We were backyard birding. That's what started this whole TheParkNextDoor thing. We put up feeders in our tiny urban backyard, and, lo and behold, the birds came.  Lots of House Sparrows, of course, but then Goldfinches, House Finches, Downy Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Robins, Starlings, Cardinals.  We loved looking out the bedroom window onto the backyard and watching the birds come and go. And not just in summer, but in every season.  The bright red of a Cardinal in snow white winter is a stunning sight. 

Then we started visiting local parks to see more birds. Turned out, there are lots of birds in Wisconsin.  And the first spring migration we witnessed in earnest was amazing. We visited Greenfield Park in West Allis a lot.  I can still recall the robust influx of Cedar Waxwings that summer.  They were everywhere at Greenfield Park.  I was in awe of their beauty.

Then more parks: Brown Deer,  Grant, Estabrook, Jacobus, McCarty; and Wisconsin State Parks - Harrington Beach, Aztalan, Havenwoods, and more. Then preserves: Stigler Nature Preserve, Wehr Nature Center, Lion's Den, Lakeshore, Lulu Lake, and on and on.  So many green spaces, so many birds!

​We discovered warblers (these tiny little songbirds that migrate to Wisconsin in spring), woodpeckers, shorebirds, gulls, herons, cranes, bigger songbirds, thrushes. It was thrilling to see these birds live and in such close proximity. We started our life lists. We added to it.

In the 5 years since this adventure began,  we've visited well over 100 green spaces in search of wild birds. The variety we've seen has been stunning.  Unfortunately, over the past couple years the number of migrating birds seems to be declining. Though there is certainly a natural ebb and flow, and weather patterns can affect migration paths, I've noticed a decline in the number of birds we see.  It's disheartening, and concerning.

So, my husband and I talked about what we can do in our every day life that might make a difference. We moved last fall from our little house with our tiny backyard, to a home with a little bigger backyard. Still in the city, still just minutes from the freeway.  But, a fresh start, as backyards and gardens go.  And we decided that we would create a garden space not just for us, but for wildlife.  

So the journey to a Certified Wildife Habitat began this spring.  We already have the same kinds of birds visiting our yard that visited our old backyard. But we were hoping to see more.  The new garden already  has a good start. It came with two big pine trees, great shelter for our feathered friends, and for squirrels, too.  There is a garden with wildflowers already in progress. We weren't sure what would sprout this spring, but it is wild and green. Some weeds, yes, but we've been pulling some of those and filling in with native plants. We've added some bushes that will produce berries in the fall and winter. Some Juniper that will provide berries in the winter months. A crabapple tree that will  flower in spring, provide perches and shelter for the birds, and fruit for the birds to eat as well.

We started composting old leaves, and composting greens and vegetables. We put up feeders, and two bird baths.  We planted climbing honeysuckle for hummingbirds, and lavender, milkweed, and bee balm, too. It's a good start.  The bushes are small, but they will grow. The tree, too.  But we've already received rewards aplenty with added wildlife visitors.

This spring migration we had our first Indigo Buntings, Baltimore Orioles, Kinglets, Nashville Warblers, Catbirds, Red-breasted Grosbeaks, Swainson's Thrush, and Red-breasted Nuthatches.  All of these sightings in our own backyard!

And the cast of everyday wildlife is impressive, too.  Robins, Goldfinches, Blue jays, Starlings, Grackles, Clay Colored Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, House Sparrows, Chickadees, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Chipmunks, Squirrels, Monarch Butterflies, Opossums, Rabbits. An impressive array of nature right beyond our back door.  It's a wildlife party beginning at sunrise.

We're still hiking. We're still in search of nature, and wildlife sightings. There's so much here in Wisconsin to explore.  But this little bit of green in the city is impressive in its possibility.  And it sure is a blessing to come home to after a long day.

We've learned a lot so far.  And, we'll be sharing what we learn along the way.  So tune in from time to time as we discover humane gardening for wildlife.  For all of us, actually.

Kimberly

Where do the days go? Seems we were just dragging our souls through the winter, anxious for spring, and now summer has actually arrived.  
Summer, with it's blue skies, thunderstorms, nestling birds, baby ducks, wildflower blooms, leafed-out trees.  Summer, with the buzzing of bees, humid afternoons, cricket song, fireflies.  Summer, lush and green, hot and hotter, picnics, hiking, boating, fishing.  Summer in Wisconsin, all of these things and more.  And I want more. More summer. More green. More Wisconsin nature.  Greedy. Yup. That's me.  But, I'm willing to share.

