Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Join us on Monday, July 22 for our Sound Waves Summer Concert Series! Enjoy a performance by Lindsay Shanks, who plays a range of songs for all ages, with influences from Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Elvis Preseley, Dixie Chicks, and much more. Click here for details! https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/sound-waves-summer-concert-series-lindsay-shanks/

The me­lodious mimics are able to mimic sounds in their environment, in­cluding birds of different species, animals, and more! Learn about these fascinating bird species!
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2022/07/18/the-melodious-mimics/

Join us on Saturday, July 27 for Story Book Creation! Work together with your family to create your very own nature-themed story book. You will be guided in coming up with a general story, then take an inspirational hike to help young authors develop their plot. Each family will have the opportunity to bring that story to life by making their very own picture book to take home.

Story Book Creation - Schlitz Audubon Work together with your family to create your very own nature-themed story book. Family Programs Manager Cassie Rincon will guide you through writing basics and themes to help your family come up with a general story, followed by an inspirational hike to help young authors develop their plot. Afterw...

Summer Panorama is here! In this issue, get to know the landscape of Southeast Wisconsin as you read about its geologic history. Explore our Raptor Program’s STEAM curriculum. Learn about biological pigments found in plant structures, especially flowers. Discover the animal and plant life you’ll find on our summer trails. Get to know options for sustaining the Center through planned giving.
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/about-us/panorama/

Wildlife rehabilitators play a critical role in helping injured or sick wild animals. Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at Wisconsin Humane Society is currently caring for a local Bald Eagle who is very ill from secondary toxicity. Read their post to learn more about the eagle's condition and why rodenticides are harmful to raptors.

On Friday, July 12, we admitted a Bald Eagle who had been found grounded, debilitated, and incredibly weak. Thankfully, someone saw him on the ground in Fox Point and knew he needed immediate help if he had any chance at survival. His eyes were closed, he was drifting in and out of consciousness, and he’d been vomiting.
Once at the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, we began immediate supportive care and diagnostic tests. After ruling out several other potential causes, we strongly suspect he’s experiencing secondary toxicity from rodenticide – meaning he likely ate prey that had consumed rat poison. We are seeing some small improvements each day – he’s now able to lift his head and has started to support himself – but his prognosis is still heavily guarded. He has a long way to go before he’s healthy enough to return to the skies, and we’ll do everything in our power to give him the best chance of getting there. ❤️‍🩹

We have to take a moment to point out the devastating consequences rodenticide can have far beyond its intended purpose. There are other much more humane, safe ways of evicting unwanted visitors from your property without putting others at risk, and we’d love to help you find solutions. We don’t know if it’s too late for this incredible bird, but we’re giving him everything we’ve got and are so grateful to our community which makes this work possible.

For those wondering how they can help, donations to our wildlife hospital are currently being matched this month. You can make a gift of any size using the Donate button here or online at https://wihumane.me/WildlifeSummerMatch to have it automatically doubled by a friend of WHS. Those dollars go directly toward our work treating nearly 5,000 wild animals every year and we can’t thank you enough.

We also want to give a major shout out to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center for capturing this eagle and the Fox Point Police for transporting him to our doors. We’ll be sure to share updates on this case as it develops, but he could use all the positivity he can get during these critical, initial weeks. Hang in there, buddy.
🦅❤️

A new study finds that certain crows have a way with numbers — one that resembles that of human toddlers. Learn more about counting crows!

Crows can count out loud like human toddlers — when they aren't cheating the test A study finds that carrion crows can be taught to count and make vocalizations that indicate the number counted, much in the same way that human toddlers do.

Experience the magic of summer at Schlitz Audubon. Summer in Wisconsin is a wonderful time to explore some of nature’s most beautiful sights. The forest, prairies, and ponds are alive with wildlife.
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2024/07/15/experience-the-magic-of-summer/

When you’re hiking our trails this summer, stop in our Visitor Center to purchase a cooling Pete’s Pop, including classic and signature flavored pops made with all natural and fresh ingredients.

Join us on Sunday, July 21 for Cicadas & Flying Friends! Southern Wisconsin is hosting the 17 year cicadas along with the annual cicada. The Center is currently experiencing good numbers of the annual cicadas. After learning what makes these insects important to the environment, we will explore the Center's habitats, listening for their telltale high-pitched hum while searching for other flying insects.

