My name is Maddie Bird, and I am the Urban Ecology Center’s summer marketing intern. I graduated from Nicolet High School in 2012, and I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Two years ago, I moved to Philadelphia for college, and I was immediately shocked at how city parks and nature preserves were few and far between. As I traveled to other cities I noted the distinct lack of natural urban habitats in those places as well. I realized just how lucky Milwaukee residents are to have such a vast network of parks and natural habitats to explore.
Exploring Milwaukee's lake front as part of our intern tour. Photo: Maddie Bird
Over the next twelve weeks I will be documenting all of the various programs and events at the Center through pictures, videos, and written publications. Each week, in addition to posting photos and stories about the activities at the Urban Ecology Center, I will also be writing a personal blog post about my own learning experiences.
The Urban Ecology Center, an organization I knew very little about before starting this internship, is an amazing educational and ecological resource in Milwaukee, focused on connecting people with the nature right here in the city. During my first week as the marketing intern I was given a tour of all three branches, their adjacent parks, and got an overview of all of the programs and benefits the Center provides for the city.
I explored Three Bridges Park along the Menomonee River, wandered around the Washington Park Lagoon, climbed to the top of the observation tower at the Riverside Park branch, and met all of the staff who work tirelessly to make the Center as valuable as it is.
Enjoying a taste of Milwaukee along Second Street.
It’s been incredibly overwhelming, but I can say quite honestly that I’ve never been more excited to start a new job than I am now! This summer I hope that I can document as much of the amazing work that is done here as I can, and help to build a greater appreciation for this organization and nature throughout Milwaukee and beyond.
