Hot summer days speed by in a flurry of activity as we try to make the most of the short season here in Wisconsin. Family vacations, festivals, weddings, county fairs, sporting events, farmers markets and more keep the calendar full.

​When the chaos of your world gets to be too much, head for a cathedral of trees nearby.

Something about a tree lined trail beckons. No matter the season. But in summer, the green leaves rustle in the breeze, providing delicious shade and cooler temperatures. A relief from the heat of an open, sunny sky.

​No matter where you live in Wisconsin, there's a cathedral of trees waiting to give you respite. To offer you a quiet walk, a chance to clear your mind, cool the skin, stir your soul.

Whether it's a simple ten-minute stroll in a neighborhood park, or a longer hike in a nature preserve or state park, the comfort of trees, the protection of the canopy above, the sound of birdsong ringing out from the branches, offers a break from what ails you.

​Go solo, or with family or friends. Either way, you're bound to find some moments of tranquility to sustain you.

Seeking out nature in the city is one of my favorite things.  Years ago I believed that to experience the wild and wonderful natural world, I would have to visit the wilderness of state parks, trails, nature preserves, and remote rural areas.

But as I began to explore our city parks, and urban green spaces, I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide variety of trees, gardens, birds and other wildlife, close to home.

I've heard from more than a few visitors to Wisconsin that they are impressed with the amount of trees and green spaces we have throughout the state.

Our parks, whether they be state, county, or local and neighborhood parks, should be a source of pride for Wisconsin residents. 

I am often amazed by the amount of wildlife living among us here in the city.  Of course, birds and squirrels are front and center. If you're not a bird nerd (which I am), you might not notice the wide variety of birds that reside here in the city. Or who pass through during migration season on their way up north to nesting grounds. 

Many of these birds might even stop off in your backyard, or at your neighborhood park, looking for food (bugs, seeds, flower nectar, caterpillars), and water (streams, creeks, birdbaths, puddles). 

But beyond the smaller birds  like chickadees, 
hummingbirds, and sparrows, for example, there are robins, common grackles, starlings, crows, blue jays, cardinals, and even larger birds like cooper's and redwing hawks, to name a few. 

There are other wild creatures among us, too. Just last week I was driving along the Root River Parkway and spotted a very large snapping turtle  heading into the road, and oncoming traffic. 

I had not seen a turtle on this portion of the parkway, and hadn't seen one locally that was anywhere near as big. From the tip of his tail to the top of his head was maybe two feet long. I didn't actually measure. But there was no way I was going to be able to pick him up to help him across the road.

I pulled over and stood in front of him, hoping to get him to turn back towards the wetland area, but he knew where he wanted to go. Fortunately, traffic wasn't too busy, but I did direct a few cars around him. Another passerby pulled over, and together we stood on either side of him and walked along as he worked his way across to the other side of the road, up over the curb, and into the tall grasses that led to the creek.

To be so close to this amazing creature was an unexpected experience. And so exciting!

Last summer I witnessed a turtle laying eggs in the grassy area next to the pond at Greenfield Park. The turtle digs a hole and lays the eggs in it.  A group of park visitors watched in awe as it went to work. Someone contacted the parks office so they could place a barrier around the area to keep people from stepping on the nest of eggs.

Many of our county parks and nature centers have ponds, and where there are ponds, there are also turtles.  It's common to spot a turtle or three sunbathing on a log in the pond on a nice summer day.

In recent years I've noticed wild turkeys have become more commonplace in our parks and green spaces. I've seen them along the parkway in West Allis, crossing the road in New Berlin  and Brookfield, and they are often spotted in Wauwatosa.

Color me surprised when, last spring, a pair of them stopped by our West Allis backyard for the day. I was shocked when I looked out the window onto our city backyard and saw two turkeys pecking at the grass and lounging beneath our big colorado spruce trees.  I got excited, thinking they might be looking for nesting space, but, alas, they did not stay.  When I looked out a few hours later they had moved on. I'm sure they found someplace more suitable.

The placement of native plants, shrubs, and trees, along with a simple birdbath, has brought many visitors to our little habitat.

Lately, I've been going out most days for short walks, quick stops at local nature spots, neighborhood parks, a few minutes along the Root River Parkway. In search of  signs of new life.

​Tree buds opening, green shoots coming up from the dirt, birds and other critters displaying nesting season energy. It's been helpful to push myself outdoors. Even for just a bit. To alter my perspective. 

Yesterday was Earth Day. It started out gray, with a bit of rain. But the afternoon cleared up, and I took a walk at The Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa. There I did find signs of renewal.

​Lots of buds on tree branches beginning to leaf out. Wildflowers like native bloodroot blooming as I walked the trails. Green shoots of trillium popping up, jack-in-the-pulpit, too.  The woodlands should be alive with lots of blossoms soon.

