Please join us at one of our upcoming programs! They are scheduled on Wednesdays at Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W. College Avenue unless otherwise noted. Events usually begin at 7:00 pm, and the ending time of each event varies. If there are changes to dates or times of the events, they will be updated in the program headings below.
Programs may also be offered via Zoom with prior registration. Zoom information is sent out to our email list. If you are not receiving emails, please contact us at the phone or email links at the bottom of page to provide your email address.
MOTUS Bird Migration Research in Wisconsin with Jacob Woulf
September 17, 2025 – 7:00 pm – Wehr Nature Center
Jacob Woulf is a researcher with Lake Michigan Bird Observatory (LMBO) to help expand the Motus network in Wisconsin.
The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a collaborative research effort that uses small radio tags and receiving stations to detect animals (primarily birds) as they move across the landscape. Unlike GPS transmitters that give precise location data, Motus tags emit a radio signal that can only be detected within a short distance (~9 miles) of a Motus tower. Many organisms that carry Motus tags are not large enough for a GPS transmitter; Motus tags are also significantly less expensive than GPS transmitters. Motus towers must be strategically placed. Jacob and LMBO received a large grant to construct 16 Motus stations along the western shore of Lake Michigan and also is working on a buildout of stations. Jacob graduated from UW-Green Bay in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in animal biology and in 2022 with a master’s degree in environmental science and policy.
Mi Casa Es Su Casa – Plant for Birds with Steve Betchkal
October 11, 2025 – 1:30 pm – Wehr Nature Center
WMAS and the Milwaukee Southwest/Wehr chapter of Wild Ones are hosting a presentation by Steve Betchkal on October 11 at 1:30 pm at the Wehr Nature Center. Learn about planting native plants to support birds and pollinators in our backyards. Birds need four basic natural resources to survive; food, water, cover, and nesting structure. You can ensure that they have a place to build a nest and a way to avoid predators by designing a yard rich in diverse native plants. Ornithologist Steve Betchkal offers a thoughtful blueprint.
Steve Betchkal (BETCH-cull) of Eau Claire has hiked/camped/backpacked/traveled all 50 U.S. states & Puerto Rico, 88 National Wildlife Refuges, 85 National Parks, 55 National Forests, & 4 Canadian provinces in pursuit of wild birds. In 2017 he worked in the Galápagos for Lindblad-National Geographic.
Steve is an ornithologist, ecologist, Eau Claire liaison for Welcome Back Bird Day, and co-editor of Wisconsin’s Favorite Bird Haunts. Over 37 years as a journalist, he has uniquely earned six Emmys, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and induction into the Upper Midwest Regional Emmy’s Silver Circle in Chippewa Valley history.
Books available at the program:
Make Birds Not War:
Step by Step Instructions for Saving the World a Birder at a Time ($10)
Cat Tales, Life Two ($10)
The Blessing of the Beasts or 101 Apologus Nights ($10)
Walk the Walk, Camp the Camp, Bird the Bird
The Fantastic Quest to Every Species of Bird on Planet Earth ($15)
Milwaukee Southwest Wehr Chapter – Wild Ones https://milwaukeesouthwestwehr.wildones.org
Registration: Scan QR code OR https://forms.gle/nAV4PLCtgi6FHHkq8
Invertebrate Insights: envisioning terrestrial and freshwater
environments from an invertebrate perspective
with Dr. Jessica Orlofske
November 19, 2025 – 7:00 pm – Wehr Nature Center
Insects and other invertebrates are the most diverse and abundant animals with the most varied functional roles in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Here, we will discuss how researchers and community science participants characterize habitats to gather information about the invertebrate community, especially for target species like the Rusty Patched-Bumblebee (Bombus affinis) and the Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana). In contrast, regulators and community science volunteers can examine invertebrate communities directly to evaluate the health or quality of the environment – a practice known as biomonitoring. Both of these approaches contribute to our knowledge of invertebrates, particularly their life cycles, life history characteristics, and connections to other organisms in their habitats.
Jessica Orlofske is an Associate Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. Dr. Orlofske received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and graduate degrees from Iowa State University and the University of New Brunswick (Canada). Dr. Orlofske’s research focuses on invertebrate conservation and environmental monitoring. Dr. Orlofske applies her research interests to study threatened and endangered invertebrates and developing methods that employ invertebrates to assess ecosystem health. Dr. Orlofske is also involved in community outreach with colleagues and partners, including the UW-Parkside Root River Environmental Education Community Center and the Milwaukee Public Museum.
WMAS 