VOLUME 21, NUMBER 4, Jul y & August 2012

Grow food, and for Life -- All Life! by Ken Leinbach, Executive Director and Tim Vargo, Manager of Research and Citizen Science

“Tim, I think I finally figured it out ... It is so elegantly We (especially Tim and I) have been thinking a lot about simple! When someone is fortunate enough to have a little green space lately, specifically personal front yards and back green space or yard, the guiding principle should be simply to yards. The questions we’ve been pondering are: From an food. It could be a vegetable garden (food for people), environmental perspective, what would we create as the a butterfly garden, or a native perennial bed which is food perfect yard? Should it be the traditional grass yard for kids for our wild insects, birds and mammals. As Dr. Tallamy to play, a garden of native like we have at the Center? says, ‘Garden for life!’ -- All Life ’” (Dr. Doug Tallamy, Or should it all be about vegetables and edible plants? by the way, is the author of Bringing Nature Home and a professor of Entomology at the University of Delaware, We support vegetable and love the thinking and whose research was one of the sparks of this conversation). practice behind (which is why one of our lead partners at the Urban Ecology Center is the Victory Garden We have this kind of banter at work where we noodle Initiative). But as trained ecologists, we know how important on a thought or a question ... sometimes over a period it is to grow native plants that support the insect population so of months. Eventually, through shared reading and critical to sustaining the systems which keep life in balance on collaboration with other staff and volunteers, an this planet. However, both and vegetable answer emerges. It’s quite stimulating and a great require an awful lot of time and knowledge to intellectual perk for being involved with the Center. do well. From a time perspective neither of these practices Continued on page 5

Transformation in the From the Top Down heart of the City by Willie Karidis , Washington Park Branch Manager by Beth Heller, Senior Director of Education and Strategic Planning

Standing in the heart of The Washington Park Pavilion, the home of the Urban the city, images from 10 Ecology Center Washington Park branch, will soon be years ago popped into sporting an amazing new look. The old, rusted, leaky roof, my mind. Back then complete with inoperable solar thermal panels, is being this was a place with replaced with a slick new silver metal roof. Included in the dilapidated buildings construction will be a 5-kilowatt photovoltaic (solar electric) void of people, trees system which will produce electricity to help power the and flowers. Access to Pavilion. In addition there will be brand new solar thermal residential neighborhoods panels which will heat all of the domestic hot water for the to the north and south entire building. On top of all that, we are having one of was severed by grinding traffic on the highway and an the gutters diverted to fill two or three 250 gallon cubes inaccessible Menomonee River. Remnants of a bridge and with rain water that will be used to water our Learning a boarded-up tunnel blended into the wasteland. But where Gardens in the front of the Pavilion. We are thrilled! some see desolation, others see untapped opportunity. We have to thank Milwaukee County Parks for making this As a native Milwaukeean, I’ve witnessed first hand the dream a reality. At any point along this process the County amazing transformation happening in the Menomonee could have pulled the photovoltaics, solar thermal and the Valley. What you find in the same place today is quite the gutter diversion and provided just a basic roof to its building. opposite of the bleak location I remember. I experienced However, the County values our partnership and recognized a vivid reminder of this that the educational component of Continued on page 4 Continued on page 3 2

Droplets Wish List

River Reflections is created and distributed through a team effort by the following people: What do you need for the Carijean Buhk, Ginger Duiven, Demetria  Register for programs online! The Menomonee Valley branch? Dunn, Judy Krause, Jeff McAvoy, Pat Mueller, Shirley Spelt and a volunteer mailing crew. Urban Ecology Center is excited to announce that starting in July, We have an extensive list of items still Contributing writers: Beth Heller, Willie Karidis, Ken Leinbach, Erin Shawago and Tim Vargo. you can register for programs needed for our new branch. So many online using the fantastic new that the list won’t fit in this space. River Reflections is a publication of the Urban Ecology Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit calendar on our website. If you Please visit www.urbanecologycenter. organization. Thanks to the generous haven’t checked out, visit the org/menomonee-valley-wish-list. annual contributions of 215 foundations, calendar at UrbanEcologyCenter. html and see how you can help! corporations and organizations, over 2700 org and see how easy it is to search member and many in-kind donors the for programs. When you find a For Riverside Park Center serves over 80,000 people per year. Contact: Judy Krause, 964-8505, x102. program you like, click on its title To make a contribution, please see page 14 for the easy to use form, visit our and find the registration button • 3 umbrella stands website at www.urbanecologycenter.org on the right side of the window, • Auto repair tools or call the Center at (414) 964-8505. above the “add to calendar” button. • Gas BBQ Grill The Urban Ecology Center fosters ecological Just click and register. Please call • Ice cream buckets with lids understanding as inspiration for change, us at if you have any questions. • Ice trays neighborhood by neighborhood. We’ll still take registrations by • iPad(s) Our Environmental Community Centers: phone, just call (414) 964-8505. • Kids’ gardening gloves • Provide outdoor science • Leaf rakes education for urban youth.  Welcome to our summer • Potting soil & quality topsoil • Protect and use public natural areas, staff!Every summer the Urban • String Trimmer and scythes making them safe, accessible and vibrant. Ecology Center staff doubles as • Wire garden fencing/ wire mesh • Preserve and enhance these natural we welcome our summer interns. • 2 Garmin GPS units areas and their surrounding waters. Summer Interns gain experience in (Geocache grade) • Promote community by offering resources environmental education, outdoor • Old belts that support learning, volunteerism, adventures, field research, volunteer • Miter Saw 10” or 12” stewardship, recreation, and camaraderie. coordination, land stewardship, (Compound and Sliding) • Practice and model environmentally green building management and • Chainsaw responsible behaviors much more. You’ll find them • Milwaukee Tools 18v Combo Kit Urban Ecology Center working with campers, monitoring wildlife, learning green practices For Washington Park Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Place and helping create a positive Contact: Willie Karidis, (414) 344-5460. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211 experience for visitors of all ages. In • Aprons (414) 964-8505 Fax: (414) 964-1084 [email protected] addition, we have interns working • Blenders on our Rotary project. • Bow saws Hours of operation: Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Some also act as mentors to our • Buckets (2 to 5 gallon size) Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m - 5 p.m. High School Outdoor Leaders. • Chest waders (w/suspenders) Sunday: 12 noon - 5 p.m. Below are this year’s interns • Digital cameras and the area in which they’ll be • Gently used socks and sweatpants Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St., Milwaukee, working: Summer Camp: Rene • Glass measuring cups WI 53208 (Mailing address: 4145 W. Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee, Abarca, Lisle Bertsche, Indaca • Grow-light stands WI 53208) Brown, Will Bufe, Roger Coleman, • Hand shears (414) 344-5460 Fax: (414) 344-5462 Erica Johnson, J’mag Karbeah, • Igloo Playmate-style cooler [email protected] Rachel King, Meghan O’Brien, • Kids’ work gloves Hours of operation: Kasandra Scott, Rachel Soika, • Laptop computer, Tuesday - Friday: 4 - 7 p.m. Charles Uihlein, Elizabeth Van, netbook or iPad Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Justin Weinfurter. Volunteer • Large capacity dehumidifier www.UrbanEcologyCenter.org & Visitor Services: Mary Rose • Pitchforks Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Gietl, Jamie Hollins. Arboretum • Plastic storage bins with lids Restoration: Robert Foran, Isaac • Strawbales Roberson, Michael Hoffmann. • Ty vek Facilities, Research/Stewardship: • Weed whackers/string trimmers Wendy Gadous, Maria Rojas. 3

