NEWS RELEASE: Home And Habitat Fest Returns To Havenwoods State Forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 22, 2023
Contact:?Angela Vickio, Property Manager, Havenwoods State Forest
[email protected] or 414-527-0232

Home And Habitat Fest Returns
To Havenwoods State Forest

MADISON, Wis.?? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) invite the public to the second annual Home and Habitat Fest, an event of free food, live music and family-friendly activities focused on housing and natural resources at?Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee?from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Join us to learn about the steps to becoming a homeowner, resources to navigate rental issues and small steps everyone can take to improve habitat in their community.

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 from 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 Road.

?Our vision for Havenwoods is to provide opportunities and resources for our community to recreate, learn and feel welcome in the outdoors while improving native plant and animal habitat,? said Wisconsin State Park System Director Steve Schmelzer.

The vision for a state forest in Milwaukee originated with the surrounding communities. With its proximity to Wsiconsin?s largest city and history of high human impact on the area, Havenwoods State Forest is an outstanding example of how restoring healthy habitats benefits both Wisconsin wildlife and the surrounding community. Today, the forest remains a community asset and serves to connect residents with resources and opportunities for learning and recreation.

?People and animals live better when they are in a safe and stable home. Not only that, but many studies have shown that people greatly benefit in a variety of ways from consistent exposure to nature. We are happy to join the DNR again this year to share information with our community on how to access the dream of homeownership or affordable housing while also connecting with their natural surroundings,? said Elmer Moore, Jr., WHEDA CEO and Executive Director.

EVENT DETAILS

What:?Home and Habitat Fest
Where:?Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins Street, Milwaukee
When:?11 a.m. ? 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30

Schedule Of Events

8:30 ? 11 a.m.???Havenwoods Homes Tour: Learn about the home buying process, what the Havenwoods neighborhood has to offer and how to start building a legacy for your children through homeownership. Before joining Home and Habitat Fest, take a neighborhood bus tour with the Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership.?Pre-registration for this activity is required. ?To register, RSVP by Sept. 25 to [email protected] or call 414-431-2271.

11 a.m. ? 1:30 p.m.?? Informational Booths:?Participating organizations include WRTP Big Step, Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation, Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Nearby Nature Milwaukee, Housing Resources, Inc., Social Development Commission and Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership, in addition to DNR and WHEDA.

Animal Meet & Greet:?Have you ever held a snake or pet a turtle? Get up close and personal with ambassador animals from Havenwoods.
Scavenger Hunt: Did you know there used to be 39 buildings located in the 237-acre State Forest? Learn about history and habitat improvement projects that have been completed and those yet to come.
Drum Circle: Learn some rhythms and enjoy emotional healing while creating music with Drums Up Guns Down 414.

Noon ??Guest Speakers:?Hear from DNR Deputy Secretary Steven Little, WHEDA CEO/Executive Director Elmer Moore, Jr. and Milwaukee Housing Authority Executive Director Willie Hines, Jr. to find out what they are doing to support housing initiatives and healthy habitats in Milwaukee.

1 ? 1:30 p.m.?? Dance Circus Closing Performance: This production includes Dance of the 4 Monarch Generations, the ?No Fault? Pasa Doble, Lonesome Milkweed (poem by KJ), Caterpillar Metamorphosis and Monarch?s Return to Mexico that chart the journeys large and small in the life cycle of Monarchs & Milkweed with music by Mark Mantel. The performance will occur in the urban arboretum, just across from the overflow parking lot.

Food is provided by WHEDA and the DNR is providing a s?mores station while supplies last. Arrive early to grab a bite. Enjoy live entertainment throughout the event.

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

Additional details are available on the event webpage.