Cicadas & Flying Friends - Schlitz Audubon This summer is unique for cicadas as both a 13 year brood and a 17 year brood will appear at the same time in the United States. Southern Wisconsin will host the 17 year cicadas along with the annual cicada. After learning what makes these insects important to the environment,...

Learn about Schlitz Audubon Ray Team volunteer Dave Haight and his wife Carolyn’s garden, which will be featured in the Whitefish Bay Garden Club's Small Spaces, Grand Places 2024 Garden Walk. Working as a team, Carolyn grows new plants from seeds, while Dave builds structures and garden art.

Whitefish Bay garden with greenhouse, native plants will be on annual garden club tour Dave and Carolyn Haight have been building their gardens for 45 years and will open them to visitors on this year's Whitefish Bay Garden Club tour.

Our Cub Scout program offerings have been recently updated to reflect the 2024 requirement changes. We are continuing to add new programs for all Cub Scout and Girl Scout levels, so check back frequently for more available opportunities!
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/learn/youth-education/scouting/

Programs for Milwaukee Boy and Girl Scouts | Schlitz Audubon Schlitz Audubon Nature Center provides fun and engaging adventures to Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups in greater Milwaukee.

Join us on Wednesday, July 24 for Grant Park Field Trip! We’ll hike picturesque Grant Park, which features unique Lannon stone paths and staircases, as well as foot bridges that will take us over the park’s many ravines. During our visit, we’ll witness summer birds, shorebirds along Lake Michigan, and species that call the beautiful high bluffs home throughout the year.
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/grant-park-field-trip/

Grant Park Field Trip - Schlitz Audubon We’ll hike picturesque Grant Park, which features unique Lannon stone paths and staircases, as well as foot bridges that will take us over the park’s many ravines. Oak Creek (the actual creek) flows right through the middle of the park before it empties into the bay at the South Milwaukee...

Join us on Mondays, August 12, 19 & 26 for Gentle Power Yoga! During each class, local yoga instructor Chrissy Kruger-Gruendyke will guide you through a series of movements and regenerative poses that focus on breath, balance and strength. Modifications and insightful visuals make this yoga practice inclusive at every level.
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/gentle-power-yoga-6/

Gentle Power Yoga - Schlitz Audubon Mondays, August 12, 19 & 26 During this three-week Gentle Power yoga series you will discover that Yoga is for every BODY. During each class, local yoga instructor Chrissy Kruger-Gruendyke will guide you through a series of movements and regenerative poses that focus on breath, balance and strength....

Join us on Monday, July 15 for our Sound Waves Summer Concert Series! Enjoy a show by Ben Merens, an acoustic guitar singer and songwriter, performing original songs and covers from the 70s. Ben also has a talent for taking audience suggestions and immediately turning them into songs. Click here for details! https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/sound-waves-summer-concert-series-ben-merens/

Lake Michigan is a treasured resource, a source of recre­ation, beauty, and inspiration. It deserves our protection. Learn more about Lake Michigan!
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2023/07/20/lake-michigan-a-treasured-resource/

Join us on Sunday, July 14 for Fancy Flowers Adventure! We will first learn about some of the most common flowers that can be found at the Center. Then we’ll hike together to find and photograph those flowers. Finally, you will test your skills with a flower matching game.
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/fancy-flowers-adventure/

Embrace the romance of winter with a cozy hearthside ceremony. Gather your loved ones and toast to a wonderful year and the newlyweds! Your perfect December and January wedding dates are waiting just for you!

Join us on Thursday, July 18 for a Twilight Hike! As the sun goes down, experience the Center in a different light! Join us for a guided hike on our trails in search of crepuscular and nocturnal wildlife. While we visit different habitats, learn about our resident and migratory animals and diverse plant life.
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/twilight-hike-10/

Many people are familiar with the monarch butterfly, but the world is filled with other species of beautiful butterflies worth knowing. Learn more about butterflies!
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2022/06/27/beautiful-butterflies/

Join us on one Thursday per month beginning September 12 from 9:30am to 12:30pm for Senior Elementary Homeschool! Every month, your student explores with peers about various nature topics, including Lake Michigan, hawks, herptiles, and more. We also have spots available in Junior Elementary Homeschool!
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/learn/youth-education/homeschool/

Homeschool Science Education in Milwaukee | Schlitz Audubon Schlitz Audubon Nature Center offers elementary environmental education programs to families who homeschool in the greater Milwaukee area.

