Celebrate the Earth at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Every year with the coming of Spring, communities and organizations around Milwaukee prepare for a celebration of the Earth. As surely as warblers and blackbirds return from warm winter climates, families can rejoice in activities that promote environmental stewardship. That celebration has now become an annual and much-loved tradition across the globe: Earth Day. Created in 1970 by the late Wisconsin Senator and Governor Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005), the idea had its genesis in the political turmoil surrounding the Vietnam War.

Senator Nelson was a dedicated, effective and outspoken advocate for the environment. He was instrumental in the preservation of the Appalachian Trail and helped secure passage of the legendary Wilderness Act. Much like the seminal work Silent Spring, penned by Rachel Carson in 1962, his vision was far ahead of its time. The first Earth Day not only made people aware of our effects the planet, both positive and negative, but it also paved the way to unity in a divisive and polarizing era. For all it’s cliché, that tradition of harmony still holds true today.

The is hosting its Earth Day on Sunday, April 22 from noon until 4 p.m. The event is open to the public for just $5 per vehicle. There is no need to pre-register. Those who attend can enjoy a wide variety of fun activities for the entire family. Favorites include canoeing on Mystery Lake, frog and pond critter catching, plus beach-combing along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. These and other events are led by experienced naturalists and dedicated Audubon volunteers.

Inside the building, recently acclaimed as one of the most “green” or environmentally friendly buildings in the entire nation for its use of energy saving technologies, there will be a menagerie of live animals to enjoy. We’ll also showcase a live raptor program. This is a one-of-a-kind event found nowhere else in the state. If you haven’t handled a live snake before, now is your chance. Did we mention you can get up-close and personal with a pair of rats too? Resident animal handlers will be on hand to answer all of your critter questions.

It’s also a great time to renew family Center memberships, sign-up kids for the popular summer camp and check out the wonderful Nature Store to locate that perfect gift for the budding naturalist. 

Be sure to dress for the weather and if you hike the trails, consider bringing an extra pair of shoes, as things can get a little messy this time of year. So make a point to visit the lovely Dorothy K. Vallier Environmental Learning Center at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center and celebrate Earth Day with family and friends.