Migrating birds have begun returning to the north. Yesterday I spotted a handsome yellow-bellied sapsucker, and a pair of dueling northern flickers vying for nesting area.

​Red-bellied woodpeckers, blue-jays, robins, and white-breasted nuthatches called from the tree canopy above me. Chipmunks chirped and scurried over fallen trees and mosses. Things are finally happening. Huzzah!

We are tethered to this beautiful earth. There are days when that awesome fact slips away from me. But there are  days when I am reminded, too. 

​During a walk around the pond at a local park, a hike through the forest, watching robins at the birdbath in my backyard, or spying last year's bird nest in a tree in the parking lot of the supermarket. The evidence is there, big and small. I just need to keep my eyes open.

Eagle Adventures Bus Tour - Horicon
​
Saturday, February 15: 1pm - 4pm
A guided bus tour from Horicon Marsh Education Center will visit known eagle sites.

​Tickets are $15 per person.  Limit 30 persons. Tickets must be purchased in advance to reserve a spot.

CANDLELIGHT HIKES 
​IN WISCONSIN STATE PARKS

Candlelight hikes are offered in Wisconsin State Parks throughout the state. They will be held on Saturdays: February 1, 8, and 15.  Parks included: Peninsula State Park, Black River State Forest, Blue Mound State Park, Zillmer Trail in Kettle Moraine State Forest, Pike Lake State Park, Interstate State Park, Blue River State Forest, Newport State Park, Lake Wissota State Park, Governor Thompson State Park, Rib Mountain State Park, Sandhill Wildlife Area, and the Mackenzie Center. 

CANDLELIGHT HIKES IN ROCK COUNTY PARKS

Hikes will be held on Saturday evenings during the month of February.

The schedule is as follows:
February 1st: Androne Woods
February 8th: Rockpot Park
February 15th: Magnolia Bluff County Park
February 22nd: Rock River Heritage County Park

All events are from 6pm to 8pm, and include candlelight trails, bonfires, hot chocolate, s'mores, and much more!  The events are free, however, donations are welcome, with any proceeds going toward the improvements in the parks.

A WALK IN THE PARK 2025
​FIRST FRIDAY WALKS IN MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS 

The Milwaukee Parks Foundation is hosting a monthly hike on the first Friday of the month, throughout the coming year.

Everyone is welcome to these free events. The purpose is to connect with nature, and get to know and appreciate the parks throughout Milwaukee County.

The next walk coming up:
Friday, February 7, 12pm - 1pm
Red Arrow Park
920 N. Water Street
Milwaukee

NATURE CENTERS & PRESERVES

These legacies of nature offer lots of opportunity to get outside, with many offering a wealth of programs indoors during winter as well. 

Check out the web feature LEGACIES OF NATURE for a gallery of nature centers and preserves worth your time and attention.

​Visit their websites for event listings and more.

JANUARY FREEZE - 2024

​A big snowfall and subzero temps added up to some pretty spectacular beauty in our parks and preserves. 

I bundled up and headed out to two local parks to enjoy and photograph the frosted scene.

Here are a few favorite photos to illustrate some of that winter magic.

FEBRUARY LOVE

February is a great month to get out for some fresh air and hike a trail. The daylight lasts just a little longer, the holidays are long past, and it's prime time for new perspective.

I combined a little art mold to make snow hearts, and photographed them on shrubs along the trail.

Keep an eye out for hearts naturally occurring in nature, too.

MARCH OF THE CROWS

I picked up a copy of the book The Comfort Of Crows - A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl, and, from the start, was in love.

This heartfelt diary of a year of noticing the wild world just outside her windows inspired me to appreciate even more the beauty of the natural world through mine. So much so, that I'm journaling my own way through the year with her latest release: Leaf, Cloud, Crow - A Weekly Backyard Journal If you're looking for a good read to get through the winter, to point you toward spring, pick up The Comfort Of Crows. 

APRIL SUN

A solar eclipse was big news in April. I journeyed to Yerkes Observatory, in Williams Bay, to witness this monumental event with about 300 others gathered on the buildings south lawn.

​They also hosted an open house that day, with displays pertaining to the eclipse, and a tour with a view of the historic, Great Refractor telescope. They host other events and tours throughout the year. Check them out.

A-MAY-ZING!

A first for many Wisconsinites - the northern lights made an appearance in our night sky, and were viewed all the way down to Southeastern Wisconsin. I actually got photos of them with my phone, from my West Allis backyard. What a thrill!  And the possibility of more of these events will continue for the next year or so.

