A Green Gem in an urban landscape
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A place like this woodland... well there simply isn't anything like it.
A hardwood forest in the middle of the city! 
This 60 acre forest in the heart of Milwaukee is a natural place for community engagement and forest exploration.
The Woodland has been recognized by the Department of Natural Resources as an area of local significance as well as a Class II wildlife habitat within the southern Lake Michigan coastal ecological landscape and it is one of the largest wooded tracts remaining in Milwaukee County. The maple-beech forest type was once extensive along this stretch of Lake Michigan. Within The Woodland, remnants of the maple-beech forest persist with an understory of wildflowers in spring such as bloodroot, trillium, spring beauties, may apple and trout lily. Also within are remnants of the rich history of the land and people that once lived, worked and farmed here. Large oak “wolf trees” and barbed wire fence reflect a time of open lands and grazing cattle. Remnants still remain of a tree nursery that was once on site. These clusters of maple and spruce trees now become a chapter in the biography of this landscape. The forest also contains a diversity of spring wildflowers and abundant wildlife. Existing trails cross all seven forest stand types and parallel a wooded ravine rich with ground flora. School Groups As a state property, the Forest is always open for school groups to visit. Please help us plan for your visit or alert us of any needs or requests by filling out our School Visit Inquiry Form. This FOrest By The Numbers
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Did you know? This is Everyone’s Forest. This forest is state-owned by the Wisconsin DNR Division of Forestry And cared for under joint partnership with us: The Forest Exploration Center, a non-profit 501c3. 
We care for this forest through sustainable, science focused management to share the ecological, economic, social and cultural benefits with all who visit.
All forests need care to not only ensure that we have the natural resources we need but that we also protect what we value; wildlife, beautiful landscapes, recreation and solitude. Let's care for forests now to ensure their future and our own. |
