Buff the Bluff
Bring the View Back to Bay View
Together, we can restore the bluff on South Shore Dr. to its peak beauty and preserve it for generations.
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.
Then: Clear Views
View of the horizon from sidewalk
Now: Blocked & Overgrown
Invasive species blocking the vista
Interactive Comparison
Drag the slider to compare
2025
2014
View of downtown Milwaukee from South Shore Dr. sidewalk.
2025
2014
South-west view from South Shore Dr. sidewalk.
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. Learn to identify them and help us remove them.
Canada Thistle
Cirsium arvense
Spreads rapidly through underground roots, forming dense patches that crowd out native plants.
Learn more →
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
Fast-growing tree that forms dense thickets, blocking views and shading out native understory plants.
Learn more →
Creeping Bellflower
Campanula rapunculoides
Aggressive perennial that spreads through root fragments, difficult to remove once established.
Learn more →
White Mulberry
Morus alba
Produces abundant fruit that birds spread, leading to new invasive populations throughout the area.
Learn more →
Hemp Nettle
Galeopsis tetrahit
Annual weed that competes aggressively with native plants for nutrients and space.
Learn more →
Honeysuckle
Lonicera spp.
Woody vine that climbs over and smothers native trees and shrubs, reducing biodiversity.
Learn more →Other Invasives Likely on the Bluff
Additional species that contribute to the problem
Multi-flora Rose
Rosa multiflora
Dense, thorny shrub that forms impenetrable thickets, crowding out native vegetation.
Learn more →Buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica
Rapidly spreading shrub that alters soil chemistry and eliminates understory plants.
Learn more →Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
Perennial herb that spreads aggressively in disturbed soils and shaded areas.
Learn more →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.
- • Snacks, appetizers, desserts
- • Chairs, card tables, lawn games
Get Involved
There are many ways you can help restore the bluff's natural beauty
Volunteer Cleanup Days
Join us for monthly restoration work parties
Donate to Tools & Native Plantings
Support equipment and native species restoration
Spread the Word
Share our mission with friends and neighbors
Sign Up for Updates
Get volunteer dates & progress updates
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."
Dale Guldan / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1987)
Let's bring this view back – together.
Buff the Bluff is a Friends of Bay View Park Inc initiative.