I’ve always thought that February feels like the longest month of the year. I know technically it’s the shortest, but after two months of winter cold and a lack of sunshine, the novelty of winter has worn off, and February’s ruthless assault of cold weather gets old fast. I always felt trapped inside my house while waiting for warmer weather when I could go finally enjoy the outdoors again.

Then I joined the Urban Ecology Center. The community here has a shocking enthusiasm for getting outdoors - even in the long stretches of February!

Hey everyone; Van from the Washington Park UEC here. This month, I want to share with you some music that our earth and our climate inspired. Music is one of the most popular mediums to share our ideas and emotions as a human race. This is a list of 9 of my favorite songs about the earth and its people (in no particular order).

The flavors of Thanksgiving are always something to celebrate, even if the holiday looks a little different this year. Family recipes can carry stories from Thanksgivings past, which is especially important this year. If this year is time to make some new memories, gather up your household and try recreating some of these dishes!

These dishes take holiday classics and make simple adjustments to accommodate smaller groups!

It is that time of the year when the trees and other plants change the pigments in their leaves. The reds, yellows, and oranges (no, not the fruit) make the outdoors like a painting. On top of that, the temperatures are starting to take a dip into the chilly end of the weather pool. Don’t get me started on the snow. Let us push that back as much as possible for now. One weather phenomena that still sticks around throughout the entire year is rain.

Have you noticed that the leaves have changed into brighter colors then you remember them being in the past? If you haven’t, go take a walk outside and see what you think about the leaf color. The reason that some years the colors of leaves seem brighter than others is because of the temperature and cloud cover. For the leaves to get bright, they need several warm sunny days followed by nights where it does not freeze. If this happens continually then it will be a good year for reds and bright leaves.

These snacks are spooky… but their ingredients aren’t! Six healthy, easy to make treats that both kids and grownups can enjoy. These creepy-crawly creations may not bite... but you certainly will!

October is the perfect time for all things that wriggle, slither and crawl. Whether it be a fun addition to your kid’s lunch box, or a frightening prank on your family and friends, these snacks are a great way to celebrate the spooky season.

As part of our annual HKE MKE event this past month, I had the opportunity to lead a Ten Mile Hike along the west and east bank of the Milwaukee River, throughout the Milwaukee River Greenway corridor and into 11 different county parks. We saw fall flowers in full bloom, leaves just starting to turn red, salmon anglers sharing the river with migrating waterfowl, and even a small herd of deer not 30 yards from the trail in Estabrook Park. It was an amazing hike, and I would invite you to try it for yourself sometime. Before you go, be prepared! I’m sharing our Ten Tips for a Ten Mile Hike that you can use for your next urban adventure.

The Urban Ecology Center is an environmental community center with the mission to connect people in cities to nature and each other. Our members are a key component of this mission and an example that everyone can join together in this endeavor. With your help, we connect kids to local green spaces through school partnerships, to environmental science through internships, and to sustainable learning opportunities. This valued support also allows us to protect and enhance public green spaces to make them safe, accessible and vibrant for everyone. In addition to contributing support to our mission, Besides giving to us, members receive unique benefits that help them to be an active, engaged, healthy and eco-conscious member of our community.

Join us outdoors this spring! The Urban Ecology Center is excited to offer a variety of outdoor springtime activities. Check out our programs below. 

Biking

Biking the Hank Aaron State Trail

Welcome warmer weather with a bike ride along the Hank Aaron State Trail. Learn about the history of the trail and its role in Three Bridges Park. For intermediate to experienced riders.

For adults and accompanied children

Program Cost: $28 | Member Discount: $20 | Price Break: $14

Sat. May 4 | 10 a.m. to noon | Menomonee Valley | Register

Climbing

Climbing for Beginners

Breathe the fresh air while learning how to climb our three story open-air rock wall. All equipment is provided and trained belayers are on hand to assist.

For adults and accompanied children

Program Cost: $28 | Member Discount: $20 | Price Break: $14

Sun. May 12 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Riverside Park | Register

Sun. May 19 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Riverside Park | Register

Sun. May 26 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Riverside Park | Register

Canoeing

Canoeing for Beginners

The Washington Park Lagoon is a beautiful, calm and spacious body of water – a great place to learn the basics of paddling! Learn how to choose the right equipment, boating safety and paddling technique, then practice with guidance from one of our trained educators. Perfect for those who are new to paddling or just want some more practice.

For adults and accompanied children

Program Cost: $28 | Member Discount: $20 | Price Break: $14

Wed. May 15 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Washington Park | Register

Coffee & Canoe

What better way to enjoy your Sunday morning than to sip on coffee and canoe down the Milwaukee River? Meet us at the Rowing Club (1990 N. Commerce Street) and we’ll have morning beverages and treats to get you fueled up. See you on the river!

For adults and teens

Program Cost: $36 | Member Discount: $25 | Price Break: $17

Sun. May 12 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Register

Sun. May 26 | 9:00 - 11:30 p.m. | Register

Full Moon Canoe

Paddle down the Milwaukee River with UWM’s Planetarium Director, Jean Creighton. While enjoying the full moon above you’ll learn about our nearest celestial neighbor, other exotic moons in the solar system, and more intriguing objects scattered through space from an expert astronomer. Meet at the Milwaukee Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N Commerce St.).

For adults and teens

Program Cost: $40 | Member Discount: $30 | Price Break: $20

Fri. May 17 | 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. | Register

Sat. May 18 | 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. | Register

 Remember, you can always create your own adventure this spring by borrowing our outdoor equipment! Become a UEC member for free access to canoes, kayaks, camping gear, and so much more.

“You’ve never been to the Candlelight Walk?!” I’ve heard this question a dozen times since starting to help plan for UEC's annual Riverside Park Candlelight Walk. It’s as though I’ve told my colleagues I’ve never been to Target (which is certainly not true since I find myself there at least once a week).