{"id":36210,"date":"2025-10-14T02:00:30","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T07:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?p=36210"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:13:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T20:13:31","slug":"wisconsins-most-unexpected-state-forest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wisconsins-most-unexpected-state-forest\/","title":{"rendered":"Wisconsin’s Most Unexpected State Forest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”1027px” custom_margin=”-1px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”7px||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The other day, I arrived early for a volunteer workday at one of Wisconsin\u2019s state forests. Since I had an hour to spare before the work started, I decided to take a little nature walk.<\/p>\n

First, I walked through a lush pollinator planting which was wild with blooming flowers. The trail continued through a tranquil forest of maples, which opened into a huge grassland. A bluebird flew across the path right in front of me and perched confidently in an oak tree. Rounding a bend in the trail, the wood-sided nature center came into view. It was flanked by a newly planted rain garden, fresh paths, and a cute little bridge.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d barely scratched the surface of this state forest\u2019s six miles of trails. I didn\u2019t even have time to see the ponds or wetlands. I\u2019m sure by now you\u2019ve guessed exactly where I was.<\/p>\n

You guessed right \u2013 I was in the middle of Milwaukee\u2019s north side.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Purple-coneflower-alongside-a-meandering-trail-at-Havenwoods-State-Forest.-Photo-by-Shelly-Torkelson.jpg” alt=”purple coneflower along a meandering trail at Havenwoods Stater Forest” title_text=”Purple Coneflower Alongside A Meandering Trail At Havenwoods State Forest. Photo By Shelly Torkelson” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||21px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Purple coneflower alongside one of the many trails meandering through a surprisingly varied landscape in a unique location. Photo by Shelly Torkelson<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Havenwoods State Forest is an unexpected treasure: 237 acres (nearly 200 football fields) of forest, grassland, and wetlands smack dab in Wisconsin\u2019s most populous city. Through the dedication of the Friends of Havenwoods State Forest, Wisconsin DNR, volunteers, and community groups like Nearby Nature, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, and Cream City Conservation, this incredible place has been undergoing many improvements in recent years, several of which have been supported by NRF.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

A workday at Havenwoods State Forest<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

I arrived back from my walk at the Havenwoods Nature Center to await my volunteer task. Frances Meyer, a natural resources educator with the Wisconsin DNR who divides her time between Havenwoods and Lakeshore State Park, showed me and the other volunteers the ropes. We were going to be planting native plants in the new rain garden \u2013 an exciting job for a nature nerd like me!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/The-initial-rain-garden-planting-in-spring-2025-at-Havenwoods.-Photo-by-Angela-Vickio-WDNR.jpg” alt=”rain garden in between a building and a small bridge at Havenwoods State Forest” title_text=”The Initial Rain Garden Planting In Spring 2025 At Havenwoods. Photo By Angela Vickio (WDNR)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||21px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The initial rain garden planting in spring 2025. Photo by Angela Vickio (WDNR)<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The new rain garden is an important recent project at Havenwoods. Thanks to a Fund for Lake Michigan grant, NRF has been helping the Wisconsin DNR fix up the overgrown rain garden. They\u2019ve been removing invasives, renovating the basins, installing paths and a small bridge, and planting native plants with the help of volunteers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime we can do these habitat improvements close to the nature center is of benefit, especially when we\u2019re doing field trips with younger age groups like first graders who can\u2019t hike very far,\u201d explained Angela Vickio, the DNR\u2019s property supervisor for Havenwoods. \u201cThe rain garden [is] completely funded by NRF and the Fund for Lake Michigan, and that\u2019s going to benefit our water drainage, soil quality, and native habitat for pollinators. But it\u2019s also good for visitor use.\u201d<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/The-freshly-planted-rain-garden-at-Havenwoods-State-Forest-with-orange-coneflower-plants-in-the-foreground-enjoying-the-first-day-in-their-new-home.-Behind-Tre-volunteer-and-Frances-WDNR-wo.jpg” alt=”people planting in a rain garden next to a building” title_text=”The Freshly Planted Rain Garden At Havenwoods State Forest, With Orange Coneflower Plants In The Foreground Enjoying The First Day In Their New Home. Behind, Tre (volunteer) And Frances (WDNR) Wo” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||21px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The freshly-planted rain garden at Havenwoods State Forest, with orange coneflower plants in the foreground enjoying the first day in their new home. Behind, Tre (volunteer) and Frances (WDNR) work on planting more. Photo by Shelly Torkelson<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Planting for the future<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

In the summer heat, getting the pollinator plants into the ground was tiring, sweaty, dirty work. Mostly, we were repeatedly crouching down to add compost, nestle the plants into their holes, and mulch. But planting the orange coneflower, wild indigo, and others was well worth it.<\/p>\n

As the new plants grow and establish themselves, they\u2019ll bring more native insects and birds to Havenwoods.<\/p>\n

The Naturalist Backyard, planted in 2021 and 2023 at Havenwoods with support from NRF and others, provides a glimpse of the future. It\u2019s already teeming with wildflowers and buzzing with pollinators, showing how quickly these plantings can mature. A couple years from now, the rain garden will be abuzz, too.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_slider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/HW-Naturalists-Garden-at-Havenwoods-State-Forest-by-the-Cream-City-Conservation-Corps-Photo-Caitlin-Williamson.jpg.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]

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The Naturalist Backyard at Havenwoods is unexpectedly lush, only a few years after it was planted. Before photo (2023) by Caitlin Williamson , after photo (2025) by Shelly Torkelson <\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Tre” job_title=”Havenwoods volunteer” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

It\u2019s peaceful here, with the birds chirping and everything.<\/p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Increasing access to Havenwoods State Forest<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

