County Grounds Field Trip

Join Schlitz Audubon’s Director of Education Tom Finley and Milwaukee-area Naturalist Eddee Daniel for a guided nature hike through the famed County Grounds in Wauwatosa. Over the years, the issues of development and preservation have reverberated around this site. Currently, over 100 acres are in some type of preservation status and provide excellent wildlife habitat, especially given its very urban location. This renowned area also has some fascinating human history associated with it which we are sure to discuss.  

Situated at the confluence of the Menomonee River and Underwood Creek, the County Grounds is the largest remaining wild area in the county. Notably, Sanctuary Woods hosts some remarkable trees which harken back to pre and early-settlement Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is a key partner in the effort as two different retention ponds, holding 300 million gallons, have been designed to reduce flooding and erosion into the vital waterways. With over 150 years of history surrounding it, our day is sure to be fun, informative, and invigorating. 

Eddee Daniel is a board member of Friends of County Grounds Park and of Preserve Our Parks, for whom he curates a website and blog at awealthofnature.org. Eddee is the author of a number of books, including Island of Hope: The Milwaukee County Grounds. 

Details and directions will be emailed to registered participants prior to the trip. This program will take place entirely outdoors. 

Members: $30 | Non-Members: $45