Between March 31 and April 9, 2025, Lakeshore State Park conducted a prescribed burn during a window of favorable weather. Though only 9.5 of the park’s 22 acres were burned—specifically the prairie areas—the entire park was closed for safety.
Prescribed, or controlled, burns are a key land management tool, relying on experienced crews and the cooperation of weather. This burn was no different. Crew members carefully managed flames, used sprayers to protect park features like birdhouses and lighting, and coordinated across multiple areas at once. At one point, a towering plume of smoke was visible across Milwaukee’s lakefront—one observer reported seeing it from St. John’s on the Lake.
Photos and information about the burn provided by Eddee Daniel.
The goal of the burn is to mimic the natural role fire once played in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Fires clear dead vegetation, encourage native plant growth, reduce invasive species, and stimulate root systems that help store carbon and minimize runoff. “These burns enhance prairie habitat for birds and insects while improving native prairie success,” said Park Manager Elaine Zautke. Additional native plantings will follow this summer.
Wildlife typically escapes the slow-moving fire, though DNR staff reported spotting a variety of waterfowl in the lagoon that day—including a loon, buffleheads, mergansers, and scaup. Not everything went exactly as planned: a brief wind shift sent smoke over I-794 and Lincoln Memorial Drive. Fortunately, conditions shifted again, and the burn continued safely. Come summer, the benefits of the burn should be visible in a blooming prairie full of wildflowers, birds, and pollinators.
Thank You Sponsors!
$25,000 – Grant awarded to the DNR from NRF and Fund For Lake Michigan
$2,500 – Grant awarded to FLSP by Maihaugen Foundation
$2,500 – FFLP matching contribution
These burns enhance prairie habitat for birds and insects while improving native prairie success.
Park Manager Elaine Zautke
May 2025 Newsletter
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 Park8am-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 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.
January brought us record breaking cold weather and the Lakeshore State Park lagoon finally froze over.
While folks looking to ice fish were excited to see this change, the park’s waterfowl may not have been as enthusiastic. Migrating birds need open water to stay warm and feed, and so can often be found congregating close to the park’s pedestrian bridge and marina. In the past few weeks, birders have enjoyed viewing the many waterfowl such as the Greater and Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, and Red-breasted Merganser. The warmer recent weather has melted much of the ice which is now dangerously thin. When colder weather does return, be sure to dress appropriately while enjoying our park, a winter bird haven next to the city!
Upcoming Events
Sunday, February 9th: Second Sunday Bird Walk: 8:30AM-10:00AM
Join experienced birders from Milwaukee Birders and Friends of Lakeshore State Park for a bird walk through the park. Birds identified will be tracked using eBird. Scopes will be available for viewing distant birds. Bring your binoculars, all ages and abilities welcome! Please contact https://milwaukeebirders.org for more information on this and other bird walks available in the area.
Sunday Birders at Lakeshore State Park, winter of 2024 (photo by David Wenstrup)
Save the Date
Sunday, March 9th: Second Sunday Bird Walk: 8:30AM-10:00AM
Do you want to help plan or volunteer with events? Please complete a volunteer interest form!
A Message from Outgoing President, David Wenstrup
Dear Readers- a little over three years ago, I accepted the role of board president of our Friends organization. It has been an honor to serve, and I am grateful for the wonderful experiences I’ve had with our volunteers, board and committee members, the DNR, and community partners, all who help make our park a special place. While my term ended in December of last year, I look forward to continued volunteering in various ways with FLSP, including participating at our upcoming events!
Now I am thrilled to introduce you to our next president, Melissa Shaw! I met Melissa while volunteering at environmental education events, hosted by Milwaukee Riverkeeper among other organizations, where I was struck by her enthusiasm.
She joined our board in June of 2023, quickly demonstrating a passion for the park and willingness to use her talent to help advance the work of the Friends, contributing with several of our committees while also serving as Vice President for the past two years.
Melissa 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’s commitment, energy, experience, management expertise and smile ensure that FLSP will thrive under her leadership – welcome Melissa!
All Aboard All Hands Boatworks!
