Milwaukee Urban Ecology Blog

Whether they are planting trees, greeting our visitors or giving our branches a "face-lift," we are grateful for the hard-working volunteers who give their time to furthering the Urban Ecology Center's mission. Come celebrate their efforts at our Volunteer Appreciation Party on November 20th, 2013. Look below and see for yourself just some of the things volunteers have accomplished during 2012-2013!

As part of my job I get to meet a lot of really interesting and wonderful people. In fact, that’s one of my favorite parts of this work! For example, I recently got to meet Surhabi Shah, the Director of the US Environmental Protection Agency Urban Water Initiative. She was in Milwaukee and wanted to meet with a few of the folks involved in the work in the Menomonee Valley to learn about what we’re doing to restore that waterway. The EPA wants to know what we’re doing here? Amazing! But also a little nerve wracking.

Although the temperature is cooling down and everyone is preparing for the winter days ahead, don't get discouraged about spending your days outside and engaging with nature! Everyone here at the Urban Ecology Center is excited about participating in fun Fall activities, from hiking and camping outdoors, to making craft projects or cooking recipes inspired by Fall materials. Here's a list of some of our favorite activities that you can do, and remember, don't let the cooler weather daunt you from exploring the great outdoors!

Trees are the stars of autumn's dazzling display, and this time of year brings a special opportunity to learn more about their leaves' unique shape and color.

There are moments in a naturalist’s career that are magical. You feel like you are in a famous science documentary. The narrator in your head starts to say, “That’s when he discovered the most amazing...” but is cut off by the children surrounding you, giggling with excitement. As you snap back to reality, you think about just how lucky you are to be able to share your passion with these future environmental scientists. I had one of these moments during a new summer camp called “Animal Extravaganza.” The children gathered in the Community Science room after a full morning of learning about mammals and for some well needed lunch. Now it was time to take our studies out into Riverside Park.

Autumn is when nature provides us with a reminder of change: leaves become vibrant, the sun sets early and morning frost is on windows. It is also the season when we at the Urban Ecology Center reflect on our year and the changes we made as an organization. Our fiscal year begins in September in order to include an entire school year, so fall is the time when we’re getting ready for a “new year.”

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” — Ryunosuke Satoro.  I love the community we’ve built at the Urban Ecology Center! I am constantly amazed by the dedicated and passionate people I meet here. Here are four affirming vignettes – all from one day! First I had a meeting at Menomonee Valley:

Every fall, I see dozens of pumpkins put out as Halloween decorations, and I wonder if people realize the nutritional benefits from this wonderful squash cultivar. Saving the seeds for roasting and using the pumpkin "meat" for making pumpkin butter are my favorite uses - and as a bonus make wonderful gifts during this season of family get-togethers. How nice would it be to receive a small jar of pumpkin butter and nice loaf of home baked bread? I know I'd be jazzed! Each batch of treats comes out a little different every time I cook, but this tests my creative culinary skills. Here are two of my favorite recipes for you all to enjoy!

I often am impressed by the volunteers at the Urban Ecology Center. Whether it's the unique skills they bring, their dedication, or what they teach me about my own job as volunteer coordinator, the people that we get to include in our Center's community never ceases to amaze me.

Dancing! Music! Entertainment! The best nightlife in Milwaukee is at Riverside Park. Be mesmerized by the dances of lightning bugs, soothed by the symphonic sounds of insects, and amazed by the aerial acrobatics of bats at the Urban Ecology Center's new Enchanted Forest event!