your impact

Why Your Impact Matters

There's no better way to make an impact than to support Wehr Nature Center by becoming a member, volunteering, making a donation, and telling your family and friends about us! Your support can make a lasting difference.

We love sharing testimonials on how Wehr Nature Center is or has impacted our patron's lives.

We'd love to hear from you!

Share your Story

Sharing Nature with the Next Generation

"We think that Wehr Nature Center is worth investing in. The physical and mental health benefits enjoyed when walking through Wehr are priceless. Our wish is that these nature adventures will be available for our grandkids and to all in the future!

Monica was first introduced to the Nature Center over 30 years ago when Carol Howard, one of the naturalists, came to the school in Franksville where Monica worked, and gave a presentation to the 2nd grade students on owls. Over the years, our own children enjoyed adventures as we took them on many hikes at Wehr. One of our sons even came back to get his wedding photos taken at the waterfall!

After we retired, we were drawn back to Wehr through our grandchildren. Their teachers, Miss Bev, Miss Judy and Mr. Howard, had them mesmerized with their books, props and activities about the animals, plants and nature seen at Wehr. We also began volunteering - Mark with Wheel & Chip and both of us with buckthorn busting and Maple Sugar Days. We served as volunteer coordinators for Cider Sunday, and were helped by so many staff, volunteers and Board members. In addition, we helped with The Adventure Challenge fundraiser."

Monica and Mark Dombeck

Friends of Wehr Members, Volunteers, Supporters

Join a Committee

“I first started coming to Wehr Nature Center over 25 years ago when I was looking for a place to take our daughter so she could learn to appreciate the wonders and beauty of nature. After I retired, I volunteered for the Wehr Naturally Committee, which includes events such as Ladies Night Out, as well as the Adventure Challenge Committee, and other activities. I thoroughly enjoy working with many dedicated volunteers and the very talented and committed staff. I also like walking the trails and enjoying the splendor of our Nature Center.”

Kathy Clarey

Friends of Wehr Member, Donor, Volunteer

Part of the Wehr Family

“For over 25 years, I have been involved with Friends of Wehr (FOW) to help support the nature center and its environmental education goals and programs. I think Wehr is a wonderful place with grassland, woodland, and wetland environments offering many opportunities for learning and enjoying nature. Currently, I volunteer as a FOW board member and teaching naturalist working with school groups, and help with critter care. I have also been the Druid, a group leader, and a wizard (in costume only) during Halloween Haunts. I worked the tree station and drilling station during Maple Sugar Weekend, and I handled critters for Reptile Day. In addition, I volunteered at Cider Sunday, Bug Day and any other event where help was needed. My wife, daughter and grandkids are also involved as volunteers.”

Ron Rebernick

Friends of Wehr Board Member, Lifetime member, Volunteer, Donor

Your Words & Actions Matter

We asked you to consider using a piece of your stimulus check to help Wehr and many of you answered our call with donations and membership renewal /upgrades. One of our supporters wrote:

"This is from my Covid stimulus check. I am passing it on to deserving causes like Wehr Nature Center"

Pam G.

Donor

What we miss by not being able to volunteer at the Wehr Nature Center is being with nature on a regular basis. Being surrounded by nature with its wildlife and vegetation is very healing. It gives us opportunities we wouldn't normally experience. The friends we make there, also gives it a feeling of family, which we have become.

Betty and Bernie M.

Front Desk/Special Event Volunteers

We enjoyed walking the trails at Wehr Nature Center but noticed they were often in need of some TLC. We asked about the trail conditions at the office and met with the volunteer coordinator who explained the various volunteer opportunities. We were most interested in helping with upkeep and care of the trails so we joined the Wheel and Chip group.

Mike and Sue R.

Volunteers

I am a 70 year old grandma of a very bright 7 year old and we (both of us) have been thoroughly educated and entertained by the various classes and events held at Wehr and Grant Park. I have attended several programs by Howard April and he has engaged my grandson each time. It is the hands on experience that truly helps kids learn to love nature! A favorite has been the evening program about bats in Grant park although we had a great time learning about frogs and toads at Wehr.

Jean T.

Visitor

I worked at Wehr as a Park Attendant (worked the front desk, gift shop, cleaned the facility, chipped the trails) during the late 80's (maybe 88-92?). I worked with Boyd, Mariette, Karen Kerns, Kathy, Rae, and Pat. I believe those are the correct names, and there were others I can't recall. I was there during the planning and the initial expansion of the new addition. There was an owl in a cage by the fireplace. I can't remember his name. I did the artwork for the Monthly newsletter as well as the signs for "Prairie Days". I remember Mariette had a thing for Purple Loosestrife which had to be managed in the wetlands every year.

Jeff B.

Park Worker 1988-1992

I can't begin to describe the impact of Wehr on my life. Wehr is the nature center that my family visited while I was growing up in the 1970's. One of my prized possessions is a photo of myself with Grandpa from 1984. We're standing in front of the Wehr Nature Center trail map sign (which is still there today), binoculars slung around our necks. No doubt we were bird watching. When I graduated college, I knew I wanted to be at a nature center. So I applied for nature center jobs all over the country. I can't believe I wound up working at Wehr. It's literally just five miles down the road from where I grew up. And the best part of all? I met my wife here. So, Wehr has been and will always be "THE" special place in my heart.