whitnall school forest - greenfield, WI
I recently passed by Whitnall High School enroute to Patterson's Apple Orchard and Market. While driving by I noticed the sign for the Whitnall School Forest. I was intrigued. I made a mental note to go back on a weekend (not during school hours) to check it out. I'm so glad I did. What a beautiful school and community project. The forest is about 17-acres, and is across the street from Whitnall High School. There are well plotted trails, both dirt and gravel based; with lots of trees and native plants.
The school forest designation came about back in 2014, via the work of Whitnall High School science teacher Laura Cerletty, in partnership with Wisconsin DNR forester Michael Sieger (a Whitnall graduate). Together they created a forest stewardship plan for the property. Since that time, students, faculty, and volunteers have been developing the trails, planting the trees and native plants, and learning about nature and its importance in our everyday lives.
While I was there several area residents hiked through, with and without their 4-legged companions. The trails are well marked and cleverly named (Songbird Trail, Falcons Nest, Cattail Creek, Chipmunk Crossing). There's even a Little Free Library on site.
On further research, I learned that there are hundreds of School Forests throughout the state. I hope to add at least a few more local ones to my hiking list. If you'd like further information on where to find, or how to develop, a school forest in Wisconsin, you can find it at Wisconsin School Forest Program.
Location: 5000 S 116th Street, Greenfield, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information, click here.
The school forest designation came about back in 2014, via the work of Whitnall High School science teacher Laura Cerletty, in partnership with Wisconsin DNR forester Michael Sieger (a Whitnall graduate). Together they created a forest stewardship plan for the property. Since that time, students, faculty, and volunteers have been developing the trails, planting the trees and native plants, and learning about nature and its importance in our everyday lives.
While I was there several area residents hiked through, with and without their 4-legged companions. The trails are well marked and cleverly named (Songbird Trail, Falcons Nest, Cattail Creek, Chipmunk Crossing). There's even a Little Free Library on site.
On further research, I learned that there are hundreds of School Forests throughout the state. I hope to add at least a few more local ones to my hiking list. If you'd like further information on where to find, or how to develop, a school forest in Wisconsin, you can find it at Wisconsin School Forest Program.
Location: 5000 S 116th Street, Greenfield, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information, click here.