DNR, WHEDA Host Home And Habitat Fest At Havenwoods State Forest

MILWAUKEE, Wis. –  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) invite the public to the first Home and Habitat Fest, an afternoon of free food, live music and family-friendly activities focused on housing and natural resources at Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee at 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1.

“Our vision for the future is to create more opportunities for our community to enjoy Havenwoods, engage with existing resources through the help of some of our partners and feel welcome in natural surroundings,” said DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole, a featured guest speaker at the event.

The vision for a state forest in Milwaukee started with the neighboring community. In hosting events such as this one, the forest remains a community asset and serves to connect residents with resources and opportunities for learning and recreation. With a history of high human impact, the property serves as an example of what can be done to improve habitat for Wisconsin’s wildlife populations both on a larger scale as well as within our own residences.

“Everyone needs a home; that goes for people and animals. A safe home to grow and thrive in is essential to building a future. We’re partnering with the DNR to share information with our community on how to pursue the dream of homeownership in a place where they choose to live, work and play," said Elmer Moore, Jr., WHEDA CEO and Executive Director.

Join us to learn about the steps to becoming a homeowner, resources to navigate rental issues, small steps everyone can take to improve habitat and more.

Havenwoods State Forest is a 237-acre property with forests, prairies, wetlands and riparian habitats, over six miles of trail and a nature center popular with school and community groups. The property is open 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily and the nature center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. It is nestled in the northwest side of Milwaukee, one block west of Sherman Blvd. and one block south of Mill Rd.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Home and Habitat Fest
Where: Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins, Milwaukee
When: 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

Schedule Of Events

12 p.m. – 1 p.m.: Animal Meet & Greet Have you ever held a snake? Pet a turtle? Get up close and personal with ambassador animals from Havenwoods.

12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Informational Booths Participating organizations include: Nearby Nature Milwaukee, Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center – Milwaukee Recreation, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Inner City Sportsmen Club, Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation, Housing Resources, Inc., Acts Housing, Social Development Commission, USDA Forest Service, Milwaukee County Parks, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, and Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership, in addition to DNR and WHEDA.

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Guest Speakers Hear from DNR Secretary Preston Cole, WHEDA CEO/Executive Director Elmer Moore, Jr. and Milwaukee Housing Authority Executive Director Willie Hines to find out what they are doing to support both habitat improvement and housing initiatives in Milwaukee.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Havenwoods History Hike Learn about the history and habitat improvement projects that have been completed and those yet to come.

Food is provided by WHEDA. The DNR is providing a make-your-own s’mores station while supplies last. Arrive early to grab a bite. Enjoy music by Jahmès Tony Finlayson, who performs with several music ensembles, Kirtan bands and Afro-Latin dance ensembles.

Note: In the event of inclement weather, activities will be moved indoors at the nature center. For general questions about the property, call the Havenwoods Nature Center at 414-527-0232.