Saturday, September 9, 2023
Located within the city of Milwaukee and tucked along the border of Wauwatosa, the Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center offers a connection between the city and the natural world. This nearly 25-acre space plays a crucial role in creating a community that values our planet's diverse ecosystems.
Operating under the umbrella of Milwaukee Recreation, a department of Milwaukee Public Schools, Hawthorn Glen’s reach extends far beyond its immediate surroundings. By enabling children to establish a bond with nature, the staff aspire to create a future of environmentally conscious people. Janet Hillier, a Milwaukee Recreation naturalist, shared the importance of her role. "We're here to educate and help people feel more knowledgeable and more comfortable with different plants and animals.” In a city such as Milwaukee, where green spaces are often limited, people from all walks of life are invited to Hawthorn Glen to explore, learn about, and become advocates for the environment.
Milwaukee Recreation recognizes the importance of early exposure to nature in shaping individuals' conservation perspectives. With the Little Nature Museum, open on Mondays – Fridays (4-5 p.m.) and Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m. – 12 p.m., 3-4 p.m.), community members, students, and families can encounter various flora and fauna. It provides an engaging platform for visitors to observe snakes, turtles, birds, and other creatures up close, creating a sense of familiarity and curiosity about their behaviors and life cycles.
For many, including those who did experience nature as a young person, Hawthorn Glen offers a transformative experience. Both children and adults wander through the serene woods, and find an environment that encourages exploration and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world. "It just feels like this green oasis to me in the middle of Milwaukee... and you think 'this is different, this is a special place,'" Jessica Tipkemper, Milwaukee Recreation’s outdoor education supervisor, said.
Milwaukee Recreation frequently welcomes school groups from around the area to Hawthorn Glen. Led by our naturalists, students partake in nature hikes and explorations of the Little Nature Museum. Our naturalists tailor experiences to the curriculum for each school group and age, focusing on relevant subjects. Further field trip details can be found in our Outdoor Education Field Trip Guide.
The center's significance extends beyond opportunities available to schools; Milwaukee Recreation also leads a range of activities that unite families and communities. Popular nature activities at Hawthorn Glen include gardening, maple sugaring, Mother/Daughter Hikes, Father/Son Hikes, cross country skiing, campfire cooking, Friday Night Tales for Tots, archery, and more. These classes, workshops, and programs serve as a reminder that human beings have the power to positively impact the environment.
Click here to register for fall outdoor education activities.
This fall, hundreds of community members will flock to Hawthorn Glen for Milwaukee Recreation’s traditional special events. This autumn's Halloween Glen extravaganza promises to be the most spectacular yet, unveiling the thrilling theme "Halloween Glen: The Musical" to celebrate 30 years of the event. Get ready for squirrels stealing the spotlight, duck divas performing duets, and dancers flaunting their two left feet on Friday, Oct. 6 & Saturday, Oct. 7. That's not all - experience Hawthorn Glen’s Winter Wonder Woods in a whole new enchanting light as you embark on a trail adorned with holiday magic. Tens of thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate the Glen's beauty, guiding you through the woods and captivating displays on Dec. 8, 9, 15, & 16. Come and enjoy the selfie station, a hiking Santa, enlightening educational tidbits along the trail, and so much more!
Hawthorn Glen represents the blend of urban landscapes and the natural world. By providing free and low-cost access to its grounds, educational programs, and close encounters with wildlife, the space contributes to the nurturing of environmentally conscious individuals. In the heart of Milwaukee, this hidden gem invites us to reimagine our relationship with nature, demonstrating that even within our bustling city, there is room for tranquility, education, and conservation.