A few Highlights and Feature Projects
For a full list of ongoing activities and updates visit us on Facebook and Instagram
Trees Planted in Urban Forest Demonstration Area photo credit D. Pahlisch
First Migratory Bird Hike in the Books! Photo Credit Danielle Pahlisch
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16 Big Trees Planted in New 'Urban Forest' Demonstration Area
It was a beautiful day and a great success to officially launch educational plans for the unforested areas of the property. The area will soon have exhibits and demonstrations that further define the important role Urban Forests play in our lives. Tree species were determined and planting area designed by our fine partners at WI DNR Urban Forestry. Species were selected that thrive in urban environments and that best represent the wide range of possibility available to those looking to plant trees along their streets and in their neighborhoods. The trees were a generous donation from Wudeward Urban Forest Products who selected the Forest Exploration Center as recipient of their "Trees First. Wood Next." Tree Fund in partnership with Johnsons Nursery. Johnsons Nursery selected, provided and delivered the stock and the trees were planted with volunteer help from HGA Architects and their families, the Forest Exploration Center board members and Johnsons Nursery. Watch Us Grow! Inaugural Migratory Bird Day Hike a Success! The Forest Exploration Center, in collaboration with the City of Wauwatosa hosted its inaugural World Migratory Bird Day Hike at the Forest to celebrate the recognition of Wauwatosa as one of the newest Bird Cities of Wisconsin! More than 158 species of birds have been documented in and rely on the Forest and many greenspaces of Wauwatosa as critical places to feed, rest and nest. The fall migration hike was led by Carl Schwartz, editor of "The Badger Birder" and former director of Bird City Wisconsin. Thanks to everyone that participated in this first of many Forest programs. Tom Gaertner, volunteer president of the FEC and Mayor Dennis McBride along with event organizer Jeff Roznowski kicked things off— Let's do it again in Spring! Said Everyone! |
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New Forest Ecology Self-Guided Trailside Exhibits and Forest Explorer Migration Challenge!
Need a weekend activity? Want to get outside for an hour or two for some recreation with a bit of education? Come enjoy a stroll through the #forestexplorationcenter and check out the new trail side exhibit series #migratorybirds ! You just might spot some birds feeding and resting a bit within the forest canopy while on their way to Mexico or South America! Fun for everyone! |
July 2021
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New Forest Explorer Series Exhibits
Come on in the forest to experience our NEW set of small exhibits that equal BIG adventure for all! Learn a bit about eight kinds of trees found in the forest then search for and play ‘let’s match’ with their leaves and seeds. Then why not start a collection of your own. Enjoy from all of us @forestexplorationcenter Great News! New forest restoration project begins @forestexplorationcenter in the disturbed areas to the east of our entrance road and along Swan Blvd. Watch over time as the Forest reclaims the land! First up: the removal of the nasty invasive teasel plants and buckthorn shrubs while keeping mature native trees intact. Follow the project here
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May 2021
Attention: It's coyote Pup season | Let's keep Coyote wild and Dogs Safe
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Coyote are permanent residents of our urban landscapes. They need this forest as their home and habitat.
If you get a chance to see a coyote- keep your distance and enjoy the experience! Protect Yourself and Your Pets The forest is Dog On-Leash area 365 days of the year. During coyote mating season (and pup rearing time) it's especially critical that dogs are always on-leash at the forest. Please, keep dogs on a short lead and close to you at all times, for the safety of your pets, for wildlife and because... its the Law. Just one of many ways we can begin to co-exist safely with our wild neighbors. |
Want to make a difference here? | Join our board of directors!
The Forest Exploration Center Seeks Volunteer Members
to Serve on the Board of Directors
Learn More Here: Join Our Board
Have you heard about these fine folks?
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The Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association (WWOA) publishes a wonderful (and award-winning) quarterly educational magazine promoting sustainable forestry in Wisconsin. They featured our new accessible trail in their latest issue! Learn more about WWOA here |
December 2020
Winter Challenge | Learn to identify Wildflowers of the Forest
Guest Blog Post for Hoppe Tree Service Newsletter
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The Beginnings of the Forest Exploration Center a brief timeline of a forest & its stewards Our guest blog post shares a brief look at the cultural history of this present-day jewel in the heart of Wauwatosa. Hoppe Tree Service and the Urban Wood Lab are proud supporters of the forest as a unique community asset. |
New Self-Guided Trail Exhibits Installed
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Little Signs = Big Adventures!
