What We Do
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Preview camps and apply for scholarships: January 17 - February 5
A Research Study in Wisconsin, USA
The Urban Ecology Center partnered with Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, Wiscorps, and the Medical College of Wisconsin to better understand the benefits of spending time in greenspace, and whether different features (such as biodiversity, air quality, and amount of vegetation) may play a role in affecting physical and/or mental health. The partners were especially interested in learning from neighbors and studying parks in urban areas, where access to nature is more limited. Working with several community-based organizations throughout Milwaukee and LaCrosse allowed them to recruit 73 participants who also served as community scientists and data collectors, using devices to gather information on individual stress levels and environmental health. Click on our map below to explore the results of the study and learn more about the parks near YOU!
Click the image to view the data
Data Collection
Demographics, park use, self reported stress/affect, digit span test to measure attention restoration
Take a Walk
Carry devices: Airbeam, weather monitor, GPS
Self reported stress/affect, digit span test measure attention restoration
Parks Surveyed
- Riverside Park (Milwaukee)
- Three Bridges Park (Milwaukee)
- Washington Park (Milwaukee)
- Kosciuszko Park (Milwaukee)
- Pulaski Park (Milwaukee)
- Kinnickinnic River Trail (Milwaukee)
- Myrick Park (La Crosse)
- La Crosse River Marsh (La Crosse)
Participant Quotes
““Loved the chickadees and others serenading me, distracted by a loud splash in the river that I wanted to be a beaver.”
“I love trees so the variety and number of them made me happy. Squirrels abounded. Ducks and turtle in water was fun to see."
“I felt relaxed to hear bug and frog sounds at the pond and reminisced about my youthful home. I felt much more relaxed and definitely commented about needing mid-day walks more often.”
“I was on a trail for the first time in 32 years of living here. It was fabulous. I don't know how I missed it all this time. It was quiet with beautiful views of the bluffs. I left relaxed and took time to take in the view.”
“I feel more energized and optimistic after this walk.”.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be in nature and away from my phone and homework this weekend. Walking makes me feel very at ease and peaceful.”
“I really enjoyed the smell of fresh air and seeing the water levels after rain. I could feel myself starting to take more of the outdoors in than when I do my usual, daily morning walk which was nice.”
Partners:
Travel to the Galápagos Islands with the Urban Ecology Center in 2024!
Galápagos Islands with Ecuador extension April 7-19, 2024
Charles Darwin called it “a little world within itself”. Sailors referred to it as “Las Encantadas”, the Enchanted Islands. Lying on the eastern Pacific Ocean, straddling the equator off the west coast of South America, the Galápagos is the most pristine archipelago to be found anywhere in the tropics. It is so remote, so untouched, that the act of wading ashore can make you feel like you are the first to do so.
We are thrilled to offer this wonderful journey to the community.
The adventures begin on San Cristóbal Island, where we will hike, sea kayak, and snorkel among Sea Lions, Frigatebirds, Gulls, and the famous Galápagos Finches!
Then we will head to Santa Cruz Island to look for wild Galapagos Tortoises and Marine iguanas and have a chance to snorkel in areas with sea lions (and maybe penguins) and visit the Charles Darwin Center.
Later we will head to Isabela Island visiting the Highlands of Sierra Negra Volcano, visiting a local farm and taking the traditional Isabela bus. We will also visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center to learn about efforts to maintain the population of native tortoises on the island (and also to look for Flamingos). 
We’ll visit Tintoreras Island to snorkel and look for White-tipped Reef Sharks (and more penguins?) before heading back to the Mainland to end our journey.
But if you want more we are offering an extension to Mindo, a small valley on the west of the Andes with over 50 species of hummingbirds! We’ll visit a bird reserve to look for the Cock of the Rock, Toucan Barbet, and the Resplendent Quetzal and take a quick stop at the actual equator! We will explore the indigenous town of Otavalo and its famous artisan markets with wonderful views of volcanoes or visit the Antisana Reserve, home of the Spectacled Bear and the Andean Condor.
Itinerary
Click here for the rough itinerary!
Dates & Costs:
If you are interested in this trip, have questions, or would like more information, contact Tim Vargo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (414) 964-8505
The Urban Ecology Center Eco-travel program offers a unique way to explore local and international destinations while exploring issues around sustainability. Your participation supports the Urban Ecology Center’s mission.
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Outdoor leaders and/or summer interns have continued on or returned to the UEC as part-time or full-time staff members.
Through our Green Career Pathway program, we have seen success in interns gaining green career or educational opportunities following their internship experience with the Urban Ecology Center.
Many have gone on to do green career work across the city, and we have also observed a trend in interns returning to school to further education in environmentalism and sustainability post-internship with the UEC.
Alumni Highlights
Olivia Raasch
Current Green Career Pathways Manager for UEC, was an Outdoor Leader in the summer of 2012 and returned in the spring of 2018 as a community program educator, a volunteer coordinator, and now leading our Green Career Pathways efforts.
Denise Manjarrez Renteria
Outdoor Leader in 2014, then an intern in 2017 and 2020, and joined the Neighborhood Engagement staff team in 2021. She is now working towards her Masters degree at UWM and intends to join the UEC - Menomonee Valley Advisory Committee!
Alex Konkol
A facilities intern in green building management and research in the summer of 2014 and has been on our staff as a Facilities Coordinator since August 2014.
Erin Ganzke
Started as a summer intern in education in 2017. Since, she was a Community Program Educator, a Visitor Services Assistant, promoted to Neighborhood Engagement Specialist, and is now our Finance and Impact Evaluator.
Ethan Bott
Ethan started volunteering with the UEC at the age of 12. He was an Outdoor Leader in the summer of 2010, a Field Research intern in 2012, an Education intern in 2014, and then our GIS & Field Data Coordinator from 2019 to 2022. He is now working towards his Master of Geographic Information Systems at the University of Minnesota and is on the leadership team of Urban Bird Collective, a group that creates safe spaces for BIPOC and LGTBQ people to be outside.
Looking for an organization to host your for-credit internships, third-party job placements, or school requirements? The UEC may be the right place for you! Individuals seeking opportunities to tie nature-based learning and pathways into their degree, certification or career path.
Contact Olivia Raasch at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions or more info
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