“There is no better way, in my opinion, to do something to help the earth than improving habitat and watching the diversity of wildlife and ecosystem function return,” says Kim.

When asked what kept her at the UEC for all this time, Kim credits her amazing colleagues and the important mission of the organization. “I believe we are doing incredible work with tangible results by improving the biodiversity and ecosystem health while creating opportunities for connections, in the heart of the city.”

Kim is a leader in the urban revitalization space. She has trained dozens of interns through the years who have gone on to become leaders in their own right. She has also developed a phenomenal land stewardship team who will continue to drive this work for decades to come.

Reflecting on the changes she’s seen, Kim says, “The Riverside Park ravine was dense with garlic mustard and honeysuckle covered the slopes when I began 22 years ago. It makes my heart feel three sizes bigger to see dozens and dozens of native wildflowers flourish there today. We've built the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum project and Three Bridges Park, while simultaneously increasing the bird species richness at Washington Park by 22% since we’ve begun native plantings! I like to get things done and I appreciate tangible results. And the results are huge.”

If you have visited Riverside Park, Washington Park, or Three Bridges Park, the natural beauty you experienced was thanks to the leadership and efforts of Kim and the hard work of the land stewardship team and thousands of volunteers.

Please join us in thanking Kim for her incredible impact and wishing her well in the next adventures life brings to her!