Scat Stories by Erin Shawgo, Environmental Educator

Goose scat has been a big part during their first nature walk. After a We learned how to oil eggs to prevent of my life these last six months few complaints about the scat on their them from hatching, watched videos thanks to a group of students from shoes, our service learners decided and spoke to experts about doing Community High School, a public, that the park would be more pleasant a goose round-up, and learned charter school in Milwaukee. if we could find a way to reduce the about the difficulties of having number of geese calling it home. people obtain hunting permits to Community High joined my co- hunt geese in an urban area. teacher Tory and me last November The students began by researching to fulfill a service learning component why so many geese visited the park, Ultimately the group decided to put of their curriculum. We introduced what problems they caused and what their focus into shoreline restoration them to the Urban Ecology Center in people around the country were doing and increased signage in the park. With Washington Park and explored options to handle similar situations. On a the help of staff at Washington Park, for a long term service project. After trip to Madison we met with experts they’ve helped plant taller wetland learning about trash pick-up, invasive from the DNR and film makers who plants along the lagoon to deter geese plant removal and seed collection, had made a short documentary about from going in and out of the water what really piqued the group’s interest solutions used there. We learned on foot thereby increasing erosion. was the issue of geese overpopulating that geese liked Washington Park They’ve also helped cut buckthorn to our park. And that started our six because of its open lawn, easy access clear the shoreline for new plantings. month exploration of goose scat. to the water with shorelines full of The students decided that there were short vegetation and because people not enough signs in the park alerting At first glance, having geese in the park provide a lovely bread buffet for them people to the consequences of feeding may seem like a great thing. They offer at the north end of the lagoon. bread to the geese. They identified a close-up view of wildlife and can the area where people fed geese the be fun to watch. I enjoy seeing kids Through mapping and photography most and helped design signs to smile and giggle when encountering a activities we gained more evidence teach why feeding the geese is bad mother and her young in the spring. of the erosion the geese were causing for the park and bad for the geese. But having an abundance of geese along the lagoon’s shoreline. Research also means a surplus of goose scat. showed us that bread is not good It has been an amazing experience to Scat is the technical name for poo, for geese and is hard for them to see a group of high school students something that almost every student digest since their diet should mainly work to make their community a that visits Washington Park learns consist of green vegetation. better place, and it all started because they stepped in a little too much goose scat on a walk through the park.

From the Top Down continued from page 1

the roof’s renewable energy features We are working each day toward the to catch rainwater during a heavy were a fantastic tool for learning. goal of providing the community of storm ... life’s simple pleasures. All visitors to the Washington Park Washington Park with a dynamic branch of the Urban Ecology Center suite of educational programs which The Urban Ecology Center seeks to will have the opportunity to see these reach and teach all ages. Our new be in Washington Park for a very long new features. All they have to do is roof is a major step in creating a long time. A new roof on the Pavilion which look up at the south side roof. Thank term home for our programs and features renewable energy components you Milwaukee County Parks! for the community to celebrate. It is is an amazing asset for teaching funny to think that a roof can have visitors now and in the future. The In ideal circumstances, it is important such an impact, but it’s true. There is new roof has given us the chance to to have a home which not only something pretty special about not use the architecture of the building as provides shelter but is an inspiring having to put buckets on the floor a learning tool and we are excited and educational model of energy efficiency. feel fortunate for the opportunity. 4

