Things to See at Havenwoods State Forest

Havenwoods is home to a variety of wild animals and plants, including two threatened species: Butler's gartersnake and wild quinine.

Habitats

Havenwoods is in the Southern Lake Michigan Coastal ecological landscape. Havenwoods has a variety of grasslands, prairies, woods, and wetlands.

Wildlife in the City

Havenwoods is a great place to catch a glimpse of wildlife — from whitetail deer to leopard frogs to monarch butterflies. Check out these species lists for more information on resident wildlife:

• Mammals [exit DNR, PDF 65KB]
• Birds [exit DNR, PDF 352KB ]
• Reptiles and amphibians [exit DNR, PDF 49KB]
• Butterflies [exit DNR, PDF 226KB]

Gardens

The gardens at Havenwoods feature Kids’ Gardens, the Naturalist’s Backyard, and five Heritage Gardens. Havenwoods has partnered with the Milwaukee County University of Wisconsin – Extension (UWEX), the UWEX SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardener Volunteers (Master Gardener Volunteers), and the UWEX Master Composters in the development and care of these areas.

The Rain Garden features native wildflowers and sedges. It catches rain that falls on the roof of the education center and stores it in three shallow gardens.  

The rain garden is colorful as well as practical.
DNR Photo

The Urban Arboretum, planted in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., features trees that can withstand the rigors of life in the city.

A large rock identifies the urban arboretum
DNR Photo

More Information

For more information about nature in the city at Havenwoods, visit the Friends of Havenwoods [exit DNR] Web site.

For more information, call (414) 527-0232 (TDD (414) 527-0761) during business hours or e-mail:

The superintendent
The ranger
A naturalist

Or see the Friends of Havenwoods Web site [exit DNR]