One way to get through the winter months around Milwaukee is to plan outdoor activities for the warmer months which can be enjoyed on our beautiful lakefront, rivers, and inland lakes.This mindset certainly is true at All Hands Boatworks, Inc. (AHB) a nonprofit youth development organization based in Milwaukee. Now in its 12th year, AHB offers a broad range of project-based, hands-on learning for youths from 10 to 21 years old, including introductory boatbuilding, a semester-long shop class, after-school teen mentoring and skills, trade skills explorations, summer camps, and of course, on-the-water boating activities.
AHB has made a positive impact for so many in our community! Over the years, they have mentored more than 6,500 Milwaukee-area youths, guiding them through the construction of over 155 wooden boats used for rowing, paddling, and sailing our local waters.
A variety of boats are built, ranging from prams and rowboats to kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and 24’ rowing gigs. For many youths in our area, these projects are their initial introduction to boating, sometimes their first connection to Milwaukee’s urban rivers and lakefront, a connection made more powerful with boats built using their own hands!
Through their “Boats For All Folks” initiative, AHB aims to expand small boating activities for families and the broader community, engaging more in meaningful and safe on-the-water recreation and encouraging an appreciation of our urban natural resources. Programs include free community rowing days, group rowing and teambuilding, youth day camps, and a youth rowing program.
In recent years, AHB has held several memorable on-water programs for school groups at Lake Shore State Park. Looking ahead, AHB is working to collaborate with FLSP and the Wisconsin DNR to find ways to enhance the experience of Park visitors through their programs, enabling more people to enjoy the beautiful natural resource we have right here on Milwaukee’s doorstep!
For more information, visit www.allhandsboatworks.org. for information about youth programs, community workshops, and volunteer opportunities. AHB’s boat shop and offices are located in the Walker’s Point neighborhood at 621 S. 12th Street, Milwaukee (414-404-8213).
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.
Prairie Patron Memberships Rock Prairie: $100 Fox Prairie: $250 Kid’s Prairie: $500 Big Prairie: $1,000
2024 Year in Review
In 2024, Lakeshore State Park DNR staff and seasonal educators conducted 143 events and programs at no cost to schools, students, and members of the public.
Community volunteers dedicated over 500 hours as well, and together with the DNR, provided opportunity for so many to learn and experience the wonder of nature found here, right next to downtown Milwaukee.
In 2025, the Friends’ plan to support the park includes:
park educators for expanded educational programming
a prescribed burn, with native seedings and plantings in the prairies
replacement deicers to keep the marina clear of ice
improved signage and adding a small tent for events.
Your support means a lot to our local community. We hope you enjoy our brief look back at this past year and share our excitement for 2025. Let’s make Lakeshore State Park a place everyone can enjoy, now and in the future!
With cold sunny temps, low wind and 9″ thick ice, January 20th was a perfect day for us to do a newsletter story about ice-fishing. Several large brown trout were caught that day, and in addition, two rarely seen long-eared owls and a rough-legged hawk were seen at the park – it was quite a winter day of action in the park!
On August 10th, a FLSP team participated in the Milwaukee Dragon Boat FestivaL Hosted by the Milwaukee Chinese Community Center, the event brought together our community to enjoy traditional dance, music, and dragon boats. With 51 teams in the race, many from some of Milwaukee’s leading companies, this event was a true reflection of the strong corporate and community spirit that drives our city, while showcasing our park as a premier venue!
Park prairies thrived thanks to many hours of work by DNR staff and others, including volunteers from the Garden Club of Greater Milwaukee and the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. Habitat was improved through a private donation of native trees and shrubs, and vegetative mats which were donated by the Garden Club and the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin.
September 7th we partnered with Sarah Fierek on the 2nd annual Wildflower on the Water, a Friends Gathering. This free festival celebrated nature, music, dance, and art, with a variety of free, family-fun activities. The Friends and Sarah Fierek are very grateful for the generous support of sponsors, the talented artists and dedicated volunteers who all made this event possible. Net proceeds support park programs and infrastructure.
Park naturalists led many free hikes. An upgraded purple martin house had 100% occupancy this year. A cute “Wooly Bear Crossing” sign was made by season DNR staff. The Friends donated protective eyewear for the eclipse viewing.
Upcoming Events
Our park educators offer a wide variety of programs for both kids and adults and events that focus on nature education and exploration, all designed to be hands-on and family friendly.
We hope you look forward to these upcoming events!
