The high energy and daily humor are two things I enjoy most about the Center. It's an exciting and innovative place that invites in new people and offers new things. When I first started working here 18 years ago as a volunteer, our office and classroom space were in a double-wide trailer parked in a corner of Riverside Park near the high school, and there were just two other employees. Now, the Center has three different branch locations and over 80 employees. The Center has more staff, more building space, and more opportunities to get involved and programs to promote. I started at the Center because the idea of active, hands-on science learning piqued my interest. I began as a volunteer and mainly worked on marketing and public relations efforts, and the rest is history.

It's extremely rewarding to watch the organization grow and move forward, as well as seeing the visible impact the Center is having on restoring urban land and educating youth and adults about nature. In addition, it's a solid place for educational opportunities, and nothing beats hearing kids have fun and laugh while exploring nature!

While the Center focuses on expanding community involvement and appreciation of nature, the organization also takes time to engage staff members in the great outdoors. I love the interesting blend of urban and nature that is a core part of our mission. The hands-on education that we offer, even for staff, is amazing.  Over the years, I've become more engaged in bird-banding and have learned a lot about birds and how to identify them. I used to come early to work to watch birds. Now, I installed a bird feeder at home and have taught others about birds.

The Urban Ecology Center received this award as one of the top small workplaces based on employee surveys that asked employees to answer a variety of questions about their manager and job. The surveys measured several company qualities such as leadership, workplace flexibility, and compensation and benefits. In addition, these surveys measured the impact company policies have on the innovation, productivity, and morale of its employees. This award represents the Center as an outstanding Milwaukee-area business that draws top job-seekers. For more information about this award, visit http://www.jsonline.com/business/2014-top-workplaces-in-southeastern-wisconsin-b99268357z1-258949991.html