My mom and aunt used to ride bikes along the sidewalks that outlined the empty lots of their mostly abandoned subdivision. It was here they and their friends would play and dream – where the grasses grew tall with brightly colored wildflowers painting the landscape and the groves of trees provided a magical oasis. Little did they know this place was meant to be built up with houses, one next to the other, and just how lucky they were the economic crisis of the 1930’s had stalled these plans. This enchanting place, where their imaginations could run wild, would remain unchanged for the rest of their childhood.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

We are proud to be a community partner for "More Than Honey," a new documentary that is showing at this year's Milwaukee Film Festival, which occurs September 26th – October 10th. But what's all the buzz about? "More Than Honey," created by the Swiss filmmaker Marcus Imhoof, looks into the intriguing world of bees and their relationship with mankind, nature and our future. The film, full of close-up footage of bees and their hives, takes us around the world to see how honeybees are treated.