Canada Thistle
Cirsium arvense
Spreads rapidly through underground roots, forming dense patches that crowd out native plants.
2014
2026
Buff the Bluff
Friends of Bay View Park
Bring the view back to Bay View
Invasive brush has closed in on the bluff along South Shore Dr. Neighbors are working to bring the skyline back into view for good.
Submit a letter of support
Tell the parks, in your own words, why the bluff matters to you.
Drag to compare 2014 and 2026One spot on the South Shore Dr. sidewalk
What we've lost
Once, this was the best view of Milwaukee, a true hidden gem. Today, invasive plants and overgrowth have hidden it away. Let’s bring it back.
Two more spots on the same sidewalk. Drag to compare.
2026
2014
2026
2014
Why it matters
- Environmental health
- Invasive species are harming native plants and disrupting local ecosystems
- Community pride
- Reclaim this unique public space for all Bay View residents to enjoy
- Restore the viewshed
- Re-open breathtaking views of Milwaukee's skyline for everyone
Know your invasives
These invasive species are taking over our bluff. Here's how to identify them and what Wisconsin law says about each.
Noxious weed
Wisconsin law requires landowners to destroy it.
Under Wis. Stat. 66.0407, anyone who owns or controls land must kill noxious weeds before they flower, by cutting or spraying. The law covers public land, including the county parkland here. Canada thistle is one of three named in the statute, and it is also Restricted under NR 40.
Wisconsin Statutes on Noxious weed species (Wisconsin DNR fact sheet)
Restricted
Already established in Wisconsin and regulated under the state rule NR 40.
Without a state permit, you can't plant, share, sell or move these plants. Owning one is legal, and NR 40 doesn't require you to remove it. If you do, you can pull it up and haul it off for disposal, as long as no live seeds or roots get loose.
Wisconsin DNR on Restricted species
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
Fast-growing tree that forms dense thickets, blocking views and shading out native understory plants.
Creeping Bellflower
Campanula rapunculoides
Aggressive perennial that spreads through root fragments, difficult to remove once established.
Hemp Nettle
Galeopsis tetrahit
Annual weed that competes aggressively with native plants for nutrients and space.
Honeysuckle
Lonicera spp.
Woody vine that climbs over and smothers native trees and shrubs, reducing biodiversity.
Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
Fast-growing tree that sprouts from its roots into dense thickets, shading out native plants.
White Mulberry
Morus alba
Produces abundant fruit that birds spread, leading to new invasive populations throughout the area.
Invasive
Non-native and aggressive, but not on the state's NR 40 list.
Wisconsin's rule doesn't regulate these, so there are no permit requirements. They still crowd out native plants, and pulling them helps the bluff just as much.
Wisconsin DNR on Invasive species
Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
Perennial herb that spreads aggressively in disturbed soils and shaded areas.
Other invasives likely on the bluff
We haven't confirmed these yet, but they're likely among the brush.
Buckthorn (Wisconsin DNR fact sheet)
Rhamnus cathartica
Rapidly spreading shrub that alters soil chemistry and eliminates understory plants.
Multi-flora Rose (Wisconsin DNR fact sheet)
Rosa multiflora
Dense, thorny shrub that forms impenetrable thickets, crowding out native vegetation.
Oct
11
This Saturday
Buff the Bluff block party
South Shore Dr and East Bennett Ave
Join your neighbors for food, fun, and community! We'll be grilling hot dogs and celebrating together. Come learn about the Buff the Bluff initiative and how you can get involved.
When
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Noon - 5:00 PM
Where
2959-3073 S. Shore Dr.
S Shore & E Bennett
What to bring
- Snacks, appetizers, desserts
- Chairs, card tables, lawn games
Our mission
This isn’t about demanding that the county fix the bluff. It’s about neighbors stepping up to do their part.
We’re raising funds so the people who love this view can help pay for restoring it, in part or, if we can, in full. The bluff is county parkland, so the county has to approve the work. But the cost doesn’t have to land on the county alone.
Every letter, sign and contribution shows the parks that this community is ready to work alongside them.
Get involved
Three steps, in order of how much they help restore the bluff's natural beauty.
Submit a letter of support
Tell the parks, in your own words, why restoring the bluff matters to you. This is the most helpful thing you can do.
Add your letterThen make it visible
Spread the word
Share our mission with friends and neighbors.
Follow along
Get progress updates by email as the effort moves forward.
Community & history
The bluff has been Bay View's crown jewel for generations. Here's what longtime residents remember.
“This is my favorite view of Lake Michigan”
“This is the worst I’ve ever seen the bluff.”