Over the past few months, from early spring, to, well, just last Sunday, we have been out in nature, seeking out new adventures. New preserves (to us), new hikes, new local parks, historic trails. And we've found quite a few.  In seven different counties, a dozen different gifts of nature to share.  All of these listings can be found under the header NEW LISTINGS 2018 at theparknextdoor.com.   Following are a few of my favorites:

GORDON TABOR MEMORIAL WOODS - Caledonia (Racine County)

 Gordon Tabor Memorial Woods is one of 18 preserves and trails in this Racine County community.  My sister lives near the preserve, and I was surprised that I had never noticed it before.  Although it is hidden off of a residential area, it is easy to find.
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You'll find well-marked walking and equestrian trails, wildflowers, plenty of birds, a creek running through it, and benches to relax on and just enjoy the view. 

ICE AGE VISITOR CENTER NATURE TRAIL and VISTA TRAIL - Campbellsport (Fond du Lac County)

The Nature Trail clocks in at just under a mile, but it's a wonderful little hike of hills, woodlands, wild birds, and blooming flowers and trees.  Here you'll find Shagbark Hickory, wild Umbrella plants, and wild roses.

MUSH-KO-SE-DAY PARK - Fort Atkinson (Jefferson County)

Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park is a lush 52 acres and includes tall and short grass prairie, woodlands, a large pond, and an ephemeral pond as well. Wanie's Pond has a short boardwalk and viewing deck for bird watching. The pond is a haven for migrating waterfowl and songbirds.  Easy, well plotted hiking trails traverse the prairie and the woods.  We hiked, maybe a mile, but daylight was fading. So, there's plenty more to explore next time. 

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So, there you have it.  A quick preview of more Wisconsin beauty to enjoy. There's so much to be found here, in our state.  We plan to make the most of the summer days, and adventure locally.  We hope these new listings will help you to do the same.

HAPPY SUMMER!

​Kimberly

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Last week my heart broke.  My pet cockatiel, Google, passed away quite suddenly.  Though I thought I had picked up on his ailment early, it wasn't early enough. Birds are fragile creatures.  Google, all of 9 years old, declined swiftly, though several valiant trips to the vet were made, and last Thursday night he passed away.  My darling is gone, and my heart is in tatters.

He passed away late that night, and neither my husband or I slept much.  The shock, the grief, the guilt, too much to bear.  He was ingrained in our lives so thoroughly.  We have a flock of parakeets as well, but Google thought he was human. He spent all his waking time with us when we were at home.  In fact, whenever I worked late, or when I worked  Saturdays, I usually sent a text to my husband to let him know I was on my way home.  His response would be "Google and I will be waiting."  

Having had pet birds for over 12 years now, we have known our share of losses.  I grieve these greatly.  But during the past nine years, when we suffered a terrible loss, I would tell myself, at least we still have Google.  I thought we would grow old together. Cockatiels can live to be 25 years old, sometimes more.  Even our oldest parakeet lived to be 12.  Most live to be 5-9 years old in our experience.  And though they get great care, loss comes with the territory.  Loss, as we all know, is the great price that comes with Love.

In the past several days I have struggled to come to terms with this loss. It has just been a week after all.  And those of you who have loved and lost pets know the sadness of which I speak.  He's not calling to us before we even open the door when we arrive home, he's not yelling to us to get out of bed and come let him out in the morning.  He's not preening my hair while I edit nature photos, or chewing on my latest copy of whatever magazine.  I don't think there is a book in the house that he hasn't nibbled on.  We often would hang out together at the back window in our bedroom watching the wild birds outside, the rabbits, the squirrels.  Google often liked to sit in the warmth of ​the sun on the windowsill. Something he was at least able to do in the last few days he was with us.  He often ate dinner with us as well.  He'd finish his dinner first, then make his way over to sit on my husbands knee while we ate.  He napped with us, sang with us, whistled with us, showered, even.  This loss is going to be hard to overcome. 

In the past several days I have begun the process of cleaning out his things. Since we have a flock of parakeets, it is imperative that we make sure to minimize any chance of any of them getting the infection that Google had. So, no closing the door and weeping in bed. Things need tending to.  The desire to go hiking and expound on the beauties of nature low on my list.  

But at my husband's insistence, I have gone out to a couple local parks briefly. And, though it's been sad, it has been helpful, at least a bit.  ​Saturday morning I dropped dear Google off at the vet to be cremated.  I could barely stand the idea of going back home, to where he would not be.  I took a brief walk in the park, tears in my eyes, grief in my heart.  The sound of the wild birds in the trees a thimbleful of comfort.

