In 2017, the Whitefish Bay Garden Club undertook a major initiative to restore Silver Spring Park, a 1.5-acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan in Whitefish Bay.
Adopted in partnership with the Village of Whitefish Bay, the park has been transformed from an area overtaken by invasive species into a community-focused, eco-friendly space and outdoor classroom. The addition of a rain garden, bioswale, and diverse native plantings restored habitat along a natural pollinator pathway. This restoration provides food and shelter for migratory birds and endangered species, including the monarch butterfly, Karner blue butterfly, and rusty patched bumblebee. The park now features a thriving mosaic of several hundred native trees, shrubs, and perennials, contributing to its long-term ecological health and serving as an educational resource for the community.
Today, Silver Spring Park is a beloved gathering spot, hosting weddings and yoga sessions, as well as inspiring daily walks and photography. It has garnered increased public interest as both a sanctuary for nature and a vibrant community hub, while offering an outdoor classroom for learning and inspiring local environmental stewardship. We are “Growing a Greener Village, One Garden at a Time.”
For more information about the scope and process of this project, please see the article linked below: