The vernal equinox is upon us! And with it, comes longer days, shorter nights, and (eventually) warmer temperatures. March 20th officially marks 2021’s first day of spring when the hours of daylight and night are roughly equal. This makes sense, given the Latin roots to this event’s name; “equi” stemming from “equal,” and “nox” stemming from “night”: “equality of night and day.” From here, the days will continue to grow longer until the summer solstice on June 21st - the longest day of the year. For this reason, the spring equinox often represents new life and new beginnings as the light overtakes the dark. After months of cold and snow, when many animals hibernate and plants senesce, life returns.

Spring is a time of returning sunshine, new beginnings, and getting our gardens started! While we're enjoying getting outside and preparing gardens now more than ever, we know it's important to be mindful of the critters who have been overwintering in this space. Here's some insight on spring gardening in harmony with native wildlife and plants from Urban Ecology Center Assistant Land Steward Drew Vandegrift.

On dreary days it's good to know that some flowers are already peeking up from out of the ground. Below are a few of Milwaukee's early bloomers.

We know COVID-19 is affecting everyone in Milwaukee County in many different and difficult ways. We are now spending a lot of time indoors living, working, and teaching as we care for ourselves and one another through physical distancing. However we also know that nature has incredible healing and calming powers that we want you to take advantage of during this stressful time. Whether that is in your backyard, in a park, or even through your window, we hope you have the chance to interact with the outdoors. Before you head outside, please abide by all health and social distancing recommendations by the CDC as well as by local health officials as they can change with every passing day. Please use your best judgment as your safety and ultimately the public’s safety is of utmost importance.

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.

Every spring I get excited about the start of the growing season. You may think that my name being Matt Flower drives this next statement, but really, I treat it as a family reunion. Each week old friends come back to visit — either nesting in the same woods, growing in the same spot, slithering by the same log or fluttering in the same area. One of my favorites friends of spring are the common violets — a small purple flower of the forest, field and lawn. Despite its common appearance and stature, the common violets is a giant among edibles. Packing as much vitamin C as a whole orange and the leaves are one of two wild plants topping the vitamin A charts, this flower makes a great edible.

At this time of year when it seems like spring is never going to come, take heart in knowing that beneath the layers of straw, leaves and compost, little plants are beginning to pop out of the ground.

For some, the word Phenology is a relatively elusive word that doesn't immediately bring anything to mind. Considering that it's derived from Greek word phaino, meaning to show or appear, you might guess that spring is a great time to begin practicing this fun activity. April is an important month for Phenology because it marks the appearance of so many friends of field and forest that seem long lost over the cold winter months.