Friends of Wehr

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Friends of Wehr

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Supporting Wehr Nature Center since 1981
Connecting people with nature in Milwaukee County
Trails • Wildlife • Education • Community+ Explore. Support.

Participate. The Friends of Wehr Nature Center is committed to sustaining an accessible nature destination; a place for all seasons, a place for everyone. Friends of Wehr is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support and promotion of the Wehr Nature Center and its environmental education programs. The Friends of Wehr believe that every person deserves to have access to nature year round. As the nonprofit partner of the Wehr Nature Center, the Friends of Wehr supports Wehr’s mission of inspiring current and future generations to explore and value the natural world.

11/04/2026

Check out this incredible before and after of Buckthorn removal here at Wehr!

As you hike our trails, you may notice piles of branches in many spots - what is that? An invasive species called Buckthorn. This woody plant takes over natural areas with force and must be removed for the health of Wehr's land. Our Stewardship Crew Volunteers work weekly (if not more!) at removing it, and the proof is in the photo (and the piles). Thank you to our Land Manager, Jeff Veglahn and the volunteer crew for all your hard work.

Interested in volunteering? Apply today: friendsofwehr.org/volunteer

11/03/2026

Bird Feeder Basics!

It’s fall and time to get feeders ready for winter bird feeding. Feeding birds brings these spectacular animals into our backyards, allowing us to connect with them and helping us to appreciate nature. There is an endless array of feeders to choose from, but here are our five favorites: Tray feeders, hopper/house feeders, tube feeders, suet feeders, and specialty (like hummingbird) feeders.

Where to buy these items? Check out our bird feed sponsors: Wild Birds Unlimited and Muskego Feed & Seed LLC. They are generous partners of Wehr, and extremely knowledgeable on feeders!

Steps to make your bird feeders a success:
•Position feeders in a quiet place.
•Install feeders 3 ft or less from windows, or at least 30 ft from a window to prevent window
collisions. They can even be attached to a window frame.
•Locate feeders within 10 ft. of cover like shrubs and brush piles.
•Place hummingbird feeders in shaded areas protected from wind.
•Feeders should be out of reach of deer.
•Thoroughly clean feeders at least once a year.

Wild birds generally don’t need the “free” food that we provide at bird feeders, in fact, studies show that the bulk of a bird’s diet comes from natural sources. But birds do need us to protect habitats. For very comprehensive information about how to make your yard more attractive to birds using native plants check out the book Birdscaping in the Midwest by Mariette Nowak (available in our Nature Store).

📸 Photo Credit:
- Titmouse, Gino Salomone
- Hummingbird, Laura Mishefske
- Three Birds, Matt Milanowski

10/30/2026

November at Wehr Nature Center - https://mailchi.mp/83f4aa64f353/maywehreventsandprograms2026-17289907

10/28/2026

Wehr Nature Center and it's non-profit supporter: Friends of Wehr are dedicated to making nature accessible for everyBODY all year round. One of the ways we do this is through our partnership with Access Ability Wisconsin. At Wehr Nature Center, you can borrow the Outdoor All Terrain Wheelchair for free (a refundable deposit is collected). This allows students, individuals, and groups to explore and experience the beauty of nature while being supported physically. See more information and other ways Wehr is improving accessibility through tactile maps, audio trail descriptions, adaptive programming and more here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/accessibility/

10/28/2026

Did you know Wehr has a monthly program just for 4-6 year olds? Nature Nauts is a great way to get outside with your kiddo, explore a new topic, and have some fun! Turkey Tales is November's theme. This program is offered November 8th 1-2 PM and November 9th 9:30-10:30 AM.

Sign up and see more information here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/nature-nauts-turkey-tales/

10/26/2026

Rich Sterle is one of those people that brings humor, hard work, and joy to what he does. With 25 years of unwavering commitment, he's an inspiration to a lot of us. Rich is an integral part of building our boardwalk, and the friendships he has made along the way have become his favorite part of volunteering here.

Thank you, Rich and Diane, for your time at Wehr. You are so appreciated.
PS - Your Menards Rebate mastery is truly inspiring 😆

10/21/2026

Want to unplug, slow down, and get in tune with nature? Try out our Guided Forest Bathing program. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, a certified forest bathing guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen your relationship with the natural world. It's the perfect way to head into the colder months.

See more information and reserve your spot - https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/guided-forest-bathing-12/

10/19/2026

We are FALLing for these photos snapped by our talented Wehr Community!

📸Photo Credit:
Bald Eagle & Cuckoo - Laura Mishefske
Grasshopper - Ancka Ziolkowski
Chipmunk - Jack Buchanan

10/19/2026

📸 Celebrating the beauty of Wehr Nature Center!

The Wehr photography community captures some truly incredible moments, from wildlife family portraits to beautiful prairie-filling sunsets.

Be sure to check out the Wehr Nature Center Community page to enjoy these amazing photos, and take a moment to watch this feature from CBS 58 highlighting the photographers who help bring nature’s beauty into focus:

🔗 https://www.cbs58.com/news/network-of-nature-photographers-at-wehr-nature-center-brings-beauty-of-space-into-focus

As we enjoy and capture these special moments, let’s remember to do our part to protect the place that makes them possible. Please stay on designated trails, respect wildlife by observing from a safe distance, and leave plants, animals, and natural features undisturbed.

Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints, and carry home wonderful memories. 💚

Thank you for helping keep Wehr Nature Center beautiful for everyone and for the wildlife that calls it home!

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) — If you love snapping pictures of nature, you should think about joining forces with a group of photographers, all volunteers, who love to roam Wehr Nature Center on any given

10/17/2026

One more day to see the Enchanted Forest! See the link in our bio to get tickets

Address

9701 W College Avenue
Franklin, WI
53132

Telephone

+14144258550

Website

http://friendsofwehr.org/, https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/, http://eepurl.com/gRUSLn, https://www.gofevo.com/event/Fri

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