Discover 8 new mini-exhibits for all ages along the one mile forest ecology trail. Each station provides a fun woodland exploration. This series includes activities to engage the senses while practicing skills in forestry and ecology. Exhibit panels and themes will change with the seasons and special events. |
Launch of FOrest Monitoring Project | Installation of Deer Exclosures
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The Forest Exploration Center was awarded a grant from the Society of American Foresters to launch a study of the impact of deer on the forest. Learn more about the project here soon
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Stewards of the Forest install the first deer exclosure
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The exclosure will keep deer out so plants can be monitored
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Follow (or join!) the Monitoring Project this Spring
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Dogs On-Leash Reminder | Sign Installation
The Forest is an On-Leash Area
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It's the right thing to do
and its the law All Dogs Must Be Under Owner Control and On a Leash No Longer Than 6 feet For the Safety of Your Pet To Protect Plants and Wildlife To Respect the Experience of Others Please Pick Up and Carry Out Pet Waste |
October 2020
Introducing the forest adventure starter series
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Click on the Bug to access the New Forest Adventure Starters Series Wander the Woodland or Your Own Backyard Open ended explorations and inspiration to get outside and back to nature "18 Things To Do in the Forest" |
FREE Virtual Premier | October 21st
Watch New Wisconsin Episodes of America's Forests with Chuck Leavell
Featuring Our World Class Forests, School Forests and Research Labs!
Featuring Our World Class Forests, School Forests and Research Labs!
Register directly with the Nelson Institute by clicking the button above
Links to view the two 27-minute Wisconsin episodes will be emailed to participants upon registering.
Want a sneak peak? Check out the Wisconsin episode 1 and episode 2 trailers now below!
Links to view the two 27-minute Wisconsin episodes will be emailed to participants upon registering.
Want a sneak peak? Check out the Wisconsin episode 1 and episode 2 trailers now below!
The forest is Featured
As having an 'absolutely beautiful' trail by the Milwaukee Office for Persons with Disabilities
and also in the Milwaukee Mag and the A Wealth of Nature 'Natural Realm' Blog
and also in the Milwaukee Mag and the A Wealth of Nature 'Natural Realm' Blog
Accessible parking and trailhead entrance at Wil-O-Way
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One in Top Five 5 Spectacular Spots to See Autumn Leaves Near Milwaukee
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Article 'Welcomes All' to the forest as a place to experience nearby nature for the health of individuals and communities.
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September 2020
Welcome all to the Forest
The accessible, self -guided nature trail is now open for all
Accessible trailhead access at the Wil-O-Way Underwood Recreation Center is also open
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Wauwatosa, WI, September 1, 2020– The Forest Exploration Center (FEC), a nonprofit organization in joint partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry celebrate the completed accessible nature trail, property entrance road, and parking area that now set the stage for future endeavors in recreation, education and forest stewardship.
ALL ABILITIES NOW HAVE ACCESS TO THE FOREST. The former inaccessible and eroding social footpaths have been improved with the creation of a sustainable, self-guided nature trail experience of natural crushed granite material that meets ADA accessibility guidelines. The trail is designed and built specifically for wheelchair, foot traffic and strollers only and offers a one-mile loop of exploration and discovery under the canopy of the shaded woodland. 
Enjoy interactive educational signs and multi media experiences
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Learn more about the Forest Exploration Center
View our Education and Site Planning Poster Series
View our Education and Site Planning Poster Series
May 2017
Take a look at the FEC Green Infrastructure Plan
Take a look at the FEC Green Infrastructure Plan
| fec_gi_project_sheet.pdf |
April 2017 Reforestation Project Underway!
3,000 tree seedlings were hand planted along Swan Blvd.
3,000 tree seedlings were hand planted along Swan Blvd.
| press_release_fec_reforestation_project_april_2017_.pdf |
FOREST RESTORATION has begun within forest stands 3 (along Swan Blvd and) and 4 ( along Underwood Creek Pkwy). Removal of the invasive woody shrub called buckthorn was the big first step.
Invasive buckthorn is cut and mulched, leaving mature trees intact.
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Invasive buckthorn was taking over sections 3 and 4 of the forest. Once the removal is complete, watch for reforestation of conifers and the development of an interpreted arboretum that will feature trees of Wisconsin.
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Wondering what those nest boxes are for in the woodland?
Flying Squirrels of course! 
photo courtesy of Dr. Gary Casper
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To learn more about Flying Squirrels in the forests of Wisconsin- visit this website To make your own box , see page 4 of Althoff, D. P., and P. S. Althoff. 2001. Monitoring southern flying squirrel populations with nest boxes. Ohio Journal of Science 101(2):2-11. Monitoring southern flying squirrel populations – Althoff and althoff 2001 |
Wisconsin DNR Forester Mike Sieger works in The Woodland with students from the University Lab School Summer Program
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Biologist and Interpretive Planner Julie Hein surveys a natural opening in The Woodland as a potential outdoor classroom space
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Forest Ecologist Brad Hutnik and Outdoor Education Specialist Gretchen Marshall take part in a mid summer plant survey and discuss educational opportunities near an ephemeral pond
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