:30 pm -2:30 pm. Leaving at 3 pm for a 5 pm arrival at Wehr Nature Center. Plan to be outdoors at these sites. Everyone should be prepared to spend the tour outdoors rain or shine. Bring water and a bag lunch and dress appropriately for the weather (i.e., comfortable, closed-toed shoes, raincoats, jackets, hats and gloves). The International Crane Foundation has healthy snacks and beverages available for purchase at the on-site store.
Trip Leader Pat Fojut has a passion for fostering deep connections between people and the natural wonders of Wisconsin. Pat has extensive experience as a WI Master Naturalist Instructor with Wehr Nature Center and extensive travel in and out of the country. A retired naturalist from Wehr Nature Center, she taught nature education to people of all ages about local ecology, birds and insects. She helped Kate Reilly of UW-Madison start the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program in 2013 – 2016 at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning, Wisconsin Dells, UW-Arboretum – Madison and at Wehr Nature Center. We will travel to Baraboo, Wi to visit the Aldo Leopoldo Foundation and the International Crane Foundation to gain insight about Crane Conservation and saving wetland landscapes and Cranes around the world.
Pat looks forward to traveling with you as your trip leader and facilitator to broadened your connections with nature in Wisconsin. Click below for Mail-in Registration Form. Fill out one form and signed waiver for each participant. We will send a confirmation email upon payment. Contact Pat with any questions, 414-839-0987
WMAS 