The River Revitalization Foundation recently purchased 2.24 acres along the Southbranch Creek in the Village of Brown Deer at the intersection of Green Bay Road and Teutonia Avenue with funds from the WDNR Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. The site was a former homestead within a floodplain that has been neglected for more than 50 years. Wildflowers are present but are now being overwhelmed by more aggressive invasive species, such as buckthorn and garlic mustard. Yet, the site shows promise for an opportunity to restore the original plant community. Significant improvement of the sites diversity will increase the visual appeal for humans and habitat for wildlife.
Several governmental and business entities assisted with the completion of the project.Natural Resource Technology in Pewaukee donated environmental surveying services for the acquisition, and legal guidance from Cook & Franke saved RRF thousands of dollars in legal fees. With funding assistance from the Village of Brown Deer, the Coastal Management Program and several partners including: We Energies, WDNR,Wis DOT, Milwaukee County, Mead & Hunt, Badger Meter and others, the creek and the unique 2.24 acre wooded lot at the junction of Teutonia and Green Bay Avenue was restored. In addition, Milwaukee County Parks will be extending the off-street Oak Leaf Trail through this property in 2008-09.
How You Helped:
Community members from all walks of life volunteered to hand pull garlic the mustard as well as cut the buckthorn that prevent native wildflowers from flourishing. After the invasive species were rooted out, native shrubs, trees, and wildflowers were planted. These native species increase the natural beauty of the land as well as provide a vital habitat and food source for widlife. With the help of the Village of Brown Deer and its community, we were able to restore one of the last remaining natural places in the Village of Brown Deer for future generations.
Map of Area:
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