2026 Events

Visit the Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa and walk the trails lead by three area foresters explaining forest ecology, management and restoration efforts on the 67 acre mature hardwood forest. The property is managed as a partnership between the WDNR and the non- profit Forest Exploration Center. The FEC is an outdoor classroom established to demonstrate the ecological, economic, cultural and social benefits of sustainable forest stewardship.
No restrooms or water.
Limited parking. Car pooling encouraged
Visit: forestexplorationcenter.org

Forest Exploration Center
1800 Forest Exploration Drive, Wauwatosa WI 53226

Walking tour with views of late spring ephemerals and various woodland forbs. The month is a transitional month dependent on Mother Nature but there are likely to be carpets of toad lilies, wild geranium, spring phlox and pussy toes among other special appearances. It is a paved campground trail with some additional wood chipped hiking trails with pleasant views of the adjacent wetland. Lisa Oddis will guide the tour. Gear needed- this is rain or shine, bug spray, hiking or mud boots are recommended. Family friendly event. This is a Waukesha County park so a daily or annual park pass is needed. If you are interested in carpooling, email [email protected] or visit Facebook. Park at Family Camp Ground  

We will be touring the property of two members homes that have restored prairie and woodland areas.  The address will be emailed the week of the tour. We will meet at one home then follow to the next property.

When I bought the 20 acres back in 1979, there were no trees, native plants, wetlands or ponds. It was a plowed up agricultural farm field. No wildlife found habitat to call it home. The land was tilled for drainage. Over the course of those years trees were planted, drain tiles removed, wetlands restored and ponds were installed, and native plants were seeded.

Now there is a very large variety of plants (even hemiparasitic plants), insects, birds, and animals that find food and habitat to reproduce. All native plants are a host for different species to thrive. I have a large number of cavity nesting bird boxes up for bluebirds, chickadees, tree swallows, kestrels, and wood ducks. Canada geese, sandhill cranes, green herons, snapping and painted turtles, mink, muskrats, snakes, hawks, and many other species find food, shelter, and reproduce on this property. It is truly a restoration success. I look forward to showing it to you!

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!