EVENTS
Snapshots of Urban Wildlife
Black bears, badgers, and bobcats, oh my! Discover the world of urban wildlife through the lens of trail camera images captured at the Forest Exploration Center. Learn how the DNR’s Snapshot Wisconsin project, a statewide network of volunteer-managed trail cameras, supports wildlife research.
Great Wisconsin Birdathon - Bird Walk
Make an impact on bird conservation and FEC’s outreach and education by joining our first-ever Birdathon team!
Through the Eyes of a Forester: the Art of Ecological Forestry
Discover the many climate adaptation tools used at the Forest Exploration Center. Hike through this 60-acre southern hardwood forest to learn how climate change is impacting our forests and what we can do to keep our forests healthy, sustainable, and resilient today and into the future.
Migratory Bird Celebration
This event is at capacity. To join the waitlist, please send an email to info@forestexplorationcenter.org. Thank you for your interest!
We’re celebrating the songbirds, birds of prey, and all the feathered migrants and residents of the Forest! Join us for a very special bird walk to observe and learn to identify some of the 158 species that rest, nest, and feed at the Forest Exploration Center each spring.
Chuck Hagner is the author of the American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Wisconsin (2019) and two other books about birds and bird watching. He’s also the former editor of BirdWatching magazine and the former director of Bird City Wisconsin. We’re delighted to have him lead this bird walk and share his expertise!
Our Birdathon team, the FEC Songbird Squad, will also be conducting a bird count along the way. You can join the team to help us raise funds for bird conservation and FEC’s outreach.
Wild Ones Menomonee River Area Chapter - Forest WAlk
View more on the Wild Ones member website.
Great Wisconsin Birdathon - Bird Walk
Make an impact on bird conservation and FEC’s outreach and education by joining our first-ever Birdathon team!
Trail Closure
The Forest Exploration Center trails will be closed May 5, 6, and 7, 2026, while hazard trees are removed.
Thank you for your patience as we work to keep the Forest safe for all visitors. Questions? Email info@forestexplorationcenter.org.
Spring Ephemerals & Edible Plants in an Urban Gem
Discover a remnant southern hardwood forest in Milwaukee: the Forest Exploration Center! This 60-acre hidden gem harbors more than 50 different plant species, including many spring ephemerals. Hear the history of the land and explore the cultural and ecological significance of local plants. Learn (and taste!) the basics of sustainable foraging.
Great Wisconsin Birdathon - Bird Walk
Make an impact on bird conservation and FEC’s outreach and education by joining our first-ever Birdathon team!
31st annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup
This isn’t just a cleanup, it’s become an annual tradition! A celebration of teamwork, connection, and the power of community action. Let's clean up the Forest Exploration Center and remove some non-native plants!
Great Wisconsin Birdathon - Bird Walk
Make an impact on bird conservation and FEC’s outreach and education by joining our first-ever Birdathon team!