Home And Habitat Fest Returns To Havenwoods State Forest

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) invite the public to the third annual Home and Habitat Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event features live music and family-friendly activities focused on housing and natural resources at Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

“Our vision for the future is to create more opportunities for our community to enjoy Havenwoods, engage with existing resources through the help of some of our partners and feel welcome in natural surroundings,” said Steve Schmelzer, director of the Wisconsin State Park System.

The vision for a state forest in Milwaukee started with the neighboring community. In hosting events such as Home and Habitat Fest, the forest remains a community asset and connects residents with resources and opportunities for learning and recreation. With a history of high human impact, Havenwoods State Forest is an example of how restoring healthy habitats benefits Wisconsin wildlife and the surrounding community.

“Everyone needs a home; that goes for people and animals. A safe home to grow and thrive in is essential to building a future. We’re partnering with the DNR to share information with our community on how to pursue the dream of homeownership in a place where they choose to live, work and play,” said Elmer Moore, Jr., WHEDA CEO and executive director.

Join us to learn about the process of becoming a homeowner, navigating rental issues and small steps everyone can take to improve habitat.

Havenwoods State Forest is a 237-acre property with forests, prairies and wetlands, over six miles of trails and a nature center popular with school and community groups. The property is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the nature center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is nestled in the northwest side of Milwaukee, one block west of Sherman Blvd. and one block south of Mill Rd.Event Details

What: Home And Habitat Fest
Where: Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024

Schedule Of Events

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Information booths: DNR, WHEDA and local partners serving housing and tenants, as well as outdoor recreation and green infrastructure.

Scavenger hunt: Did you know there used to be 39 buildings on what is now a 237-acre state forest? Learn about the history and habitat improvement projects that have been completed and those yet to come.

Noon to 1 p.m.

Drum circle: Learn some rhythms and enjoy some emotional healing while creating music with Drums Up Guns Down 414.

1 to 1:30 p.m.

Presentation on Havenwoods history

1:30 to 2 p.m.

Animal meet and greet

Snacks are provided by WHEDA, Friends of Havenwoods will provide juice and the DNR will provide a s’mores station while supplies last. Arrive early to grab a bite. Enjoy live entertainment throughout the event.

In inclement weather, activities will be moved indoors at the nature center. Call the Havenwoods Nature Center at 414-527-0232 for general questions about the property.