Learning About Natural Resources

Milwaukee, the "gathering place by the rivers," is an area rich in natural resources. Due to the foresight of our local leaders, many of these resources have been protected in parkways that follow rivers throughout the county. No matter where you live in Milwaukee County, one of our 144 county parks is nearby.

Extension uses these parks as well as many other venues for helping Milwaukee residents learn about natural resources. We have programs for all ages from pre-school to adults on a wide variety of topics from insects to stormwater management.

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Wisconsin
On August 1, 2008, the emerald ash borer was found in Ozaukee County, just north of Milwaukee County. This is the first siting in Wisconsin of this destructive beetle. The emerald ash borer is a wood boring beetle that attacks ash trees, usually killing them in one to three years. To learn how to identify and control this beetle, visit: http://emeraldashborer.wi.gov . To report a suspected infestation, call 800-462-2803.

Nature in the Parks
Milwaukee County UW-Extension provides environmental education programs for school and youth groups in county parks and schools. Summer camps and other environmental educational programs are held at the Wehr Nature Center. These programs reach over 30,000 youth each year. To learn more, call the Wehr Nature Center at 414-425-8550 or visit the Nature in the Parks web site.

Watershed Education
Extension helps citizen groups and government agencies work together to protect and improve our land and water resources. We partner with local governments, environmental groups, civic organizations, schools and home owners to encourage public and private practices that protect our watersheds. For more information, visit the Watershed Education web page.