Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Found at Center

Schlitz Audubon recently confirmed multiple Rusty Patched Bumble Bees (Bombus affinis) on our property. This bee is the only Federally Endangered Species (effective March 21, 2017) within Milwaukee County and is listed as a Species of Special Concern in Wisconsin. Center staff has been in contact with the US fish and Wildlife Service, and we are developing a plan to improve habitat for this endangered species. Read more.

Summer at Schlitz Audubon

Summer has arrived, and lush leaf cover shades much of the Center’s six miles of trails. Flowering prairie plants rise to greet the bright summer sun and a cool breeze accompanies the fossils washing up along our Lake Michigan shoreline.

In early summer, what looks like crickets are usually young toadlets that have just emerged from the ponds. The small black tadpoles with gold flecks at Mystery Lake have grown up and are now looking for homes in the forest. Mystery Lake and Boardwalk Pond are home to numerous Painted and Snapping Turtles. Read more.

Summer Panorama

For Summer 2017 Panorama, we celebrate the rarely heralded creatures found throughout the Center: Reptiles and Amphibians. Read about the vital roles reptiles and amphibians play in the ecosystem, our Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Area, citizen science in the ponds, and more!

Panorama also includes a listing of programs taking place during July, August, and September. Paper copies were mailed to members on June 16. To view a digital version, click here. To receive a printed copy, click here to learn about the benefits of membership. 

Our Raptor Program Welcomes a Rough-legged Hawk!

We are delighted to announce that we have welcomed Krona, our first ever Rough-legged Hawk, into the Center’s Raptor Program! Krona will  aid in teaching about migration, ecosystem health, and the effects of climate change. Read about Krona the Rough-legged Hawk here. 

Insect Hotel at Schlitz Audubon

Insect populations have declined an estimated 45% in 30 years. Milwaukee County’s rate of decline is among the highest in the nation. This insect hotel was built using natural materials to provide shelter for beneficial insects. Learn more.

Watch our video and discover the many treasures that await you at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.

Stop by and experience all that our Center has to offer!