Transformation in the heart of the City continued from page 1 transformation on “Community into an outdoor classroom and Planting Day” this past May. segment of the Hank Aaron State Trail to link area residents to Valley It was a sunny, breezy day, with jobs and recreation. Construction temperatures a bit above average. A will begin this summer and continue group of 30 people gathered carrying through 2013. The park will shovels, trowels, buckets and wheel include a mile of trails, two bike/ barrows between three large, new pedestrian bridges, community manufacturing businesses: Ingeteam, gardens, water quality improvements, Charter Wire and Palermos. The native landscapes, and habitat for group included families with fish, birds, and other animals. The children, neighbors from both sides park will be planted over many of the Valley and members of the seasons and with many hands. businesses and organizations that New Urban Ecology Center branch in the have been committed to the Valley’s Menomonee Valley! See it on September 8! Schools are already lined up transformation. Bicyclists passed and excited to participate in our by every few minutes, pausing with middle of it. People are just beginning Neighborhood Environmental curiosity to watch our work. Neighbors to explore the new life in the Valley. Education Project. Families at walked over to help and walked home planting day expressed interest in when they were done, some over the While the City, State, Menomonee volunteering, summer camps and new “Valley Passage” where there is still Valley Partners, Inc., businesses, our weekend programs. We have evidence of the old bridge and tunnel. and neighbors have been leading been warmly welcomed by our soon Birds were singing along the river, the charge for over a decade, a new to be new neighbors and invite there were shade trees when we needed chapter in this story is just beginning. you to celebrate with us too. relief. Rainwater collected in the new The Urban Ecology Center will open catchment system was used to water our its doors on September 8th, ready Come see collective impact of native plantings. It was sign of new life. to bring students to this developing government, businesses, not-for- outdoor classroom. Our goal is to bring profits and community members all This amazing transformation is there, students and neighbors to this tender working to revitalize the heart of right now, in the Valley, ready for land to revel and aid in its recovery. the city. Please join us at our new you to explore. Take the Hank Aaron Menomonee Valley branch at 3700 State Trail, it runs right through the The Center has joined partners to W. Pierce Street from noon-4 pm on transform a 24-acre vacant rail yard Saturday, September 8th to participate in an amazing transformation.

A Special Moment

Every June, the entire Urban Ecology Oak Circle section of Riverside Park The Concrete Path by Jamie Nicole Hollins Center Staff spends a day connecting and write or draw what we saw or felt with our Summer Interns before the about our spot. After, we formed small I’ve seen the soles of many men. summer programs kick into gear. groups to share our reflections. That’s All who have gone It’s a great way to get to know the when the special moment happened. Have come again; folks we’ll be working side by side Some, to find their peace in nature, with for the next three months. Jamie Nicole Hollins, one of our Others, to satisfy a heart Volunteer and Visitor Services interns of adventure. Every year there is a special moment (who had also been a High School But no matter the reason, that touches us all and this year was Outdoor Leader) shared the poem or season, or light no exception. In this case, we were on the right about the circular oval I invite all to inquire, and asked to sit quietly anywhere in the path in Riverside Park. We hope All minds to ignite. you enjoy it as much as we did. 5

Grow food, and Garden for Life -- All Life! continued from page 1 can compare to the ease of a quick [and urban] landscapes are now and butterflies. Imagine if the local pass over your lawn with a mower. playing and will play even more in garden shop sold only native plants, Hmmm, thus the debate continues. the near future.” Who ever thought natural fertilizers and organic vegetable that how you treat your lawn would seeds and seedlings. Knowledge of our Green lawns, the current cultural have national implications or that “gardening for food” concept would standard have some inherent negative there was a moral imperative (call it be imbedded in the culture and life, environmental issues. According activism or even patriotism if you will) all life, would be sustained. It’s a nice to Tallamy, Americans mow over to how you treat your personal land? vision, but how do we get there? 40 million acres of Kentucky Blue Grass every other week during the When we started this conversation, We know this much, we won’t get growing season. That’s an area the we were thinking in terms of there alone. So, we’re asking you to size of Wisconsin! Imagine how complicated percentages. Tim’s join us in pursuit of a cultural shift much energy and irreplaceable backyard, for example, has a mix of in thinking that values yards as an fossil fuels that takes. Crazy! about 50% native perennials, 10% important part of our global green nonnative ornamentals, including space, sustaining life – both human Then there are all the family heirlooms, 20% vegetable and non-human. Imagine some of and fertilizers we put on our lawns garden and 20% lawn. He has room the 40 million acres of lawn being -- now known to have big effects on to barbecue and entertain and is replaced by plants that provide food. our water supplies and our general addicted to checking every morning health. We could go on ... don’t to see what is blooming or fruiting If you like this vision, start by even get us started on the harvesting or what insects are pollinating his considering your own yard or practice of the chemical laden top blackberries. Sounds pretty perfect neighborhood green space. How can soil that we call sod. That process ... for Tim. But what about others? it be modified to provide food for life? is incredibly resource intensive. Ken is considering this very question, As our conversation progressed, we and is the first to admit that his front Who knew lawn care has such global reached out to another good thinker lawn is currently grass and nonnative implications? Ok, the traditional lawn within our Urban Ecology Center ornamental plants. After rethinking is out. Kids can play in the park. family -- Nancy Aten from Landscapes your own space, consider engaging of Place. She shared a keen insight friends, family and neighbors in a What about a traditional in an email to us. “It’s especially conversation on the subject. One then? interesting that you asked me about this way to get the conversation going is last night, guys,” she wrote, “because to read Dr. Tallamy’s book, Bringing One of the reasons exotic ornamentals I spent much of my thoughts while Nature Home. We also encourage are so popular is because our insects I was outside in my native garden you to come volunteer to help our don’t eat them. That sounds good yesterday on the question of why there land stewards as we build the Rotary until you dig a bit deeper. According are still so many lawns and decorative Centennial Arboretum, all with to Dr. Tallamy’s research, nonnative gardens in the world. In my ‘yard’ I native plants. You’ll learn a ton! ornamental plants support 29 times get to admire such interesting insects less biodiversity than native plants. and experience unique and amazing So in short, if it were up to us, the 96% of the warblers, woodpeckers and cycles of life on our plants. Lawns and perfect yard would be your yard, in all hummingbirds* you love to see at your decorative gardens provide so little to its diversity, with food for life! Some feeder or in your yard depend on insects eat so you don’t get this experience!” may choose to grow primarily people that feed off of native plants. Song food. Others might choose to largely birds that brighten spring mornings That’s it ... the easy to remember support song birds. The presence of have been in major decline, down a sound bite we’ve been looking native plants should increase and whopping 40% since the 1960s. for and the inspiration for our grass should be minimized and title. We should simply grow food communal. Every “perfect” yard should As Dr. Tallamy says, “Chances are, and garden for life -- all life! be uniquely different, but together you have never thought of your garden we can help the entire ecosystem. as a wildlife preserve that represents This idea has us imagining a more the last chance we have for sustaining biodiverse neighborhood – one where *Hummingbirds supplement plants and animals that were once front yards are about sharing herbs their diet of nectar with insects, common throughout the U.S. But and foods with our neighbors and eating dozens a day. that is exactly the role our suburban back yards are about watching birds 6 RP = Riverside Park WP = Washington Park