JUNE-BUG JUBILEE

​In June the cicadas came to town! The 17-year Brood XIII arrived in the Lake Geneva area and caused quite a stir. Even a festival sprung up around the event. We didn't get to the festival, but we did drive down to Lake Geneva, and to Big Foot Beach State Park, one Saturday afternoon to witness this miracle of nature.

We heard them first! The wild buzz in the air as we got towards town was everywhere. We watched them climbing over tree branches and tall grasses, calling to each other, part of the mating process.

Once they mate the female lays her eggs  and then the adults die off. In another 17 years the new generation will rise and the cycle will repeat. I'm so glad we didn't miss it.

OBSERVING IN JULY

I was working on adding astronomy observatories to the website listings, so I took a drive to an observatory in Racine County to take a few photos of the campus.

​When I arrived at Modine-Benstead Observatory, I was surprised to see that it was open. Several of the club astronomers were on-site, and they were kind enough to treat me to a personal tour. What a pleasant turn of events.

​They hold open to the public astronomy related events throughout the year. Check out the web profile, and their website for details, and make plans to attend one of their family-friendly events.

AUGUST IN THE FOREST

I attended two great public events at Forest Exploration Center in summer. The first, a guided nature hike, with the theme of Coexisting With Wildlife. And the other, an 80th birthday celebration of Smokey Bear.

Both were fun, educational, and the attendees truly enjoyed them. I certainly did, too. Forest Exploration Center hosts a wide variety of nature-themed events throughout the year, a majority of them free.

Whether you enjoy hiking, wildflowers, bird watching, mushroom identification, the beauty of trees, or wildlife viewing, keep the FEC on your radar throughout the year.

Their 1-mile hiking loop is all-accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. 

Dogs are permitted on the trail, on-leash only.

SEPTEMBER HARVEST

I worked from spring, through summer, and into early fall, on growing our backyard garden. Always a learning process, there were some successes, some misses, and some things that just didn't get done. But the beauty of the blooms was worth the effort. The birds, the bees, the butterflies, and other pollinators would agree, too, I think. I even managed to harvest some seeds to share, and to sow this coming spring.

If gardening intimidates you, try it anyway. Begin  small. A patio pot with pollinator friendly flowers is a good start. If I can do it, so can you. :)

R-OCTOBER RULES

October has always been one of my favorite months. Colorful, cozy, spooky, crisp and cool. I had a busy October this past year. Several highlights come to mind, including a weekend trip to Marinette County, in search of fall color.  There was plenty!  

My first ever visit to Old World Wisconsin's Halloween Legends & Lore event. There was just the right amount of fun and spooky. Good eats, great storytelling, and walking the trails in the dark. 

I hosted my first-ever Forest Photo Walk Scavenger Hunt in partnership with the FEC (Forest Exploration Center). We had a great group of nature and photography enthusiasts show up, and had a great time exploring the forest, and coming up with unique ways to photograph it.  I'm looking forward to hosting another of these soon.

And, to top things off, another northern lights event showed up in early October. This time we drove out to Paradise Springs in the Kettle Moraine Forest, and it was spectacular!

WALKING THROUGH NOVEMBER

I made it out for some fall color walks in local parks and preserves throughout November. It's always fun to feed the photography nerd in me. And such a great way to document some fall color in Southeastern Wisconsin.

These photos were taken at Greenfield Park, and Forest Exploration Center.

​SHARING DECEMBER

I was sick with a nasty cold most of December, but I was able to enjoy crafting some holiday ornaments, and packaging harvested flower seeds to share.

​It was a fun project, and I'm glad I was able to get it done despite being under the weather. 

Next year I hope to have even more harvested seeds to share with my friends in gardening.

I'm in nature with my camera at least a few times a week. Sometimes even more. But the first time I went on a thematic photo walk was with my 4-year-old nephew, Karson, a couple summers back.

We were spending a sunny afternoon together and looking for something creative to do. So we sat down and came up with a photo idea list, then headed out for a walk with our cameras, through our neighborhood and backyard. We had a great time seeking out photos based on the list of prompts we created.

​So, I was thrilled to have  6-year-old Karson and his mom join the group for an afternoon of nature photography at Forest Exploration Center. 

​A few days after the event, I decided to interview him and get his thoughts on the photo walk.

Q: Was this your first visit to Forest Exploration Center?
A:  Yes.

Q: Did you enjoy the photo walk?
A:  Yes. I actually loved it!

Q:  Would you do it again?
A:   Yes!

Q:  Do you prefer to take photos with your camera or a phone?
​A:  With my camera.

On an unseasonably warm, sunny, autumn afternoon, a group of 15 nature enthusiasts met up at the Forest Exploration Center (FEC) in Wauwatosa. Our goal was to get out our cameras and join together in a fall themed forest photo walk scavenger hunt. 