Join us on Sunday, July 14 for Behaviors of Birds! Go beyond simple bird identification and discover the unique avian behaviors and adaptations of birds found at Schlitz Audubon. Through a introductory presentation and guided hike, participants will learn how birds survive and thrive in our habitats.
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/behaviors-of-birds/

Join us on Saturdays, August 3 & 10 for a Summer Watercolor Workshop! Created for beginning and intermediate level painters looking for time with other bird, wildlife, and nature enthusiasts. This workshop introduces simple techniques while exploring elements of nature and wildlife found at the Center.

Summer Watercolor Workshop - Schlitz Audubon This is a two-day workshop: Saturdays, August 3 & 10 Explore basic watercolor painting with a two-day workshop. Created for beginning and intermediate level painters looking for time with other bird, wildlife, and nature enthusiasts. This workshop introduces simple techniques while exploring element...

Sometimes seen in a swirling congregation, avian aerial insectivores hunt and eat insects while they are flying, often displaying stunning flight patterns. Learn more!
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2020/08/03/lifeways-of-avian-aerial-insectivores/

Join us on Monday, July 8 for our Sound Waves Summer Concert Series! Enjoy a performance by Lyrid, a Milwaukee-based indie prairie rock band that plays music ranging from haunting pastoral rock to jubilant, countrified soul. Click here for details! https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/sound-waves-summer-concert-series-lyrid/

Join us on Thursdays, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, and Aug. 15 for Stories Matter: Memoir Writing! Immerse yourself in the art of memoir writing with a four-week workshop set amidst the serene beauty of nature. Guided by an experienced instructor, these sessions combine writing exercises, group discussions, and reflective readings to help you craft your personal narrative.

Stories Matter: Memoir Writing - Schlitz Audubon This is a four-week series: Thursdays, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, and Aug. 15 Immerse yourself in the art of memoir writing with a workshop set amidst the serene beauty of nature. Guided by an experienced instructor, these sessions combine writing exercises, group discussions, and reflective readings....

Join us on Saturday,July 13 for Awesome Amphibians! Join Naturalist Aubrey Fulsaas to learn about what makes amphibians such unique animals. Together, we will meet our amphibian animal ambassadors, create a frog-themed craft, and hike to our ponds in search of wild frogs, toads, and salamanders.

Awesome Amphibians! - Schlitz Audubon Salamanders, frogs, and toads… oh my! Leap into the world of our slimy-skinned friends, the amphibians! Join Naturalist Aubrey Fulsaas to learn about what makes amphibians such unique animals. Together, we will meet our amphibian animal ambassadors, create a frog-themed craft, and hike to our pond...

Wishing you a safe and fun Fourth of July! We are open on the fourth until 5:00pm. Come and hike the trails as part of your holiday celebration!

Our Bluff Pavilion Project remakes the formerly grassy space of our pavilion into a durable, multiple use courtyard surrounded by thoughtfully designed gardens. Learn more about our Bluff Pavilion Courtyard and Gardens!
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/conservation/conservation-projects/bluff-pavilion-courtyard-gardens/

Join us on Saturday, July 6 for Raptor Saturday! From representing ill omens, to being characterized as tricksters, or being worshipped as deities, birds are seen as symbols of freedom, strength, and wisdom. Join us to meet several of our live raptor ambassadors and explore folklore and myths about birds for this unique edition of Raptor Saturday! Sponsored by We Energies Foundation.
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/raptor-saturday-8/

Join us on Sunday, July 7 for Finding Fairy Houses! We’ll start the program by reading A Fairy Friend by Sue Fliess. Then, we’ll build simple fairy houses for the fairies at Schlitz Audubon, as well as a small fairy house that you can take home to put in your garden!
https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/finding-fairy-houses/