Calendar of Programs Special E vents Starting in July, you can register for programs online using the fantastic new calendar on our website. If you haven’t checked out, visit the calendar at UrbanEcologyCenter.org and see how easy it is to search for programs. When you nd a program you like, click on its title and nd the registration button on the right side of the window, above the “add to calendar” button. Just click and register. Please call us at if you have any questions. We’ll still take registrations by phone, just call (414) 964-8505. Register online! Visit UrbanEcologyCenter.org

Permaculture Design Certification Course Join Rock Star Permaculturist, Mark Shepard and the Victory GRAND OPENING Garden Initiative Urban Permaculture Guild for our second annual Permaculture Design Certification Course. This course is the complete Saturday, September 8th | NOON - 4PM Bill Mollison Certification Course and is a professional certification It's time to celebrate! We are thrilled to be program. Topics include: Communities, Economies, Patterns, opening our branch in the Menomonee Design Methods, Trees, Water, Soils, Earthworks, Gardening/ Valley and we hope you are excited too! Farming, Built Environment, , Urban Applications. Come check out our new building, enjoy family friendly activities and more. Every day, Friday, August 17 WP 3700 W. PIERCE ST. MILWAUKEE, WI 53215 FREE public festival through Sunday, August 26 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For adults Sliding scale $600-$900 for the series 6th Annual Eat Go to VictoryGardenInitiative.org to register Local Resource Fair: Navigating the Local Food Network* High School Outdoor We want to help you eat more locally! Leader Presentation* At this resource fair you can meet and support local vendors — bakery, Get inspired as the High School Outdoor Leaders describe their cheese, meat, beverages and more. experience as interns at the Center and share their trip this summer! If you are interested in what our hard-working teenagers have Stay and have a local lunch, attend been up to this summer, please come and check this out! cooking demos, gather recipe ideas and tips for eating locally all year Tuesday, August 21 RP and more. Visit urbanecologycenter. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. org/eat-local-challenge for details. For adults and Saturday, August 25 RP accompanied children 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free - donations appreciated For everyone Free - donations appreciated

Please note: Urban Ecology Center Riverside Park branch will be closing at 5 p.m. and Washington Park branch will be closed on Monday, August 27 and Tuesday, August 28 for the Center’s annual staff retreat. The Center offers public programs at both Riverside & Washington Parks. Use the icons above to know at a glance the location of each program. Programs marked with an * are accessible for persons with physical disabilities. All others have limited to no accessibility. Please call 964-8505 at least two days before the program date if you have accessibilitiy needs. Scholarships are available for all fee-based programs. RP = Riverside Park WP = Washington Park 7

Family Pro grams

PowerDown Week The Bats of Food Fridays* Wrap-Up Festival* Washington Park Join our Young Scientists Club To close out Transition When the sun sets over in the planting and maintenance Milwaukee’s PowerDown week, Washington Park, conditions of our Learning Gardens, and come celebrate a potluck dinner become ripe for an aerial battle help us cook and enjoy tasty at the Washington Park Urban for mastery of the nighttime meals with the harvest! Ecology Center. Enjoy canoeing, skies. Insects emerge to feed, Every Friday birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and so do insect-eating bats. 4 - 6 p.m. bring an acoustic instrument Join us for a night-time bat WP or drum, and a dish of home- hike with our bat detector that For kids ages 7-12 cooked food to share. Event is helps us hear bats in real time. years old Monarch Larvae Free for Young Scientist Club Monitoring* free and open to the public. Wednesday, Sunday, July 15 members Join the ranks of Citizen August 15 (Nonmembers: $5 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Scientists by collecting data for WP WP suggested donation) the University of Minnesota’s For everyone For adults and Call to register, 964-8505 nationwide Monarch Larvae Free - donations appreciated accompanied children Monitoring Project. After a brief Free - donations appreciated Science Saturdays introduction to the miraculous life E.B. Garner and Sundays* cycle of the monarch butterfly (egg, Fishing Club Let’s Do Experiments: caterpillar, chrysalis and adult), you Science at Home Discover the world of science will comb the park for examples Interested in learning how to fish? through self-led interactive of all stages of the butterfly’s life. Join E.B. Garner as he teaches you Learn to do science experiments activities and crafts. The to cast, put on bait and take care using household items! We will summer theme is insects! Thursday, July 5 of your fishing poles. Fun for all! do experiments together at the 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. RP Wednesdays, Center and will give you handouts Drop in program For adults and July 18, August 1, with instructions so you can accompanied children continue the fun at home. Every Saturday, 15 & 29 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. RP Adults: $6 (Nonmembers: 4 - 7 p.m. WP Saturday, August 18 $9) Children: $4 For kids 7 and up 10:00 a.m. - noon RP (Nonmembers: $7) Free - donations appreciated For families Every Sunday Adults: $7 (Non- 1- 4 p.m. North American Family Orienteering members: $9) Children: For everyone Butterfly Count* Outing $4 (Non-member: $6) Free - donations appreciated Join us for a stroll through Before advanced computer Animal Feeding* Riverside or Washington Park technology brought us GPS and Young Scientists Club* to count and identify our Geocaching, people relied more Do you know a child who’s Help feed the Center’s resident resident butterflies. Every year heavily on maps and compasses to interested in science and nature? turtles, snakes and fish. the North American Butterfly find their way around. Join us for a From hiking to gardening to At Riverside and Association coordinates romp around Riverside Park as we volunteers across three countries helping with research to caring Washington Parks learn to use these relatively simple for our Center’s animals, every Every Saturday (USA, Canada and Mexico) to tools for exploring our world! census butterfly populations. day in the Young Scientists 1 p.m. RP No experience necessary. Saturday, July 21 Club is a new adventure. For everyone At Riverside and 10:30 a.m. - noon RP At Riverside Park Free - For families with Every Monday through donations Washington Parks WP Saturday, July 7 children 7 and up Thursday except appreciated 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. RP Adults:$6 (Nonmembers July 4 or adults and $9) Children: $4 4 - 5:30 p.m. RP accompanied (Nonmembers $7) For ages 5 through 12 $10 annual fee children Geocaching 101* Adults: $6 WP (Plus suggested daily (Nonmembers: $9) Geocaching is a high-tech treasure donation - $5) Children: $4 hunt in which participants seek Space is limited to 12 (Nonmembers: $7) hidden caches using geographic participants, please call coordinates and a handheld GPS ahead to register, 964-8505 unit. Come learn about how you Bluebird House or your family can get started Building At Washington Park in this unique and fun hobby. Every Tuesday Join our Young Scientists Club Monday, August 6 through Friday as we build and install houses for 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. RP our Washington Park bluebirds! except July 4 For everyone 4 - 6 p.m. WP Tuesdays, July 10, Adults: $6 (Nonmembers: and Every Saturday 17 & 24 WP $9), Children: $4 1 - 4 p.m. 5 - 6 p.m. (Nonmembers: $7) For kids ages 7-12 years old For all ages, children under 7 $10 annual membership must be accompanied by an Call to register, 964-8505 adult Free - donations appreciated 8 RP = Riverside Park WP = Washington Park

