The event list below sometimes loads slowly from an EventBrite link - please provide extra time for it to load. Sign up on this page, "Never Miss an Update" to be notified when more tours are scheduled.
Milwaukee County Grounds Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 14th, 2024
Join other volunteers for a few hours of bird counting in
the larger County Grounds – Northeast Quadrant
​
Registration Requested: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GV8XNVV
This is a great opportunity to live your conviction of making a local difference, contributing to environmental science and volunteering in your community.
Any experience level, including novice, is welcome!
The County Grounds is a major Migratory Bird Route or Flyway for southeastern Wisconsin, following the Menomonee River with supportive forests and open fields. Loss of habitat and development continue to impact wildlife in the County Grounds. Identifying and counting bird populations is important to document the diverse treasures that we have.
Dress for the weather. Consider: bird book, binoculars, hand warmers
Co- Sponsored by:
•Friends of County Grounds Park www.countygroundsfriends.org
•Forest Exploration Center webpage www.forestexplorationcenter.org
•Friends of the Monarch Trail www.themonarchtrail.org
​
Audubon Society: www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count
App for novice birders: https://birdnet.cornell.edu
Tours:
​Tour sign ups are typically posted the month before the tour is offered. Sign-up links with full descriptions will appear above on this page.​
​​​​​
Volunteer Opportunities:
Whether individuals or groups, we have pre-planned and custom-tailored activities for you! Ideal for scout groups, school groups, social groups, church groups, and corporate team-building.
Opportunities include but are not limited to environmental enhancement, wildlife study/education, invasive species mitigation, spring trash cleanup, health & wellness activities, outdoor classrooms, native plant seeding, habitat preservation, expert-led tours, community outreach, historical infrastructure restoration, cemetery stewardship, fundraising, and communications.
With over 100 unique acres including old-growth forest; rolling prairies; ponds, creeks and wetlands; 2 cemeteries; century-old landscaping inspired by Fredrick Law Olmsted; diverse wildlife habitat supporting several at-risk species - we can find an opportunity that matches your passion.
Also actively seeking corporate sponsorships including sponsor-brand support.
County Grounds Park / Sanctuary Woods
Volunteer Invasives Removal
-
Everyone is encouraged to bring their own work gloves
-
No tools being used - appropriate for all ages
-
No experience needed, training and supervision will be provided
-
Perfect for scouting groups, work groups, and other associations looking for
-
Reservation requested for coordination purposes
-
Dress for the weather, we will hold event unless there is lightning
-
There are no onsite restrooms
-
Got questions? Send email to friendsofcountygroundspark@gmail.com
Photo Credit Eddee Daniel https://www.flickr.com/photos/eddeedaniel/albums/72157623843201347
​
-
A summary of some 2019 and 2020 events can be found here:
Buckthorn is an invasive species that has taken over much of Sanctuary Woods and interrupted the regeneration cycle of the old-growth forest.
​
Future service opportunities will be communicated via the use the update list above and posted in the Eventbrite section.
​
​
Friends Group Monthly Meetings:
Friends of County Grounds Park holds regular monthly meetings. Send email for time and location
​
All are welcome to join, standing committees/topics include park improvement, communications, signage, wildlife, outdoor classroom, youth engagement, and health/wellness
​
Recent Newsletters:
March 2021 Newsletter Link
September 2021 Newsletter Link
September 2022 Newsletter Link
November 2022 - Christmas Bird Count
December 2023 - Christmas Bird Count