In between planting and mulching, one of my fellow volunteers, Tre, said he lives up the road from Havenwoods. He remembers coming to the forest with his school and daycare when he was a kid.<\/p>\n

It would be ideal if all 4,611 first graders in the Milwaukee Public Schools could come visit Havenwoods. Vickio says they\u2019ve gradually been able to get more people to visit and, thanks in part to funding from NRF, Union Pacific Foundation, and Johnson Controls, they can now provide more educational programs than ever before.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2024-DICI-cohort-trip-to-Havenwoods-by-Jaeden-Carrasquillo.jpg.jpg” alt=”person taking a photo of wildflowers with their phone” title_text=”2024 DICI Cohort Trip To Havenwoods By Jaeden Carrasquillo.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||21px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Cort Taylor, one of NRF\u2019s Diversity in Conservation interns, photographs native wildflowers during a field trip that the 2024 cohort of interns took to Havenwoods. Photo by Jaeden Carrasquillo<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

At NRF, we believe that everyone deserves to get outdoors and enjoy the natural world. Our strategic plan includes a commitment to connect diverse communities to nature in Wisconsin. Our Diversity in Conservation interns<\/a> visit Havenwoods all together to learn about the history of Havenwoods and restoration efforts currently underway at the site. Jaeden Carrasquillo, a member of our 2023 intern cohort, made weekly visits to Havenwoods during his internship to pull invasive species. Andie Zei, from our 2025 intern cohort, loved interacting with visitors at the Havenwoods Nature Center. We have NRF Field Trips<\/a> that take place there as well, exploring the fascinating history of the site, urban nature photography, and more.<\/p>\n

Vickio hopes more folks will find the hidden gem of Havenwoods. \u201cWe have programs and events year-round. We check out snowshoes and binoculars to people for free, you just have to use them on the property. Come walk your dog, or look for birds \u2013 there\u2019s a lot of them.\u201d<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Attendees-of-NRF-Field-Trip-152-Milwaukee-Wildlife-enjoying-the-wildlife-at-Havenwoods.-Photo-by-Jamie-Kollman.jpg” alt=”people standing on a trail at Havenwoods State Forest ” title_text=”Attendees Of NRF Field Trip #152 \u201cMilwaukee Wildlife\u201d Enjoying The Wildlife At Havenwoods. Photo By Jamie Kollman” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||21px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Attendees of NRF Field Trip #152 \u201cMilwaukee Wildlife\u201d enjoying Havenwoods. Photo by Jamie Kollman<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Supporting Havenwoods State Forest<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

At Havenwoods, NRF has provided grants to support trail accessibility, pollinator planting, pollinator garden signage, habitat creation, and educational programming. Additionally, NRF holds the Friends of Havenwoods State Forest Endowment Fund<\/a>. Beyond supporting NRF, you can also support Havenwoods by volunteering with the Friends of Havenwoods State Forest<\/a> or by joining another of the DNR\u2019s volunteer workdays , such as their Stewardship Saturdays<\/a>. They make it really easy to help out \u2013 all you have to do is show up with long pants and some energy!<\/p>\n

Thank you so much to NRF\u2019s members and donors for helping connect all people with nature in Wisconsin at Havenwoods, and for helping to protect its lands, waters, and wildlife. And a special thank you to Union Pacific Foundation, Johnson Controls Foundation, and Fund for Lake Michigan for their significant support of Havenwoods.<\/p>\n

Most of all, thank you to everyone who is volunteering to make Havenwoods an unexpectedly easy place to immerse yourself in nature, in the heart of our biggest city.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/membership\/” button_text=”Join or renew your membership” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”5px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#2C3425″ text_font_size=”23px” min_height=”45px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Written by Shelly Torkelson, communications director<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”36,15″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wisconsin’s most unexpected state forest is over 200 acres of forest, grassland, and wetlands… nestled right in the middle of Milwaukee\u2019s north side.<\/p>\n Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":36218,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"0px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" min_height=\"1027px\" custom_margin=\"-1px|auto||auto||\" custom_padding=\"7px||4px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nNRF funds projects that have a significant and positive impact on Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin\u2019s natural wonders. Through our grants for conservation, we supported hundreds of projects in 2024.\u00a0Thank you to our members, conservation partners, and other supporters for making this possible!<\/strong><\/em>\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aeriel-shot-of-waubesa-wetlands-by-Ben-Albert-2.jpg\" alt=\"Aeriel Shot Of Waubesa Wetlands By Ben Albert, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Aeriel Shot Of Waubesa Wetlands By Ben Albert (2)\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_margin=\"||21px|||\" custom_padding=\"||0px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n

Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area is one of the highest quality and most diverse wetlands in Wisconsin. As one of NRF\u2019s priority conservation sites, we supported the restoration and management of this site in 2024. We were also proud to support the production of a documentary short film<\/a> highlighting the wonders of this hidden wetland. Photo by Ben Albert<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n

Connecting People, Protecting Nature: NRF\u2019s 2024 Conservation Highlights<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nIn 2024, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin granted $1,000,676<\/strong> to support 228<\/strong> conservation and environmental education projects to 133 unique organizations<\/strong> across the state. NRF\u2019s three primary impact areas are lands and waters conservation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. We also support projects that build climate resiliency for Wisconsin\u2019s natural resources. Simultaneously, we support projects that help make the field of conservation and access to the outdoors more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n

2024 Grants for Conservation StoryMap<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nOur 2024 Grants for Conservation StoryMap shows all the grants made throughout the year. The different colored pins represent our three impact areas. Lands and waters conservation projects are green, wildlife conservation projects are yellow, and environmental education projects are blue. Zoom in on different counties for a full view of projects supported in the area and click on pins to learn more about individual projects.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n\n