Conservation of Natural Areas
Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas manages over 10,000 acres of forests, prairies, and grasslands — protecting vital landscapes that support our region’s environmental health. With the help of volunteers and community scientists, the team monitors wildlife populations, develops habitat restoration plans, and protects the wild spaces that enhance the ecological health of Milwaukee County.
Protecting Our Natural Resources
Protection of Nature: Milwaukee County Ordinance 47.08 addresses destruction of property, protection of nature, removal or deposits of material, and penalties for violations.
We respectfully acknowledge that the lands and waters encompassed by the Milwaukee County Park System are on the ancestral homeland of Indigenous People. We honor the ancestral owners and strive to be respectful stewards. Learn more in our Land Acknowledgement Statement.
Monitoring Wildlife
Monitoring wildlife populations is a reliable way to determine the ecological health of our natural areas and the success of our restoration efforts. Data collected by staff and community scientists is crucial in helping to make sure that common species remain common, and that rare, threatened, and endangered species are protected and properly managed. Current wildlife monitoring programs include:
- Bumble Bee Monitoring
- Bird Window Strike Monitoring
- Nest Box Monitoring and Maintenance
- Wetland Monitoring
- Bat Monitoring
- Turtle Basking Surveys
- Wildlife Camera Trapping
Protecting the Birds
As a designated Important Bird Area, Milwaukee County Parks takes additional measures to protect the diverse habitat of our feathered friends, including oak woodlands, riparian forest, recreated prairie, 85 miles of river and stream corridors, a diversity of wetlands, and 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The Moratorium Policy on Vegetation Management During the Bird Nesting Season directs the work of not only the Parks, but also the entities doing work through right-of-entry permits.
Reducing Invasive Species
Managing invasive species that threaten our native plants and wildlife is an ongoing effort. Invasive species displace native species, reduce biodiversity, degrade wildlife habitat, and factor into the decline of threatened and endangered species.
The Natural Areas Team controls dozens of species of invasive plants throughout the county. Species include Japanese knotweed, lesser celandine, Asian bittersweet, Japanese barberry, invasive bush honeysuckle, privet, common burdock, and wild parsnip. In addition, the team helps organize Weed-Outs with friends groups and volunteers to remove invasive species such as common buckthorn, garlic mustard, and dame's rocket.
Other Activities of the Natural Areas Team
- Ecological Restoration and Management Planning
- Vegetative Inventories and Mapping
- Native Seed Collection and Propagation
- Nuisance Wildlife Management and Protection of Listed Species
- Oak Woodland Restoration
- Reforestation and Pollinator Garden Plantings
- Community Engagement, Partnership Development, and Early Professional Mentoring
Natural Areas Strategic Plan
2024 - 2033
- Part 1: Executive Summary, Overview
- Part 2: Management and Goals
- Part 3: Guiding Principals
- Part 4: Measuring Success
- Part 5: Appendices
Bee & Wasp Quick Guides
Natural Areas Annual Review
Research and community-based monitoring programs include:
- Invasive Species Management
- Native Plant Research & Restoration
- Partner & Contractor Restoration
- Wildlife Monitoring Programs
- Social Media & Outreach