For me, the love of pet birds, and wild birds, coincides deeply in my life.  We had pet birds first, then became fascinated by the birds visiting our backyard feeders. Even here, in the midst of the city, the variety is wonderful.  Everyday birds like sparrows and finches, chickadees, cardinals, crows, mourning doves, blue jays, downy woodpeckers, nuthatches, starlings,  and the occasional visit by a hawk.  Precious creatures all.  

This loss will not pass easily. The pain in my heart, and the knot in my stomach tell me so quite clearly.  But I will let our flock of parakeets, and the coming bird migration, help me to heal.  And we will let nature work her magic.  Though she has her work cut out for her. Google, my fine-feathered little search engine, I miss you with all my heart. 

Winter has, indeed, arrived!  The golden tones of autumn have faded, and the bright whites and subdued grays of winter have taken over.  Soon the holidays will be over, and, for me at least, the winter blues will settle in.  I'm vowing not to let them win this year.

There is so much beauty here in Wisconsin. It's a shame to let cold and snow keep us from it.  In fact, the cold and snow offer a different view of the state altogether.  While the temptation to huddle deep under blankets on frigid days is hard to resist, I'm going to layer up the warmth, grab my camera, and get outside for some fresh air and frozen beauty.  I have a list of places I want to hike over the next few frigid months, places I haven't been in winter; but I thought I would share a few places I've already been.  So bundle up and get outside.  If only for the reward of a cozy evening and a mug of something hot upon your return. 

Just over 20 minutes from Milwaukee, Badertscher Preserve is a great hike for a winter day. The preserve is 104 acres of former farmland, featuring foot trails for hiking the wetlands, woodlands, oak savanna, hills and prairies.  There are plenty of steep hills for climbing, and a scenic, peaceful pond with benches for sitting.  For more information,
​click here. 

Wehr in winter is a sight to behold!  Popular in all seasons, winter brings a different kind of magic to the trails.  Found right here in Whitnall Park, Wehr Nature Preserve has so much to offer.  Including a nature center building with lots of educational information, and a place to warm up after hiking the trails in cold weather.  They also offer all kinds of events in every season, including popular Owl Prowls on winter evenings.  Do yourself a favor and get a yearly family membership.  It's definitely worth it! For more information, click here. 

Cudahy Woods is a favorite spot. Located just south of the airport on College Avenue, it's nearby, and yet, a complete escape!  Hit the trail and once inside, you'll disappear into the woods -- 42 acres of hardwood trees, native plants, songbirds, a stream, and winding trails.  The winter months bring a pristine beauty to the hills and trails here. For more information, click here. 

Beulah Bog is one of my absolute favorite spots, in every season. Winter brings a special beauty to the hills, trails, and the boardwalk of the bog.  Wildlife sightings are common.
Though the rare plants and wildflowers aren't blooming in winter, the trail offers lots of Tamarack trees, and a view of one of the bog lakes at the end of the boardwalk. For more information, click here. 

I can never resist putting Greenfield Park on a best of list.  Located in West Allis, Greenfield Park is a stellar visit no matter the season.  There are woodland trails, one large lagoon, two small ponds, and even a waterfall.  The main paths around the lagoon are usually nicely plowed for easy walking, as are the trails linking the parking lots on both the southwest and southeast sides of the park.  Listen carefully and you may hear the call of resident owls.  Deer are frequently seen here, too.  For more information, click here. 

So, there you have it.  A handful of nature spots that offer plenty of wilderness rewards this winter.  And don't forget to check out your local area parks and travel websites for lots of winter event ideas.  Happy Winter!

It's hard to believe it's been 3.5 years  since The Park Next Door went live.  I was gathering photos long before that time, but the leap to the world wide web was an exciting event for me. Over the past few years we have traveled countless miles, on the road, and on foot.  Averaging 2-3 hikes per week, often more.  I'm always on the lookout for bits of nature I haven't seen before.  Semi-secret spaces hidden within local surroundings.  And I am still, after all this time, amazed at the beauty that surrounds us here in Wisconsin. I love returning to these spaces in  each different season, to see how they change and evolve. Quiet and cold.  Bloom and fade.  Sunny and gray.

This week we crossed the 100 location/listing mark.  In fact, we're now past 100!  Over 100 places to commune with nature. Parks and preserves, botanical gardens, sculpture gardens, neighborhood parks, beautiful cemeteries, and animal sanctuaries. Adventure goes local, Wisconsin!  I'd like to give a shout out of thanks to our readers, and to those of you who share with us your favorite nature spaces.  Many of these have become favorite hikes.

There are many new places to explore on our ever-growing list.  But today I'd like to share with you some of our absolute favorites so far.  Go ahead, put them on your list.