Sunday, January 12: Second Sunday Bird Walk, 8-10AM milwaukeebirders.org. (South Entrance)
Event details available here: FLSP Events Page Contact: Elaine Zautke (Park Manager) elaine.zautke@wisconsin.gov414-274-4281 Please note this change! All events will start at the park south entrance unless otherwise indicated. Public parking on the south side behind Summerfest Grounds can be found by entering “Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse” into a GPS map program. Approximate coordinates to the start location: 43.029163, -87.895880
This Month’s Newsletter Contributors:
Elaine Zautke, DNR Park Manager David Wenstrup, FLSP Board Chair
While the beginning of this October has been mild, fall has officially arrived at Lakeshore State Park. Only a few forbs remain and wind sweeps the park, rustling the drying grasses. Early fall is prime viewing for some of the last flowering plants. Take a stroll through the park and view a variety of Asters (genus: Symphyotrichum) before they fade and go to seed.
Upcoming Events
Our park educators offer a wide variety of programs for both kids and adults and events that focus on nature education and exploration, all designed to be hands-on and family friendly. We hope you look forward to these upcoming events!
October 6: Public Seed Collecting Extravaganza, 3:00-4:30 PM (south entrance)
October 16: Scavenger Hike, 5:00-6:00 PM (south entrance)
October 16: Beach Bonfire and S’mores, 5:00-7:00 PM (pebble beach)
November 15: “Rock your Mocs” Hike, 5:30pm-6:30pm (south entrance)
November 29: #OptOutside Hike, 11:00am-12:00pm (south entrance)
December 6: Christmas in the Ward 5:30-8:30PM (Catalano Square)
Please note this change! All events will start at the park south entrance unless otherwise indicated. Public parking on the south side behind Summerfest Grounds can be found by entering “Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse” into a GPS map program. Approximate coordinates to the start location: 43.029163, -87.895880
Welcome Our New Board Members!
Stephanie Sansoucie is an executive coach with Thrive Dept. and Wisconsin Master Naturalist who enjoys spending time with the bumblebees of Lakeshore State Park. With a passion for both our natural world and our local community, she’s delighted to support efforts to protect and promote our beautiful urban gem. Stephanie brings her expertise in creative leadership and her love for the outdoors to her role on the board of Friends of Lakeshore State Park.
Andrez Aldape is an IT Data Analyst at Johnson Controls. He loves music, the outdoors and his German shepherd, Kumori. Andrez cares about the park because of its biodiversity and prime location, one that he’s visited since childhood. He has found the Friends to be a great group of people that truly care about our community and the park, and looks forward to making positive impact on the park and community.
Mike Marek is a Landscape Ecologist and founder of Marek Landscaping, LLC, a 28 year business based in Milwaukee.Their mission is “Protecting and restoring ecosystems where people and nature connect”. He’s the father of a 13 year old girl and 15 year old boy and lives in Riverwest. He is an avid canoeist, kayaker, surfer, free diver, skier, snowboarder, biker, foodie, and loves combining all of it with camping. His passion for Great Lakes ecology, water health, and fostering a healthy, diverse, and connected community are what led him to accept a board position with the Friends.
Want to know more about joining our board or a committee? Please email inquiries to admin@friendslsp.org
Some Recent Activities in the Park
On September 16th, volunteers from Navico Group helped keep the park beautiful during their company’s Global Cleanup Day. Lakeshore State Park was one of 12 sites around the globe selected by the company for a cleanup. Many thanks to these volunteers including our board member Lee Kanwar of Navico who helped make this happen!
Did you notice how many more purple martins were at the park this season? Their chatter could often be heard by the park marina where they fully occupied their beautiful new home then taking off to fly in circles hunting insects in the air.The purple martins left several weeks ago, but they don’t do a clean-up on the way out, leaving more work for volunteers who lowered the house and cleaned each of the boxes to make ready for the return of purple martins next spring! Cornell Lab has more information about these fascinating birds here:
We’re dedicated to environmental education and local community engagement. By supporting The Friends of Lakeshore State Park, our partners help us continue these vital programs and keep the park beautiful and accessible. Interested in joining us on our mission? Let’s connect! email admin@friendslsp.org
Coming Later in October: Creatures in the Park Lagoon!
For our story this month we interviewed Professor John Berges of UWM about small critters lurking in the park lagoon. We aren’t ready to share this story will you just yet, please look for an email in a couple weeks.
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 continues success of the Park.
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.
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.
