A young biker explores Three Bridges Park in the Menomonee Valley. (Photo by Adam Carr, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service)

Experience the wonders of the natural world during a day of free access to sites in greater Milwaukee that advance environmental education, conservation, adventure and ecology. For its August Gift to the Community, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is partnering with the Urban Ecology Center, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Riveredge Nature Center and Mequon Nature Preserve to offer free entry and an array of special programming across six different locations on Saturday, Aug. 22.

“Our partners for the August Gift to the Community all foster appreciation for our environment and community in distinct ways,” said Ellen M. Gilligan, president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “The possibilities for fun and discovery on Aug. 22 are vast and will hopefully inspire our guests to learn more about the wonders of the living world around us.”

Each partner will offer a host of unique activities for visitors of all ages. Complete details can be found on their respective websites, accessible through greatermilwaukeefoundation.org/gifts.

Opportunities include:

Mequon Nature Preserve

8200 W. County Line Road, Mequon, WI 53097

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (trail access: dawn to dusk)

Three highlights:

• Nature’s obstacle course for walkers or runners
• Unique activity and enrichment stations
• Up-close with critters, including Louise, the famous resident tortoise

Riveredge Nature Center

4458 County Road Y, Saukville, WI 53080

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (trail access: dawn to dusk)

Three highlights:

• Recreational tree climbing
• Geocaching
• Fairy & gnome house building

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (trail access: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Three highlights:

• BioBlitz – observe and learn from scientists in action – in partnership with Milwaukee Public Museum
• Ponding and guided nature hikes
• Raptor meet and greet

Urban Ecology Center

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (all branches)

Menomonee Valley Branch, 3700 W. Pierce St., Milwaukee, WI 53215

Three highlights:

• Birding on the bridge
• Hands-on beekeeping workshop
• Reptile and amphibian feeding

Riverside Park Branch, 1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Three highlights:

• Open climb on outdoor climbing wall
• Kayak outing to Village Park for adults
• Self-led science activities for kids

Washington Park Branch, 1859 N. 40th St., Milwaukee, WI 53208

Three highlights:

• Canoeing on the lagoon
• Guided fishing lessons for kids and families
• Water safety classes

Now in its eighth month, the Gifts to the Community program has reached nearly 200,000 people in providing access and celebrating the resources that make this region special. The Foundation has offered these opportunities in honor of its 100^th year of service. New gifts are revealed each month on FOX 6 Milwaukee.