adult learning

Summer Food Programs at the Center

Beekeeping Basics- Introduction to Edible Gardening Cooking Circle: Three part series* Food Preservation* for Sustainability: Baking with Seasonal Three, 2-hour courses will give you Food preservation season is Soil Fertility* Fruits, Vegetables the foundation to start beekeeping upon us! This class will explain Join Victory Garden Initiative and Herbs* in a Top Bar Hive, from setup to preservation techniques with to learn about enhancing Are you interested in putting even installing the queen, placement, emphasis on hot-water-bath soil fertility by adding all more nutrient-rich foods into your inspections and harvesting. canning. The lecture and demo kinds of organic matter. diet? Try working (or sneaking) Course includes Phil Chandler’s will include handouts, recipes, them into dessert! In this hands- Barefoot Beekeeping. You are and helpful tips. This program Saturday, July 14 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. RP on class we’ll focus on sweet and required to take a test, attend a is a part of Power Down Week. savory goodies, breakfast bakery Beesentation and hands-on class Challenge yourself to use less For adults and herbal ice cream. Learn in spring to receive the Beepod energy and connect with others! $15 (Nonmembers: $18) natural alternatives to white sugar Certificate for Beekeeping. Tuesday, July 10 and gluten-free baking tips. We’ll Mondays, July 2, 9 & 16 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. RP Cooking Circle: enjoy these tasty treats at the end or Mondays, For adults and teens Vegetarian Entrees* of class. Bring an apron and a August 6, 13 & 20 RP Adults: $10 preregister, $15 at Local produce is plentiful - time container for possible leftovers. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. the door (Nonmembers: $15 to take advantage of the summer Monday, $85 (Nonmembers: $100) preregister, $18 at the door) abundance! In this class, we’ll August 20 For adults focus on vegetable-based main 6:00- 8:30 p.m. RP dishes but we’ll also discuss sides, For adults Fruit Fun salad and sandwich ideas. We’ll Beesentation: Bees and Join us at Washington Park with cook together and enjoy the fruits $20 (Nonmembers: $25) Beekeeping Revealed! * Transition West volunteers as we of our labor. Bring an apron and This is an introduction to bees expand our fruit orchard by sheet a container for possible leftovers. Food Preservation Class - Tomato Fest* and beekeeping. Discover mulching, weeding invasives, and Monday, July 16 who is inside the hive and planting out natives. This will be At the end of summer tomatoes are the first major step before planting 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. RP how man has managed bees For adults delicious and plentiful -- perfect for pollination and honey. more fruit trees later this summer. to put into jars as tomato sauce, Learn about food forests while $20 (Nonmembers: $25) tomato paste and whole tomatoes. Tuesdays, July 3, 17, actually helping to create one! August 7 & 21 This hands-on class includes Connect with like-minded folks Succession Planting materials, produce and handouts. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. RP searching for the same inspiration! and Growing Greens* Space is limited, register today! For adults Thursday, July 12 Take a more detailed look Tuesday, August 28 $10 (Nonmembers: $15) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at planting and harvesting WP 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. RP For adults greens throughout the season. For adults Free - donations appreciated Get your last fall in! $30 preregister, $35 at the Saturday, August 4 door (Nonmembers: $35 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. preregister, $40 at the door) $15 members WP (nonmembers: $18) Seed Saving Workshop* This fun workshop will Yoga Outdoors Basic Knife Skills* introduce you to the exciting If the thought of slicing and dicing world of seed saving by looking all those fresh local vegetables at several different plants and Yoga on the Tower Yoga in the Park prevents you from cooking from how to collect seeds from them. scratch, come and learn how to Learn the dynamics of seed Come practice your yoga close to Yoga and meditation teach “sharpen” your basic knife skills. production, pollination, timing, the sky! Certified instructor Lynn balance, flexibility and centered Trained chef Annie Wegner LeFort seed identification, cleaning and Jack will lead yoga sessions atop awareness in the midst of everyday will teach basic cutting techniques storing. We’ll start out with a visit our 40-foot observation tower. life. Yoga surrounded by the as well as discuss selection and care to the plants outside for a hands- Yoga on the tower allows you to natural beauty of Washington of knives for food preparation. Sign on collecting demonstration! tune-in to the sights and sounds of Park, as well as nature poetry up today to “hone” your skills. nature in Riverside Park and the and themes, will further serve Thursday, August 30 surrounding city as it awakens. to inspire stress relief and a Monday, August 13 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. RP RP Saturdays, July 7, 14 & 21 or rejuvenated spirit. Root to the 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. For adults earth and reach for the sky as we For adults $15 (Nonmembers: $20) Saturdays, do sun salutations to greet the August 4, 11 & 18 Adults: $10 summer day! Participants are (Nonmembers: $15) 8 - 9 a.m. RP asked to wear comfortable clothing For adults and bring a yoga mat, if able. $30 series (Nonmembers: Saturdays, July 28 & $45 series) August 25 10 - 11:15 a.m. Please note: Urban Ecology Center Riverside Park For adults WP branch will be closing at 5 p.m. and Washington Park $7 (Nonmembers: $10) branch will be closed on Monday, August 27 and Tuesday, August 28 for the Center’s annual staff retreat. Urban Ecology Center Programs (rp) = (rp) (wp) = Washington Park (wps) = WP Senior Center (bh) = Boathouse July 2012

