About Friends of Wehr

We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that supports the mission of Wehr Nature Center and Nature in the Parks. There are many ways you can be a part of Friends of Wehr. Become a Friends Of Wehr member, volunteer or donor today!

Friends of Wehr provides funding for:

• Maintenance of over 5 miles of hiking trails
• Permanent and temporary exhibits enjoyed by over 60,000 visitors per year
• Program materials and support for over 20,000 children per year
• Invasive species control
• Interpretive signage
• Sponsorship of community events
• Program support for Nature in the Parks
• Summer internships
• Annual volunteer recognition for over 300 volunteers
• Exhibit development
• Land management supplies
• Educational enhancements at the Wehr Nature Center

These initiatives are financed through donations, interest from investments and endowment, and grants. With a decline in county based funding, the financial involvement of Friends of Wehr has increased. To help address this increased need, Friends of Wehr holds an annual fund raising event, Kids in the Park.

Wehr Nature Center in Whitnall Park fosters an environmental awareness and conservation ethic in visitors of all ages through interactions with its restored habitats and education programming. The Center provides the public and Milwaukee County valuable information and resources on current local and global environmental issues and enables school groups to interact with and learn more about nature and conservation throughout the County Park System through its Nature in the Parks outreach programming.

Nature in the Parks is a cooperative effort of UW-Cooperative Extension, Wehr Nature Center and Milwaukee County Park System. These popular field trip, youth and summer camp programs take place in parks, schools, libraries and other sites throughout Milwaukee County incorporating an outdoor experience as often as possible. Registration for programs begins the first Monday of April for the following school year and summer.