Wehr Nature Center

Wehr Nature Center is a nature preserve located in Hales Corners, Wisconsin: it is part of Whitnall Park. It was named for philanthropist Todd Wehr whose foundation donated US$200,000 to help build the center.

History

The center opened in 1974 and was made possible by a US$200,000 grant from the Todd Wehr Foundation along with federal and state grants. The nature center was built on the site of a livestock trading center.
In 2018 organizations raised funds to update the nature center to accommodate people with disabilities. Bathrooms, a boardwalk and a viewing deck were included in the updates to make the center more wheelchair accessible.

Description

The nature center is 220 acres of protected land inside of Whitnall Park. The Milwaukee [County Park System] states that visitors may not ride bicycles, or fish, or use any watercraft within the nature center. They also do not allow pets. There is a 2.8 mile trail for hikers which goes through the center. The trail passes Mallard Lake and passes a boardwalk and observation deck. The trail is made of wood chips and it passes the scenic elements of the park.