While I was there, I met a 14-year-old named Derrick. He had been “dragged” to the Center by his Mom for their first visit to volunteer together. She ended up managing the caramel apples, while Derrick was assigned to assist with the grill, where burgers and dogs were “happening”, using his term. He was the first to admit how much fun he was having, despite his earlier reluctance, and eagerly took in the information about how high school students can engage with our Centers. 

Being outside in nature truly is healing, and not just for the individual but for the whole community as well. We think of nature as being out there for all, easy for anyone to get into if they choose, but truth is there are so many different perceptions and fears around the natural world, that an invitation and structure, or “container” as I called it earlier, is needed for someone like Derrick to take that first step.

It’s cool, because this container, thanks to the really good work happening here in Milwaukee neighborhoods every day, is being noticed and is having an influence in many places that we do not even always know about. 

Doctors are beginning to prescribe time outside in nature as part of their healing strategy for patients, and teachers and school counselors are using this “nature prescription” concept to aid in both behavior and learning for students.

I recently found myself presenting at a Nature is Medicine SH/FT conference which focuses on research in the medical world that consistently identifies time in nature as both healing and restorative. I facilitated a three-hour workshop on “Access for All” related to breaking down barriers, perceived and real, related to getting people outside. During an awards ceremony at the conference, the Urban Ecology Center was identified as one of the top nonprofits in the country for our unique, replicable model and our work in breaking down barriers for access in the urban environment.

Your container is noticed and it’s putting Milwaukee on the map!