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 August for the following school year and summer. To register for a program please call Carol Howard on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8:30 am and 4 pm at the number below.

If you would like more information on Nature in the Parks' (NIP's) programs, please contact us:

Nature in the Parks,   9701 W. College Ave,   Franklin   WI   53132
Phone (414)-425-8550      711 for Relay        Fax (414)-425-6992
Email: carol.howard@ces.uwex.edu

What's New?

Adventure Summer Camps are filling quickly---register NOW!!

Now you can purchase gift certificates for your favorite child for our Adventure Summer Camps! Please call us for more information.

Important Program Updates

Adventure Summer 2008 Camp brochures are now available--scoll down!

Registration is either full or closed for the following Scout Nature Treks:

Cub Scouts :

Girl Scouts:

Brochures:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

School Field Trips in the Parks

Environmental education and nature classes using discovery and hands-on activities are taught in the outdoors. Lessons are designed to meet state requirements and recommendations. Our classrooms are various Milwaukee County Parks. We provide all equipment and supplies for these naturalist led programs. These are designed for school and day care groups grades K-8. Please also see our Earth Roots Programs for younger children.

Environmental Education Programs (PDF)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earth Roots

These interactive story based programs have an environmental theme for early childhood, ages 3 through kindergarten. These are offered at a Milwaukee County Park or in your school. Story books, crafts, games and songs are used to teach the theme.

Earth Roots Programs (PDF)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In-School Programs

Environmental education and nature classes that include hands-on activities are held at your location. We bring in all equipment and supplies. Programs range in age from Preschool through high school students. These programs are available year round for schools, libraries, retail stores, museums, churches, etc. Please also see our Earth Roots, Pioneer School and Starlab Adventures brochures.

Environmental Education Programs (PDF)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Star Lab Adventures

The Starlab is a portable planetarium available for astronomy programs at your school and at the Wehr Nature Center.

Starlab Adventures (PDF)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pioneer School

IF YOU WENT TO A PIONEER SCHOOL… A naturalist in costume will conduct pioneer "school" in your classroom or for your scout group.
For grades 2-5.

Pioneer School (PDF)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scout Groups

Nature and environmental education classes are designed to meet badge requirements of various scout groups. Milwaukee County Parks become the classroom as your group enjoys a first hand encounter with nature.

Registration is either full or closed for the following Scout Nature Treks:

Cub Scouts :

Girl Scouts:

Scout Brochure 2007(PDF) After school & select Saturday programs for just your den or troop

Cub Scout Nature Treks 2007-08 (PDF) Join other dens for special programs on select Saturdays

Girl Scout Nature Treks 2007-08 (PDF) Join other troops for special programs on select Saturdays CORRECTION for this Girl Scout brochure prior to 9/10/07: Maple Sugar Days and Earth Day programs are available for Girl Scouts Grades 1-6.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adventure Summer Day Camp

Summer Day Camp Programs for children ages 3 - 12. Registration is by check and mail/ walk-in only, sorry no credit cards or on-line registration.

Adventure Summer 2008 Brochure-Registration Form(PDF) Camp descriptions and registration form

Adventure Summer 2008 Brochure MAP Camp locations.

Please call (414)-425-8550 to get on our mailing list for the future camp brochures, mailed out in February every year!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Library Programs

These interactive nature programs encourage reading and nature exploration. Please contact your local Library for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Park Connections

These programs vary depending on the school location and curriculum focus. Naturalists and teachers team up to help students become citizen scientists. Prepare a natural study area at the school or work on a nearby park to remove a plant intruder. Science monitoring skills are used through service-learning. Call 414-425-8550 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Teacher Development

An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities or limitations should be made prior to the date of the program or activity for which it is needed. Please make such requests as early as possible by contacting Nature in the Parks at (414) 425-8550 so proper arrangements can be made.

• Milwaukee County Wehr Nature Center
• Friends of Wehr Nature Center website