September 2024 Newsletter

Warm Welcome, Friends of Lakeshore State Park! 

As the summer months come to an end, we wanted to share some exciting news and invite you to join us for a special event that celebrates our beautiful Milwaukee community. We’re thrilled to bring back the 2nd Annual Wildflowers on the Water Festival on September 7th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. 

This year’s festival is a unique collaboration led by Sarah Fierek, a passionate singer-songwriter and the founder of Sincerely in Song. “The mission of Sincerely in Song is really to uplift and support nonprofit causes with our music and the likeness of our brand,” Sarah explains. Her dedication to creating meaningful music partnerships aligns perfectly with the goals of Friends of Lakeshore State Park.  

This park is one of the only free urban state parks in Wisconsin, and we want everyone to know that it is their park to enjoy and preserve. It’s a hidden gem in the city, offering a unique natural retreat in downtown Milwaukee.

Sarah Fierek

The Wildflowers on the Water festival is not just a celebration of nature; it’s a movement to activate and support public green spaces in Milwaukee. “Our goal is to bring awareness to the park, foster community engagement, and help provide funding for projects that will enhance this beautiful urban oasis,” says Fierek. By connecting music, art, and nature, the festival aims to inspire a deeper connection to the environment and encourage continued support for Lakeshore State Park. 

The event will feature a wide array of artists and partner organizations. “We’ve intentionally brought together a wide range of artists to highlight our great creators in the city,” she says. From community drumming, live cello, and a variety of musicians passionate about supporting our parks. Attendees can also participate in artistic activities like painting wildflower-themed canvases, making this event a true celebration of creativity and community. Full line up, details and a list of our sponsors for the 2nd Annual Wildflowers on the Water can be found here. We are grateful for all of our donors who support our mission.   

For those who can’t attend the event, there are still many ways to support the mission of Friends of Lakeshore State Park. “Donating to the cause, volunteering your time, or simply bringing a friend to the park are all meaningful ways to get involved,” Sarah emphasizes. She adds, “This park is one of the only free urban state parks in Wisconsin, and we want everyone to know that it is their park to enjoy and preserve. It’s a hidden gem in the city, offering a unique natural retreat in downtown Milwaukee.” 

To listen to Sarah Fierek’s song “Wildflowers” or purchase Wildflowers merchandise supporting the mission of Friends of Lakeshore State Park, visit her website

Upcoming Events 

Our park educators offer a wide variety of programs for both kids and adults, focusing on nature education and exploration. All events are designed to be hands-on and family friendly. 

All events meet at the park’s north entrance near Discovery World unless otherwise indicated. 
Contact: Elaine Zautke (Park Manager) 414.274.4281 | elaine.zautke@wisconsin.gov. 

(All events and details can be found on our website and Facebook page 

September 7 

  • Wildflowers on the Water Festival 
  • Take and Make: Native Plants for Tea – 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM 
  • Late Summer Prairie Walk – 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM 

September 14 

  • Wild Lemonade – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

September 15 

  • Public Fishing Clinic – 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

September 18 

  • Spider Search – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 
  • Canoemobile Open Paddle and Beach Bonfire – 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM 

September 22 

  • Bookmark Making – 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM 
  • Autumnal Equinox Hike – 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

Membership Matters 

Membership with the Friends of Lakeshore State Park helps ensure the continued growth and protection of the Park in many ways, including maintaining trails, enhancing habitats for our resident foxes and other wildlife, and promoting environmental education programs that inspire visitors of all ages. 

As a member, you contribute directly to vital conservation initiatives and ongoing improvement projects. Your support is essential to the continued success of the Park.