Washington Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed and supervised the creation of New York City's Central Park.  Maybe it's the fact that I learned that prior to visiting the park, or maybe it just has that Central Park vibe. Last fall it definitely had that Central Park in Autumn feel.  There's a kind of urban romance to it.  I've been to Central Park once, but it wasn't in the fall.  So, for now, Washington Park will have to do.  And that's fine by me. 

Stigler Preserve is located smack dab in the middle of a New Berlin industrial park. But it's a great, and nearby, escape from city hustle and bustle.  In winter the trails are easy to follow, and a surprising number of American Robins over-winter here.  If you're looking for an easy winter walk in nature, Stigler is a great fit. 

Scuppernong Springs is one of my favorite hikes in the Southern Kettle Moraine. There are plenty of hills  with expansive views of the landscape, lots of birds, and in the spring, when everything is waking up, it's just brilliant.  Sunset views along the trail here are magnificent. 

While Wadewitz Nature Camp is beautiful all-year long, summer brings a vibrancy that's hard to beat.  There are well plotted trails that traverse through woodlands and prairie, and the birding is terrific.  In fact, that's the initial reason we first made the trek.  I took one of my all-time favorite bird photos here - a gorgeous Cedar Waxwing.  Since that day we've been back several times, in every season.  It has yet to disappoint. 

Three years ago I noticed several posts on Facebook about a Sunflower Festival taking place near Middleton, WI.  I was intrigued. But by the time I remembered to look it up, I was too late. The festival had passed, and the sunflowers were beyond their peak. The following year I made a point to add the event to my calendar so I wouldn't miss it.  It was definitely worth saving the date!  

Pope Farm Conservancy is 105 acres that sit on top of three recessional moraines in the Town of Middleton, Wisconsin, where three different watersheds come together.  In addition to six prairie restoration projects, a Native American garden, eight miles of walking trails, and numerous picnic areas, late summer brings Sunflower Days, with 9 acres of blooming sunflowers (roughly 500,000) beneath bright summer skies. 

This year peak bloom is anticipated for mid-August. Sunflower Days will be held from August 12-20.  The event is free, but plan ahead - read up on the event, rules, parking details and more at the Pope Conservancy website.   You're also encouraged to visit their Facebook page for updates as the event gets closer.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view, wear your hiking shoes and tackle the trails, or just come for the sensational sight of 500,000 sunflowers in bloom.  But bring your camera. You're gonna wanna get a picture of this.
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Sometimes you just want to see a waterfall.  And, maybe not have to drive 3 hours from Milwaukee to see one.  Believe it or not, there are waterfalls in the Milwaukee area, and some within an hour of the city as well.  They might not be the biggest waterfalls; sometimes, quite honestly, little more than a trickle. But if you're really hankerin' for a waterfall view, check out these local sites.

No visit to Wehr Nature Center seems complete without visiting its waterfall. Located within Whitnall Park, it's nearby, has over five miles of trails linking the Center with Woodland, Wetland, Prairie, Oak Savanna and Lake.  There are birds, turtles, ducks, fish, deer, and more to be seen along the trails. Trails are well maintained, and everyone at the Center itself is very helpful.  A hot day spent by the cool waterfall is a day well spent. For more information, visit http://www.friendsofwehr.org/

Located along the parkway going through Whitnall Park, adjacent to Boerner Botanical Gardens, are two small waterfalls.  One stems from a small pond (frequented by ducks and geese), the other is across the street from the same spot.  Not as dramatic as the falls at Wehr Nature Center, but scenic and peaceful just the same.  This area is a birding hotspot, so keep your eyes and ears alert.  Lots of birds visit this area during spring and fall migration, and several nest here as well.  For a map of the park, click here. 

I just discovered Sauk Creek Preserve last summer.  Just outside of Port Washington, less than an hour from Milwaukee - once on the entrance path, you hear the rushing waterfall. There's a bridge over the creek with a great view of the waterfall, and trails before and after the bridge that lead to the waterfall and the creek.  Woodland and prairie trails draw you in, and wildlife is abundant. The day I was there I saw several Indigo Buntings, a hummingbird, and several other songbirds.  Dragonflies, deer, and wildlflowers abound as well.  For more information, click here. 

Even those familiar with Greenfield Park, in West Allis, are often surprised to find out that there is a waterfall there. I'd been hiking the trails there for years before I discovered it. The waterfall isn't big, but it is scenic. And hidden from the road through the park. So you'll need to look for it.  It's on the north side of the street, across from the east part of the lagoon.  The waterfall flows into the small lagoon on the north side of the street.  In the past year or so the parks department has cleared away some of the trees and debris surrounding the waterfall, so it's easier to get to.  The water flow is often heavier after a good rain.  There are some nice hiking trails just to the west of the waterfall, too. For a map of Greenfield Park, click here.

