Welcome to the woodland

We are a dedicated group of volunteers committed to the creation of accessible opportunities in education and recreation that promote the ongoing care and conservation of this forest and its wildlife​ for this and future generations.

An exceptional gem in the heart of Milwaukee County, this 67-acre, mature hardwood forest represents one of the best and last remaining remnants of the southern hardwood forests that once covered southeast Wisconsin.

A unique mix of large oak, maple, ash, and basswood trees along with sixteen other species native to the region and a rich understory of wildflowers, the forest provides a diverse habitat for wildlife, including more than 158 species of birds that feed, rest, and nest in the area on an annual basis.

Visitors to the forest experience solitude and passive recreation under the canopy of trees along a one-mile self-guided nature trail. This accessible loop for hiking and nature observation offers all abilities the opportunity to immerse themselves in the experience, deepen their understanding of our relationship to forest ecosystems and consider the role each of us play as stewards of these special places.

What’s New at the Forest

Community-Curated Trail Spur

See what’s on view at our special exhibition space featuring local artists and StoryWalks under the theme “All That Trees Provide.”

Forest Stewardship

Sign up to learn about upcoming volunteer activities, including buckthorn pulling days, bird counts, and trail maintenance

Climate-Adaptive Forestry

Learn about what we’re doing to measure, anticipate, and communicate how climate change is impacting the Forest

Three Wisconsin educators are crouched over the soil in the Forest, analyzing a small plant in the forest understory.

Get our newsletter,

“Words from the Woods”

All forest, no filler! Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get updates on events, stewardship opportunities, and research happening at the Forest Exploration Center.

Sign up

Contact Us

Have a question about forestry, the trail, or how to get involved? Want to share a nature observation? Drop us a note. We look forward to hearing from you!