Milwaukee Urban Ecology Blog

Thirteen year-old VeAndre chuckles as he recalls his first experience at the Urban Ecology Center so many years ago. “I remember I was 7 years old and scared to go out on the canoe because I thought I’d fall in the water or something,” VeAndre reflects. Now, six years later, he proudly states that he loves canoeing and being active outdoors. Enthusiastically participating in programs at the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park branch has allowed VeAndre to explore his passions and grow both professionally and personally.

Change, real change takes time. Today, we are three branches, 224 acres and 3,000 plus members strong. But we didn’t start off here. It took commitment. It took community. It took resources. It took me. It took you.

That big bright grin of Donald’s might seem familiar to you... he and his family were featured earlier this year in a blog article that explained how the Urban Ecology Center’s scholarship program makes membership benefits accessible for families like his that do not have the means to contribute financially.

Jada has blossomed through her participation in the Young Scientists Club at the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park branch. Before becoming involved, Jada was shy and reluctant to present ideas and projects in front of others. Now, eleven year-old Jada has radically improved her social skills as she actively engages with others in research projects and conferences.

Margaret Rozga is a poet, playwright, and along with her late husband James Groppi, a leader in Milwaukee's civil rights movement. Her poems have been featured in many journals, and her recent work 200 Nights and One Day earned a bronze medal in poetry from the Independent Publishers Book Awards and was named an Outstanding Achievement in Poetry by the Wisconsin Library Association. This poem is taken from her forthcoming book Justice   Freedom   Herbs. We are excited to have her speak at our Menomonee Valley branch on November 12th.

With significant increases in energy costs and the depletion of non-renewable resources, families are embracing energy efficiency. Including your children in decisions and actions you take can be rewarding, educational and fun! Here are a few suggestions to begin building your energy efficient home.

Imagine a stroll through the forest on a cold October evening. As you make your way down the path, a haunting call stops you in your tracks. The clouds part and the moonlight reveals a large shadow perched on a gnarled branch. The shadow regards you with piercing yellow eyes, then leaps from its roost and flies off silently into the darkness. You’ve just had a breathtaking encounter with a Great Horned Owl.

Indian Mac' and Cheese, Corn Poha, Masala Chai. Are these delicious treats making your mouth water and your stomach grumble? If so, come check out this amazing cooking class offered at the Urban Ecology Center's Riverside Park branch next Monday, November 4th! You'll learn how to make and taste-test FIVE quick and delectable Indian vegetarian dishes from accomplished cook, Susan Pack.

Join us on November 20, 2013 for our Volunteer Appreciation Party and Annual Meeting, an evening of food and fun as we celebrate our year, share our future plans and thank our wonderful volunteers for the tremendous work they do. Among those volunteers being recognized are members of the Urban Ecology Center Board of Directors. We thank them for the vision and leadership they provide.

With the big events that have been happening in Riverside Park and in the Menomonee Valley, it’s easy to lose track of the fantastic things happening at Washington Park. To catch everyone up, I thought it best to check in with some of the folks who are helping to make it all happen. Tim Vargo, bird magnet and Manager of Research and Community Science, had this to say about a wonderful tradition he leads every Wednesday morning: