The Urban Ecology Center’s programming is designed to connect people of all ages to their natural environment. Our approach focuses on providing positive outdoor experiences for people from all walks of life; these experiences lead to an enhanced ecological literacy and sense of care and ownership of the environment.
Milwaukee, with its central location in the Great Lakes Watershed, confluence of three major rivers, and 10 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, is uniquely situated to connect its 600,000 residents to our aquatic resources. Just imagine the culture of care we could create if all those people could enjoy a wonderful experience out on the water!
We hope you’ll have a connection this Coastal Awareness Month and join us to protect, promote and play in Milwaukee’s great waterways.
Canoeing for Beginners
Saturday, September 5 | 9:30am-12:30pm, Washington Park Branch
The lagoon is a beautiful, calm and spacious body of water: a perfect place for learning the basics of paddling! We’ll cover the basics, and then participants will practice with guided instruction.
Water Safety Course
Saturday, September 5 | 10-10:30am, Washington Park Branch
Our contributing members can borrow our canoes and kayaks for free! To take advantage of this unique benefit, participants can become a contributing member and take this 30-minute, on land, water safety course. This training, or training through one of our scheduled trips, is a requirement of our canoe/kayak lending benefit.
Kinnickinnic River Paddle
Saturday, September 5 | 9:30am-12:30pm, Riverside Park Branch
Get to know Milwaukee's smallest, but most densely populated urban watershed. Discover the Kinnickinnic's history and promising future. Equipment provided. Meet at the Horny Goat Hideaway (2011 S 1st St).
Registration is required by Friday, September 4th at 10 AM.
History of Milwaukee by Canoe
Sunday, September 6 | 9am-noon, Riverside Park Branch
Look at the city's history from a different perspective ... by canoe! Discover the history of downtown Milwaukee as well as explore ecological issues facing the river today. Meet at the Milwaukee Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N Commerce St.).
Water Safety
Sundays 1-1:30pm; Mondays 6-6:30pm, Riverside Park Branch
Our contributing members can borrow our canoes and kayaks for free! To take advantage of this unique benefit, participants can become a contributing member and take this 30-minute, on land, water safety course. This training, or training through one of our scheduled trips, is a requirement of our canoe/kayak lending benefit.
Full Moon Canoe
Sunday, September 27 | 6:30-9pm, Riverside Park Branch
With the full moon above and reflected city lights below, paddle down the Milwaukee River. See the city and the full moon as you never have before! Meet at the Milwaukee Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N Commerce St.).
These programs are part of Wisconsin Coastal Awareness month, with support from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