It took me a lifetime to realize what I'd been longing for.  As a child, a young adult, and a grown woman, I longed for something.  I can remember stepping outside at night, on some warm, breezy, summer evening, and feeling a longing, a sadness even, stirring inside me.  In my teenage years I thought I was yearning for love. Teenage angst and all.  But now, decades later, I realize that what I have been yearning for all along has been a connection to nature.  Near as my backyard, a neighborhood park, the local nature preserve, the view from a Lake Michigan pier,  the sound of a Robin singing at dawn, and again at dusk.

Waxing nostalgic, I recall childhood days spent at my grandparents cabin near Amery,  Wisconsin.  We would fish from the dock or go out in the fishing boat with my dad.  We'd  swim in the lake, or go for a walk down the dirt road and wander in the woods.  We slept   on the enclosed front porch of the cabin and would wake to a view of the lake.  To the sounds of American Robins singing in the trees. That glorious early morning wake up song.  To this day the song of a Robin is an all-time favorite.  No matter where I am, in the city or in the woods, the Robin sings and I listen. ​

Not every park or preserve is blessed with miles of hiking trails or sandy beaches.  But every bit of green space is beautiful and bountiful in its own way.  There are times when I want a varied adventure in my day trips. Or maybe I don't have a full day to spend. These are the days I double up on smaller preserves and parks. I look for two parks within a defined location, and get outside and explore.  Here are a few of my favorite combos.

Trinity Creek and Grasslyn are two of my most recent discoveries.  Just minutes from each other in Mequon, they are not large in stature, but they both have plenty to offer. I would start with Trinity Creek, as there's a bit more area to cover, and finish with a stroll through Grasslyn, and a bit of relaxation and contemplation on one of the benches along the trail.  These are two "Treasures of OZ", and it's easy to see why.

Lulu Lake and Crooked Creek are within minutes of each other in the East Troy area. Both preserves are managed by The Nature Conservancy.  Of the two, Lulu Lake is the easiest hike. So, I would start there, then move on to Crooked Creek.  Both are great spots for bird watching. Crooked Creek can be muddy after a rain, but the trails are nicely marked, and the hills are a good workout.  Both offer respite from a busy world. 

Mauthe Lake is perfect for a weekend getaway.  Just over an hour from Milwaukee, you can immerse yourself in nature - hiking trails, beach, picnics, and camping.  If you're spending time at Mauthe Lake, carve out an hour for a trip over to Spruce Lake Bog.  It's a nice easy boardwalk trail bathed in green.  Wildflowers, ferns, the sound of birds.  About 15 minutes from Mauthe Lake, it's an easy side trip. And worth the effort. 

Bordering Friess Lake, Glacier Hills County Park encompass 140 acres of glacial formations, forest, wetlands, hiking trails, and a beach for swimming.  A perfect place for a summer picnic, and a day of hiking, bird watching, and swimming.  When you're done here, take a short drive to Bobrowitz Sculpture Garden for something a little different. Works of art displayed in a nature setting. This outdoor art gallery (all art created by Paul Bobrowitz) is brimming with creativity and whimsy (and all pieces are for sale).  A visit to the sculpture garden is free, but donations are accepted. 

I don't know about you, but when it comes to spending time out in nature in Wisconsin, I have a hard time deciding where to go.  There are so many beautiful spaces in our corner of the state, it is so hard to choose just one.  That's part of the reason I began The Park Next Door three years ago.  And one of the things that drives my husband crazy.  "Where are you taking me this weekend?" He often asks.  And I tell him one or two places I'm considering, only to change my mind another two or three times before we head out the door.  I've actually changed my mind while already in the car. Turn right or left? North or south? Oh, for pete's sake!  

So, in an effort to make it easier for you to decide, following is a list of five places to consider for an outdoor Southeastern Wisconsin adventure this weekend. 

Location: Stringers Bridge Road, East Troy, WI
I'd start out with a hike along the Beulah Bog trail and boardwalk, then finish with a picnic on the scenic Beulah Bluff.  Both are great spots for bird watching, and the views from the bluff overlooking Beulah Lake are stunning, and peaceful.  The locations are about five minutes apart, by car.

Location: 1664 Friess Lake Road, Hubertus, WI
From rugged, hilly hiking trails, to picnics, to beach, Glacier Hills has it all. Just 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee, you'll find wooded trails, birdsong, and sport courts and playgrounds to keep the kids busy all day.