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesda y Thursda y Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Drop in 1-4p 4p Young Scientist (rp) 9a Burdock Brigade (rp) All Urban E cology Center 8a Birdwalks (rp) 10a Forestry 8a Yoga on the Tower (rp) Science Sundays — 5:30p Kayaking 102 (rp) 2p Crew (rp) Locations Closed 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) Fridays (wp) 9a Park Ranger Crew (wp) Insects (rp) 6:30p Beekeeping (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 4p Young Scientist Club 1p Milwaukee River 9:30a Burdock Brigade (rp) 1p Water Safety (rp) (rp & wp) (rp & wp) Kayak Kletzsch to 8:30p DNR Frog & Toad Estabrook 10a Water Safety (wp) 2p Open Climb (rp) Survey (wp) 4p Open Climb (rp) 5p Monarch Larvae Drop in 10a-4p 2p Art Opening (rp) Monitoring (rp) Park (rp) 6:30p Ornithology (rp) 2p Forestry Science Saturdays— 6:30p Victory Garden 6p Water Safety (rp) Fridays (rp) Insects(rp) Initiative (rp) 6:30p Photo Club (rp) 3p Volunteer 11a Butterfly 6:30p Beesentations (rp) Orientation (rp) Count (rp & wp) 4p Food Fridays (wp) 1p Animal Feeding (rp & wp) 4p Young 1p Young Scientist (wp) Scientist (wp)

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Drop in 1-4p 4p Young Scientist (rp) 9a Burdock Brigade (rp) 8a Birdwalks (wp) 8a Birdwalks (rp) 10a Forestry 8a Yoga on the Tower (rp) Science Sundays — 6:30p Beekeeping (rp) 10a Vol. Orientation (rp) 2p Work Outside 10a Fruit Orchard Fridays (wp) 9a Park Ranger Crew (wp) Insects (rp) 7:30p New Urban 2p Tune-up Tuesdays (rp) Wednesdays (rp) Fun (wp) 1p Kinnickinnic River 9a Edible Gardening (rp) 1p Water Safety (rp) Friends (rp) 2p Compost Crew (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) Canoe (rp) 9a History of Milwaukee 2p Open Climb (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club (rp & wp) 4p Young Scientist Club 2p Forestry by Canoe (rp) (rp & wp) 5:30p River Rhythms (bh) (rp & wp) Fridays (rp) 9:30a Park Ranger Crew (rp) 4p Open Climb (rp) 6p Evening Bird 6p Water Safety (rp) 4p Food Fridays (wp) 10a Water Safety (wp) 5p Bluebird Houses (wp) Hike (wp) 7p Urban Echo Poets (rp) 4p Young Drop in 10a-4p 6p Friends of Real 7p Urban Stargazers (rp) Scientist (wp) Science Saturdays— 7p Under the Sun (rp) Food (rp) 7p Food Preservation (rp) Insects(rp) 7:30p Community Living 1p Animal Feeding (rp & wp) Options Group (rp) 1p Young Scientist (wp) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Drop in 1-4p 4p Young Scientist (rp) 9a Burdock Brigade (rp) 8a Birdwalks (wp) 8a Birdwalks (rp) 10a Forestry 8a Yoga on the Tower (rp) Science Sundays — 4p Macro Invertebrate 2p Compost Crew (rp) 2p Work Outside 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) Fridays (wp) 9a Park Ranger Crew (wp) Insects (rp) Mayhem (rp) 4p Open Climb (rp) Wednesdays (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 2p Menomonee 9:30a Burdock Brigade (rp) 1p Water Safety (rp) 6p Vegetarian 4p E.B. Garner Fishing (rp & wp) Valley Volunteer 4p Young Scientist Club Orientation (mv) 10a Water Safety (wp) 2p Open Climb (rp) Entrees (rp) (rp & wp) Club (wp) 6p Water Safety (rp) 10a Volunteer 5p PowerDown Week 6:30p Beekeeping (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 2p Forestry 5p Bluebird House 6:30p Vegetarian Fridays (rp) Orientation (wp) Wrap-Up Festival Building (wp) (rp & wp) Potluck (rp) 10a Composting (rp) (wp) 6:30p Beesentations (rp) 5:30p River Rhythms (bh) 4p Food Fridays (wp) 4p Young 10:30a Orienteering (rp) Scientist (wp) Drop in 10a-4p Science Saturdays— Insects(rp) 11a Compost 101 (wp) 1p Vermicomposting (rp) 1p Animal Feeding (rp & wp) 1p Young Scientist (wp) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Drop in 1-4p 4p Young Scientist (rp) 9a Burdock Brigade (rp) 8a Birdwalks (wp) 8a Birdwalks (rp) 10a Forestry 9a River Clean Up (bh) Science Sundays — 6p Hike Lincoln Park (rp) 2p Tune-up 2p Work Outside 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) Fridays (wp) 9a Park Ranger Crew (wp) Insects (rp) 6:30p Transition Tuesdays (rp) Wednesdays (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 2p Forestry 9:30a Park Ranger Crew (rp) 1p Water Safety (rp) Milwaukee (rp) 2p Compost Crew (rp) 3p Volunteer (rp & wp) Fridays (rp) 10a Yoga in the Park (wp) 2p Open Climb (rp) 4p Open Climb (rp) Orientation (rp) 6p Water Safety (rp) 4p Food Fridays (wp) 10a Water Safety (wp) 4p Young Scientist Club 4p Young Scientist Club 4p Young Drop in 10a-4p Science Sat.— (rp & wp) (rp & wp) Scientist (wp) Insects(rp) 5p Bluebird House 5:30p River Rhythms (bh) 11a Canoeing Basics (wp) Building (wp) 1p Animal Feeding (rp & wp) 6p River Hike (rp) 1p Young Scientist (wp) 29 30 31 Drop in 1-4p 10a Canoe Thiensville to 9a Burdock Brigade (rp) Science Sundays — Brown Deer Rd. (rp) 10a Canoe Thiensville to Insects (rp) 4p Young Scientist (rp) Brown Deer Rd. (wp) 1p Water Safety (rp) 2p Compost Crew (rp) 2p Open Climb (rp) 4p Open Climb (rp) 4p Young Scientist (rp & wp) Urban Ecology Center Programs (rp) = Riverside Park (wp) = Washington Park (wps) = WP Senior Center (bh) = Boathouse August 2012

