The UWM at Waukesha Field Station is home to a beautiful restored prairie/oak savannah, a variety of forestland, an ephemeral pond, Henrietta Lake and Scuppernong Creek. Visitors will enjoy walking the 3.5 miles of mowed hiking trails, as well as boardwalks over wetland areas. The unique wood-fired kiln and the Wildlife in Need Center make it a truly amazing educational destination.
The field station was recently highlighted on Outdoor Wisconsin. View the segment here.
Location and Hours
The field station is located in the Kettle Moraine area of southeastern Wisconsin, 10 miles west of the UWM at Waukesha campus. It’s open year round, and visitors are welcome to come and explore during daylight hours.
Education and Research
The UWM at Waukesha Field Station connects people of all ages to the land by providing a wide variety of educational and environmental experiences. It also encourages discovery through research for visitors at all levels of expertise:
- K-12 students participate in discovery science activities during field trips.
- UWM students from all three campuses experience education and research firsthand through coursework, internship opportunities, honors projects and independent study.
- Adults can take advantage of learning opportunities available through Continuing Education.
- UWM faculty and staff use the station for course components and research projects.
- Researchers from other institutions use the station as a research venue.
2021 Photo Contest
The Field Station is sponsoring a photo contest open to all photographers, amateurs and professional alike. Entries are being accepted now through July 31st, 2021. Winning photographs will be selected anonymously by judges for use in the 2022 UWMWFS calendar. A total of 12 images taken on field station property may be submitted by each photographer—up to 3 photos each for each category—Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Please see this document for complete contest details and instructions on how to submit photos.
Group Reservations and Rental Information
Field station rental information is listed below. A deposit of 50% is due at least 48 hours prior to the event. Refunds are issued up to 72 hours before the event; however, no refunds are made if less than 72 hours’ notice is given.
| Non-profit | Profit | K-12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Station Grounds only (Full day) | $75 | $150 | |
| Field Station Grounds only (Half day) | $40 | $80 | |
| Field Station Grounds and Classroom (Full day) | $175 | $350 | |
| Field Station Grounds and Classroom (Half day) | $100 | $200 | |
| Field Station Classroom Only (Full day) | $125 | $250 | $75 |
| Field Station Classroom Only (Half day) | $75 | $150 | $50 |
| Rentals for 5 days or more receive a 10% discount | |||
Field Trips: If you are a K-12 teacher or youth group leader and you would like to arrange a field trip, contact Field Station Director Teresa Schueller.
Reservations: Contact Kelli Thorton, 262-521-5003
Volunteer Stewardship Days
Friends of the Field Station and the general public are invited to join us for volunteer stewardship days throughout the year, which help us to protect the natural habitats found at the station. Volunteer activities include invasive and weedy species control, planting prairie plants, and collecting prairie plant seeds. No special training is necessary–we will help you learn the necessary skills.
Work days typically run from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by a potluck campfire meal. Everyone is invited to join us for these events and stay for the meal. No reservations are needed – volunteers are welcome to simply show up for the work day. Under the current UWM Coronavirus policy, all participants are required to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth.
Spring/Summer 2021 Stewardship Days Dates
- Sunday, April 18: Invasive species control
- Sunday, May 16: Prairie planting
- Sunday, June 13: Prairie weeding
For information on upcoming work days, visit the Field Station Facebook page or contact Teresa Schueller.
Administration
The Field Station is owned by the University of Wisconsin with administrative duties delegated to UWM at Waukesha. A local campus Field Station Committee advises the campus dean concerning administrative policy, management, educational and financial matters.
Rules
- No unauthorized collecting of plants or animals.
- No firearms.
- No hunting or trapping.
- No unauthorized fires.
- No unauthorized vehicles on trails.
- Groups must have a responsible adult supervisor.
- The university is not responsible for accidents.
Donations
Donations can be made through the UWM at Waukesha Foundation. Please specify that funds are to be used for the Field Station. The Field Station depends on donations from the community to support programs, facilities and grounds.