Damaged Trees To Be Removed From Forest Exploration Center Site In Milwaukee County

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that ash trees impacted by the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) will be removed from the Forest Exploration Center site in Milwaukee County this month.

To ensure public safety, the property, trails, parking lot and entrance road will be closed while the logger works on site. The timber harvest is expected to begin on Wednesday, June 14.

Removal of the dead and dying ash provides an opportunity for future visitors to the site to observe forest regeneration.

“The openings in the forest canopy created by the removal of the ash trees will provide the space and sunlight for new tree seedlings to become established and grow,” said Mike Sieger, a DNR forester stationed on the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. “This harvest will promote a healthier forest today and into the future while also protecting site visitors.”

The 60-acre Forest Exploration Center property, located off Swan Boulevard in Wauwatosa, is owned by the State of Wisconsin and managed as a partnership between the DNR and the nonprofit Forest Exploration Center.

“We monitor trees at the site to maintain the health of the forest and to ensure visitor safety,” said Eric Zenz, DNR District Forestry Leader and member of the Forest Exploration Center Board of Directors. “Dying trees in the forest and along the trail can be a public safety hazard in a recreational setting.”

Emerald ash borer was first detected in Wisconsin in 2008 and has since been detected in 67 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

“We’re facing the same challenges on this site as homeowners and landowners throughout the state who have had ash trees impacted by emerald ash borer,” said Zenz. “While homeowners and local municipalities may elect to protect individual trees from attack by emerald ash borer with the use of insecticides, this is not a financially feasible option for forests.”

Visit the Forest Exploration Center website for updates on the site closure while the logger removes the ash trees. 

About The Forest Exploration Center

The partnership between the DNR and Forest Exploration Center began in 2017 to create this 60-acre forest in the heart of Milwaukee as a natural place for community engagement and forest exploration.

The Forest Exploration Center provides critical urban greenspace to the area and is one of the largest wooded tracts remaining in Milwaukee County. It is home to 158 species of birds and 65 species of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. 

The property includes a sustainable, self-guided nature trail experience of natural crushed granite material that meets ADA accessibility guidelines. Explore the 1-mile loop trail by foot, wheelchair or stroller and discover the solitude of the rich tree canopy. 

Leashed dogs are allowed on the property. If visiting, plan to leave no trace and carry out everything you carry in. Also, please be aware, there are no restrooms at the property.