Greetings Friends!
Spring is in Full Swing at Lakeshore State Park! Spring has arrived, and Lakeshore State Park is bursting with life! We recently completed a successful spring cleanup in partnership with Milwaukee Riverkeeper, and we’re grateful to all the volunteers who pitched in to help. Earlier this spring, we also conducted a controlled burn to rejuvenate the prairie landscape. Now, with fresh growth and warmer days, the park is ready to welcome visitors — and migrating birds.
This time of year, you might spot Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, Buffleheads, and Horned Grebes moving through the area, especially near the pedestrian bridge and marina. Songbirds and warblers are also making their return, bringing sound and color to the shoreline and grasslands.
May is packed with events and opportunities to enjoy the park, from nature walks to educational programs. Whether you’re a regular visitor or it’s your first time, there’s never been a better moment to stop by. Come out, soak up the fresh air, and enjoy everything Lakeshore State Park has to offer this spring!
Welcoming Our Incoming President, Melissa Shaw
Melissa Shaw is a Project Manager for Xylem in their Wastewater Treatment Division, a role which naturally lends itself to working to protect, enhance, and promote our urban, lakeside park. She willingly takes on leadership roles and advocates on behalf of the park everywhere she goes! She and her husband Andrew and their two young children can be seen at many FLSP events. She is passionate about serving our community, spreading the word of the importance of protecting our water resources, and enhancing our beautiful lakefront park. Melissa would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to our previous Board President, David Wenstrup about who she says “it is an honor to follow in his footsteps”. Melissa’s commitment, energy, experience, management expertise, and smile ensure that FLSP will thrive under her leadership.
Welcome, Melissa!
Upcoming Events
May 11th: Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at Lakeshore State Park 8am-11am
Birds migrate thousands of miles each year in search of perfect breeding habitats. Milwaukee is both an endpoint and a stopover for birds. Learn about migration and what makes Lakeshore State Park such an excellent stopover. Start at the south entrance for all activities. Drop in and stay for as long as you want.
- 8:00 and 10:00 Bird walk
- 8:30-10:30 Migration game throughout the park with the Wisconsin DNR
- Creating a good bird habitat with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District
- Clean water for us and birds with Milwaukee Riverkeeper
- Bird identification with Milwaukee Birders
- What birds nest at the Park? Intro to Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, and Bluebirds
Sunday, May 18: Bee Hike 3:30-4:30pm
Bees have emerged from their long winter’s nap and are out and about in the park once more. Join our Educator for a hike and learn about the importance of bees as well as the threats they face. Meet our naturalist at the park’s south entrance. All ages and abilities welcome!
Wednesday, May 21: Bubble Hike 5-6pm
As the days become longer, beach bonfires return to Lakeshore State Park! Come join us at Pebble Beach to make s’mores, enjoy the cozy fire, and get to know our park staff at our first bonfire of 2024. Donations for s’mores are welcome, but not required and benefit the Friends of Lakeshore State Park. Meet at Pebble Beach, along the park’s western path. All ages and abilities welcome!
Wednesday, May 21: Beach Bonfire 6-8:30pm
As the days become longer, beach bonfires return to Lakeshore State Park! Come join us at Pebble Beach to make s’mores, enjoy the cozy fire, and get to know our park staff at our first bonfire of 2024. Donations for s’mores are welcome, but not required and benefit the Friends of Lakeshore State Park. Meet at Pebble Beach, along the park’s western path. All ages and abilities welcome!
Saturday, May 24: Spring Scavenger Hunt 9:30-10:30am
Love a good scavenger hunt? If so, come and pick up a check list of items to search for while you enjoy a walk throughout the park. This event is suitable for all ages and abilities. Starting point will be at the south entrance of the park.
Sunday, May 25: Urban Bird Hike 9:30-10:30am
Lakeshore State Park is home to over 70 native and migratory species of birds, and the spring is an excellent time to spot some of our returning friends! Join us on a morning hike to learn the basics of bird watching and seek out some of these beautiful species. Each bird hike is unique as migration causes our residents to change throughout the year. All ages and abilities are welcome, meet at the park’s south entrance. We recommend bringing your own binoculars, but a small amount are available to those who need them. Please inquire by May 22 to reserve a pair!
Save the Date
June 7: Reptile Hike 9:30am-10:30am (part of Discovery World Turtle Fest)
June 8: Walk Milwaukee Birders 8:00am-10:00am / Free Fishing Weekend 12-3pm
June 18: Sunflowers and Suncatchers (at the beach) 5-6pm / Beach Bonfire 6-8:30pm
June 22: Wildflowers of Lakeshore 3:30-4:30pm
June 29: Urban Bird Hike 9:30am-10:30am
What We’ve Been Up To!
Children’s Prairie Accessibility Upgrade
Visitors to the Children’s Prairie Education Area can now enjoy smoother, more accessible trails, thanks to the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and its partners. With support from the Wisconsin DNR, volunteers from the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, Rotaract Club of Milwaukee, and Friends of Lakeshore State Park we replaced old dirt and wood chip paths with crushed-stone trails. These new surfaces improve access for wheelchairs, strollers, and all visitors.
The project was funded in part by two Rotary District 6270 grants, totaling $6,000. Volunteers worked alongside contractors to complete the renovation. Park Manager Elaine Zautke praised the collaboration, noting that the new trails enhance field trips and hikes, making the area fully accessible and more enjoyable for all. Rotarian and Friends member Susan Frautschi added, “It was a great group effort that made the prairie more inviting for educational programs. Ongoing efforts will include bench painting, prairie planting, and invasive species removal- ensuring continued care for this unique space.
Milwaukee River Keepers
The Milwaukee River Keepers met on Saturday, April 26th for a April Clean out. A lot of fun was had as well as a lot of treasures found!
Wisconsin Kiters!
Wisconsin Kiters were on Lake Shore State Park.
Where Can You Help?
Help Out at Lakeshore State Park – Join the Prairie Pals!
Looking for a hands-on way to support Lakeshore State Park? Join the Lakeshore State Park Prairie Pals, a volunteer group supported by the Garden Club of Greater Milwaukee and the Wisconsin DNR. The Prairie Pals play a key role in beautifying and maintaining the park’s natural spaces. Volunteers help with tasks like removing invasive plants, planting native grasses, phorbs, and perennials, and caring for the seating oasis garden, a recent project made possible through a generous grant.
Starting May 6, the Prairie Pals will meet every other Tuesday from 10 AM to 12 PM. No experience is necessary — just a love of the outdoors and a willingness to dig in! Gardening tools are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Come get your hands dirty, meet new people, and help keep Lakeshore State Park thriving.
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 habitat for our resident foxes and other wildlife, and promoting environmental education programs that inspire visitors of all ages.
As a member, you will contribute directly to vital conservation initiatives and ongoing improvement projects. Your support is essential to the continued success of the Park.