This was my first time hosting a group photo walk and I was a little nervous. As it turns out, I didn't need to be.  The group was a mix of young and old, all with a keen interest in enjoying the outdoors.  Most had been to the FEC before and were familiar with it. So, after a brief introduction, we headed out on the all-accessible trail loop.

If you're not familiar with an organized photo walk, it's pretty straight forward. Based on the location, and subjects at hand, a list of photo prompts is created to inspire participants in looking for photo opportunities. You can take the prompts quite literally, or interpret them in your own way, taking a photo from your own perspective.

Some folks went down the list, checking off each one as they went. Others referred to it loosely. There are no hard-set rules (unless you want it that way). 

I thoroughly enjoyed watching as this group of strangers started sharing photo ideas. Pointing out when they spotted something from the list. Taking turns composing their own shots. No competition. Just sharing the photo opportunities, and learning more about the forest. What's that leaf? What's that tree? Do you see that spider web? Someone spotted artful acorns nestled in the bark of a tree along the path. Art and nature intersecting at nearly every turn.

One person collected a selection of leaves to make a collage. Another pointed out some mushrooms growing from an old tree stump. We walked the Story Walk trail, and enjoyed the Smokey Bear story displayed along the way. Someone took a seat on one of the tree stumps that resembled a rustic chair. Another pointed out the way the light was coming in through the trees. We collected different colored leaves and took photos of them held in our hands.  

I can only go so long without immersing myself in nature, exploring a new park in earnest. Not just a quick trip to something tried and true (those do keep me sane), but a whirlwind of locations. So, when my husband recently asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday I told him I wanted to run away.

We haven't been able to get out on nature hikes like we used to. We used to go out together at least a couple weekends a month, and I would go on my own other days. But the past year has been full of other responsibilities, so...I requested a solo weekend trip the weekend of my birthday. And since my birthday is in autumn, I wanted to go somewhere I haven't been, and where the colors were changing. 

I did a quick bit of research and decided on Marinette County. According to the Fall Color Report there would be a fair amount of color on my birthday weekend. So, Friday I loaded up my gear and headed north. I managed to check out Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha on the way up. The reserve has a beautiful, all-accessible boardwalk, and the leaves were turning bright reds and golds. I even saw a few deer along the way.

Today I embarked on a driving tour of Marinette County that featured waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and plenty of turning leaves. It was a long day of driving and wandering, but it was worth it.

All of it was beautiful. The weather, the changing colors, the waterfalls. So far, I've taken close to 800 photos, and I have a few spots to visit tomorrow on my way back home. My husband predicted I would take about 800 photos. Guess he knows my shutterbug habits.

So, I will be celebrating my birthday by snapping pictures of parks, autumn leaves, and whatever catches my eye.

​I'm grateful for this opportunity to get out and explore without a curfew of sorts. I wouldn't call it relaxing, but it is peaceful, colorful, and a pretty sweet birthday gift. I wonder if there will be birthday cake waiting when I get back home? 

I started out strong this spring. Revamping and adding gardens to our backyard in an effort to remove old invasive plants, and add bird and pollinator friendly annuals and native species. We've had some success, and some failures, as these things go.

​My expertise in gardening is extremely limited, but I try. We've had lots of blooming going on, so I'm going to call it a success.

​​That said, there was a lot more I would like to have accomplished, and would have loved more time to actually just relax and enjoy the growing habitat. ​

Typically, come late February, I'm getting anxious to start the garden process. Scrolling through online seed catalogs, and reading articles on raised bed gardens and more.  But by September, my enthusiasm starts to wane. I'm not sure I'd have the energy and gusto to garden in a warmer zone with a longer growing season. 

​Besides, I really enjoy the autumn, and I want to get out and enjoy the changing colors, and the sounds of fallen leaves crunching beneath my feet. And the smell, aah, the smell. I love the fragrance of lilacs blooming in spring, but the scent of autumn, to me, is an earthy, ubiquitous, slightly chilled delight to the senses.

I can't speak for everyone, of course, but I think those of us who live in Wisconsin, and in the Midwest in general, have an affinity for changing seasons. We may have our favorites, but we are acclimated to the seasonal changes, and something internal just leans into it. Expects it.

It can be fun to visit a warmer climate in January, but it won't feel like home. I still grouse and grumble at the sub-zero temps and snow shoveling of winter, but I would miss it if it didn't at least show itself. 

​But for now, I'm looking forward to the falling leaves, autumn hues, rainy spells, and all the cozy treats that come with it. Wisconsin is a beautiful state 24/7, but fall lends it a golden, picture-perfect hue worth savoring.

​Lucky for us. 🍂