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A look inside Downer Woods
Dairy farms and Native Americans a part of wood’s history
By Jolene Keller
It may seem the sounds and sights of nature can only be found far away from this urban campus, but for those seeking a break from the city’s noisy, hectic scene, nature can be just a short walk away.
Downer Woods, located behind Sandburg Halls, has seen centuries of human impact, yet has never been developed like its surroundings.
According to a 1972 UWM field station research bulletin by P.J Salamun, “A botanical history of Downer Woods,” there is evidence that the woods were once the site of an American Indian settlement. The growth pattern of vegetation that is found in Downer Woods is indicative of tree clearing in order to sustain a small settlement.
Around 1896, the woods and surrounding land was acquired by successful businessman Guido Pfister, who operated a dairy farm there. Pfister is also known as the original owner of the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
The entire original tract owned by Pfister was bordered on the north by East Edgewood Avenue, to the east by North Downer Avenue, to the west by North Maryland Avenue, and to the south by East Hartford Avenue.
Over time, Pfister and his heirs deeded portions of the property to the early and under pressure women’s college that later become Milwaukee-Downer College.
In 1964, Wisconsin purchased the 18.8 acre Downer Woods as part of the acquisition of Downer College. Downer Woods was saved from development and used for biology field trips, bird watching, hiking and even served as a natural background for outdoor plays.
Over time, the woods became overgrown and unused.
When field station director Jim Reinartz took on the task of clearing the woods of Garlic Mustard and Buckthorn he knew it would not be an easy task.
“When we started clearing the invasive plants the entire woods was one impenetrable brush thicket,” said Reinartz, “We’ve almost eradicated all of the invasive plants. Now we’ve been working really hard for a few years to prevent Garlic Mustard and Buckthorn from reseeding in the woods.”
The field station’s goal is to eventually restore the woods to its original natural state, a Beech and Maple forest. Currently the majority of the trees growing in the woods are Oak and White Ash.
“Eventually when all the Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard are under control, we plan to plant Sugar Maple and American Beech. But, when you read the history it’s an interesting problem ¬– if our goal is to bring it back to its natural conditions - if Salamun is correct - it was already affected by Indians.”
Regardless of who changed the land from its original state first, the woods are taking a turn for the better with less invasive species choking off natural growth. Now that the brush is gone and trails are available, students and teachers can take advantage of the woods.
Biological sciences, ecology, animal behavior classes, ornithology and geography classes all utilize Downer Woods. Hartford University School takes trips through the woods as well.
Wildlife has also taken a liking to Downer Woods. White tailed deer, raccoons, and a native species of rodent, the white footed mouse, have been spotted.
For anyone looking to get away from the campus atmosphere for a relaxing change of pace, Downer Woods is a great escape. While there, however, consider the history of the land and soon enough you’ll forget you’re in the city at all. Well, at least until you hear the sounds of horns honking in the distance or you realize you’re late for class.
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