MILWAUKEE — A restoration effort is in its planning stages at Havenwoods State Forest.
The goal of the project is to revitalize wetlands and prairies, and better control invasive species.
What You Need To Know
- The goal of the Havenwoods State Forest habitat improvements is to revitalize wetlands and prairies, and better control invasive species
- It covers nearly 240 acres on Milwaukee’s far north side. Due to its location, it has experienced environmental harm from urban pollution and development over the years. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is working to reverse that damage
- Milwaukee’s “State Parks Work Unit” is developing a plan to target invasive species with pesticides
- Habitat improvements are still in the beginning stages at Havenwoods, but the public could noticing it in spring 2026
Havenwoods is the only urban forest in Wisconsin. It covers nearly 240 acres on Milwaukee’s far north side. Due to its location, it has experienced environmental harm from urban pollution and development over the years. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is working to reverse that damage.
Angela Vickio, natural resources property supervisor for the DNR, said Havenwoods is full of parsnips, an invasive plant that can cause skin burns.
“Each of those plants produce thousands and thousands of seeds that can emerge the following season as more parsnip plants,” said Vickio.
Since parsnips lack natural predators, Milwaukee’s State Parks Work Unit is developing a plan to target them with pesticides.
Vickio said the next step will be working to expand the wetlands for native species like Butler’s garter snakes and amphibians to flourish.
“Through city development, their habitat has been lost or degraded,” said Vickio. “Making sure that those species don’t get to a level where they are threatened or endangered and ultimately go extinct. It’s really important to have this space for them to continue to thrive in.”
Restoration efforts at Havenwoods are not just to help plants and animals thrive. Vickio said preserving the urban forest benefits people who live in the city.
“It’s really good in terms of stress relief to spend some time out in nature, to get some exercise, to get away from the congestion that we typically have around our houses in Milwaukee,” said Vickio. “Standing out here, you wouldn’t realize that you are in the middle of the northwest side of Milwaukee.”
Habitat improvements are still in the beginning stages at Havenwoods. Vickio said people should start noticing more native plants and wildlife by spring 2026.