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesda y Thursda y Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 8a Birdwalks (wp) 8a Birdwalks (rp) 10a Forestry 8a Yoga on the Tower (rp) 2p Work Outside 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) Fridays (wp) 9a Succession Wednesdays (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 2p Forestry Planting (wp) 4p E.B. Garner Fishing (rp & wp) Fridays (rp) 9a Park Ranger Crew (wp) Club (wp) 6p Kinnickinnic Hike (rp) 4p Food Fridays (wp) 9:30a Burdock Brigade (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 6p Water Safety (rp) 4p Young 10a Water Safety (wp) (rp & wp) 6:30p Photo Club (rp) Scientist (wp) Drop in 10a-4p 5:30p River Rhythms (bh) 4p Volunteer Science Saturdays— Orientation (wp) Insects (rp) 1p Animal Feeding (rp & wp) 1p Young Scientist (wp) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Drop in 1-4p 4p Young Scientist (rp) 9a Burdock Brigade (rp) 8a Birdwalks (wp) 8a Birdwalks (rp) 10a Forestry 8a Yoga on the Tower (rp) Science Sundays — 5:30p Geocaching 101 (rp) 2p Tune-up 2p Work Outside 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) Fridays (wp) 9a Park Ranger Crew (wp) Insects (rp) 6:30p Beekeeping (rp) Tuesdays (rp) Wednesdays (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 10a Volunteer 9:30a Park Ranger Crew (rp) 1p Water Safety (rp) 2p Compost Crew (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club (rp & wp) Orientation(rp) 10a Water Safety (wp) 2p Open Climb (rp) 4p Open Climb (rp) (rp & wp) 6p Water Safety (rp) 2p Forestry Drop in 10a-4p 4p Young Scientist Club 5:30p River Rhythms (bh) Fridays (rp) Science Saturdays— (rp & wp) 6p Friends of Real 4p Food Fridays (wp) Insects(rp) 6:30p Victory Garden Food (rp) 4p Young 11a Canoeing Basics (wp) Scientist (wp) Initiative (rp) 1p Animal Feeding (rp & wp) 6:30p Beesentations (rp) 1p Young Scientist (wp) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Drop in 1-4p 4p Young Scientist (rp) 9a Burdock Brigade (rp) 8a Birdwalks (wp) 8a Birdwalks (rp) 10a Forestry 8a Yoga on the Tower (rp) Science Sundays — 4p Macro Invertebrate 2p Compost Crew (rp) 2p Work Outside 1p History Canoe (bh) Fridays (wp) 8a Permaculture Design Insects (rp) Mayhem (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club Wednesdays (rp) 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) 8a Permaculture Certification (wp) 1p Water Safety (rp) 6p Basic Knife Skills (rp) (rp & wp) 4p E.B. Garner Fishing 4p Young Scientist Club Design 9a Park Ranger Crew (wp) 2p Open Climb (rp) 6:30p Beekeeping (rp) 7:30p Community Living Club (wp) (rp & wp) Certification (wp) 9:30a Burdock Brigade (rp) Options Group (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 2p Forestry 6p Water Safety (rp) Fridays (rp) 10a Water Safety (wp) (rp & wp) 6:30p Vegetarian 10a Volunteer 5:30p River Rhythms (bh) Potluck (rp) 4p Food Fridays (wp) Orientation (wp) 8p Bats (wp) 4p Young Scientist (wp) 10a Experiments (rp) Drop in 10a-4p Science Saturdays— Insects(rp) 1p Animal Feeding (rp & wp) 1p Young Scientist (wp) 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8a Permaculture Design 8a Permaculture Design 8a Permaculture Design 8a Permaculture Design 8a Permaculture Design 10a Forestry 8a Permaculture Design Certification (wp) Certification (wp) Certification (wp) Certification (wp) Certification (wp) Fridays (wp) Certification (wp) Drop in 1-4p 4p Young Scientist (rp) 9a Burdock Brigade (rp) 8a Birdwalks (wp) 8a Birdwalks (rp) 8a Permaculture 9a Park Ranger Crew (wp) Science Sundays — 6p Baking w/Fruits, 2p Tune-up 2p Work Outside 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) Design 9:30a Park Ranger Crew (rp) Insects (rp) Vegetables, Herbs (rp) Tuesdays (rp) Wednesdays (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club Certification (wp) 10a Water Safety (wp) 1p Water Safety (rp) 6:30p Beekeeping (rp) 2p Compost Crew (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club (rp & wp) 2p Forestry Fridays (rp) 10a Yoga in the Park (wp) 4p Young Scientist Club (rp & wp) 6p Water Safety (rp) Drop in 10a-4p Science Saturdays— (rp & wp) 4p Food Fridays (wp) Insects(rp) High School O utdoor Leader 4p Young Eat Local Resource F air 11a (rp) Presentation Scientist (wp) 6p (rp) 11a Canoeing Basics (wp) 6:30p Beesentations (rp) 1p Animal Feeding (rp & wp) 1p Young Scientist (wp) 26 27 28 29 30 31 Drop in 1-4p Riverside P ark branch closes Riverside P ark branch closes 8a Birdwalks (wp) 8a Birdwalks (rp) 10a Forestry Science Sundays — at 5p at 5p 2p Work Outside 9a Vol. Orientation (rp) Fridays (wp) Insects (rp) Washington P ark branch Washington P ark branch Wednesdays (rp) Noon River Connection 2p Forestry 1p Water Safety (rp) closed closed 4p E.B. Garner Fishing Volunteer Training (rp) Fridays (rp) 6:30p Tranistion 7p Tomato Fest (rp) Club (wp) 4p Burdock Brigade (wp) 4p Food Fridays (wp) Milwaukee (rp) 4p Young Scientist Club 4p Young Scientist Club 4p Young (rp & wp) (rp & wp) Scientist (wp) 5:30p Vol. Orientation (rp) 6p Water Safety (rp) 6p Seed Saving (rp) RP = Riverside Park WP = Washington Park 9

