Wehr Nature Center Expands Accessibility Through New Partnerships and Inspiring Community Leadership
Franklin, WI — April 2026 — Wehr Nature Center is bringing its vision of being “a place for all seasons, a place for everyone” to life through a growing commitment to accessibility, sparked in part by the remarkable story of a young visitor who is blind and can identify more than 200 bird species by sound.
A regular on Wehr’s trails, his passion and expertise have become a powerful reminder that nature can, and should, be experienced in many ways. Inspired by his example, Wehr has recently partnered with ABLE (Audio, Braille, Literacy Enhancement) to develop a series of adaptive tools designed to enhance independence and engagement for visitors who are blind or have low vision. These initial offerings include braille trail booklets, tactile maps, and audio descriptions, with more innovations planned for the future.
This initiative is further strengthened through collaboration with BOLD (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development), whose members will join Wehr and ABLE on-site for a special weekend celebrating accessible birding.
On Sunday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wehr Nature Center will host the 2026 Blind Birder Birdathon, part of Birdability’s global celebration designed to make birding more accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.
Participants of all experience levels are invited to take part in this free event, which encourages individuals to listen for and identify bird species over a flexible 24-hour period. Attendees can participate in whatever way is most meaningful and accessible to them, whether through guided trail walks, quiet observation at a designated sit-spot, or independent exploration. Volunteers will be available throughout the weekend to assist and lead birding walks.
The global Birdathon officially takes place May 3–4, 2026, and participants may choose one or both days, spending at least two hours birding within a 24-hour window, consecutively or across multiple sessions.
“This event and these partnerships represent an important step toward ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can connect with nature in a way that is meaningful to them,” said Carly Hintz, Nature Center Director. “We hope to inspire people of all abilities and backgrounds to love and value the natural world.”
Cheryl Orgas, Executive Director shares, “The ABLE team is so excited to join in the fun on May 3rd at 9:30 A.M. As a blind person myself, I am so delighted to work with the team at the Wehr Nature Center. This team truly embraces what accessibility is all about, finding ways to use touch, smell and sound as we experience nature.”
Event Details:
- What: Blind Birder Birdathon at Wehr Nature Center
- When: May 3, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: Free (non-member parking fee: $5)
- Registration: Contact Holly Walz at holly.walz@milwaukeecountywi.gov
Wehr Nature Center offers five miles of scenic trails spanning five distinct native Wisconsin habitats, open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.
For more information, visit www.wehrnaturecenter.com.
About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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