Wetland Community Gatherings

Join Restoring Lands, the City of Mequon, and Wisconsin Wetlands Association for a celebration of wetlands, open space, and recreational opportunities at Rotary Park and Spirit Lake Preserve in Mequon.  Learn more about the work of Restoring Lands and Wisconsin Wetlands Association, help cut the ribbon on a brand new connector trail between Rotary Park (City of Mequon) and Spirit Lake Preserve (Restoring Lands), and thank the donors who made this new connector trail possible. Light refreshments provided. Then, if you like, choose between two guided hikes: a shorter hike along the new connector trail and a longer hike that will hike the connector trail and also visit wetlands restored in recent years by Restoring Lands. 

This two-part event invites you to connect with nature and community – attend either portion or both!

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Field Trip at Davis Nature Preserve (Mukwonago, WI)

Join us at Waukesha County Land Conservancy’s Davis Nature Preserve in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Together, we’ll explore the inspiring success story of this site, where a once-drained agricultural field has been thoughtfully restored into a thriving wetland ecosystem within the Mukwonago River watershed – Wisconsin’s most biologically diverse river system. This guided hike will be led by three respected conservation professionals: Alison Heine de Romero, Executive Director of the Waukesha County Land Conservancy; Tracy Hames, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association; and Aaron Feggestad, Senior Ecologist at Stantec. As we walk the preserve, they’ll share firsthand insight into the ecological restoration process, from reshaping the land to reestablishing native habitats and the return of wildlife that now call this place home. It’s a powerful example of community-driven conservation and ecological renewal. The hike is less than one mile on a flat, mowed trail and is accessible for most. Registration is required and limited to 25 participants. 

12:30 – 2:30 PM | Social Gathering at The Hive Taproom (East Troy, WI)
Just ten minutes down the road, join us at The Hive Taproom to continue the conversation over craft meads and casual bites. The Hive offers 13 gluten-free session meads on tap, including non-alcoholic options, plus soft pretzels and gluten-friendly flatbread pizzas! You’re also welcome to bring your own lunch. This post-walk meetup is open to the public, so feel free to invite friends to join you there, even if they didn’t attend the walk. We kindly ask that you register in advance so we can plan accordingly.

What is a fen? Why is it poor? And which beautiful Beings live there? Join Cable Natural History Museum Naturalist and fen fanatic Emily Stone and Katie Beilfuss from Wisconsin Wetlands Association to explore a magical fen 11 miles east of Cable. You’ll learn about fen formation, plant ecology and identification, and more! Any adult learners are welcome.

Meet at 1 p.m. at the Cable Natural History Museum to carpool to the fen. Return by 4 p.m. Dress for the weather, sun, and bugs, and wear shoes that can get wet. Entry into the fen is across a small moat on a fallen log, with a pole for balance.

Register by September 5 by calling 715-798-3890 or go to cablemuseum.org. Cost is $15 CNHM member/$25 non-member.

​This gathering is in two parts, and you’re welcome to attend either (or both!):

4:30 – 6:30 PM | Traipsing through the Tussocks: Pheasant Branch Field Tour
What is a sedge meadow, how are they being restored, and why should we care? We’ll answer these questions and more as we navigate the sedge tussocks at Pheasant Branch. Experience this fire-dependent natural community firsthand and learn about its unique ecology. Grab your rubber boots and join us! After the tour, come grab a drink at the Craftsman Table & Tap in Middleton and engage with other WWA members and friends. No bathrooms at field site. Leaders: Tom Bernthal and Pat Trochlell. Hike about 2 miles over wet uneven ground.

6:30 – 8:30 PM | Gathering at Capital Brewery Bier Garten
Capital Brewery: 7734 Terrace Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
Whether or not you attend the Pheasant Branch field tour, you are invited to gather with other WWA members and wetland enthusiasts at Capital Brewery, which serves a variety of tapped beers (including NAs) plus hard seltzer, hard cider, and NA beverages. They don’t serve food, so come with a full belly or bring your own snacks. Hopefully the weather will allow us to be outside in the Bier Garten, but if not, look for us inside the brewery. 

Science at the Sawmill: Wetlands, Wildlife, and Watersheds 

Katie Beilfuss, Outreach Programs Director with the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, will speak about what wetlands are, how they help our land, water, wildlife, and people, and how you can help care for them on your property and in your community. Join us at 6:30 pm at the Sawmill Saloon in Seeley. Arrive early to enjoy dinner and drinks! Pre-registration appreciated; drop-ins welcome.