adult learning Continued

DNR Frog & Toad Survey Something New Under Evening Bird Hike At Home Compost 101* Come out for a late night of the Sun: Gas By early July, most of the birds Learn how to start a working froggin’ by ear and help add to the Control and Utilization are busy raising their first or compost pile in your backyard. Wisconsin DNR’s Citizen Scientist Technologies* second brood. We’ll learn We’ll cover the basics of run statewide database of frogs and Did you know that people can ways to tell the adults from the compost and different compost toads. Dress for the weather and convert sunlight, carbon dioxide young. Binoculars provided. techniques and applications. wear footwear that can get muddy. and water into fuels? Come Wednesday, July 11 Saturday, July 21 Monday, July 2 and learn about a cutting-edge 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. technology that creates a green WP WP For adults and p.m. For adults and energy source with the assistance accompanied children For adults WP accompanied children of nanomaterial catalysts. What are nanomaterial catalysts? Come Free - donations appreciated $10 (Nonmenbers $15) Free - donations appreciated find out! Speaker: Ying Li, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, UWM. Composting Vermicomposting Ornithology Workshop* Workshop* Workshop* Tuesday, July 10 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. RP Turn kitchen scraps and yard Turn your kitchen scraps into Please join us for a slideshow For adults waste into a nutrient-rich soil. gold for your garden! Learn how delving into the wonders of the Composting is beneficial to build a simple indoor worm bird world, followed by a dusk Members: $5 for your garden and reduces bin using common household bird walk. Binoculars provided. (Nonmembers: $10) household waste! Offered in items. Offered in partnership Tuesday, July 3 partnership with Keep Greater with Keep Greater Milwaukee Milwaukee Beautiful. Register Beautiful (KGMB). Register 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. RP on the KGMB website. on the KGMB website. For adults Members: $5 Saturday, July 21 Saturday, July 21 (Nonmembers: $10) 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. RP 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. RP For adults For adults $15 $15 Interest Groups Victory Garden Community Living Urban Echo Poets* Transition Milwaukee Initiative: Eat and Meet* Options Group- Our purpose is to observe and Become part of an international Join Victory Garden Initiative Milwaukee: Community experience nature, then to express movement to rebuild local for a monthly potluck and Building Night* these observations in poetry and resilience and self-reliance. In gathering of food-growing folks. Join us as we explore our essay. (No August meeting) August we welcome Riverwest Tuesdays, July 3 & personal and group expectations Thursday, July 12 Currents editor Jan Christianson August 7 for community life. In back to discuss what it takes to 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. RP create an Abundant Community. 6:30 - 8 p.m. RP partnership with the Riverwest For adults For adults, teens, and Investment Cooperative. Free - donations appreciated Monday, July 23 & accompanied children Tuesday, July 10 & August 27 Free - donations appreciated August 14 Urban Stargazers* 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. RP Call to register, 964-8505 For adults 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. RP Join us for fun, information and For adults if the skies are clear, stargazing. Free - donations appreciated Urban Ecology Free - donations appreciated (No August meeting) Center Photo Club Early Morning Friends of Real Food* Thursday, July 12 Birdwalks If you are an experienced 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. RP photographer or just beginning, Share a potluck dinner Interested bird watchers of join other photographers to For adults and join the enthusiastic, Free - donations appreciated all ability levels are invited explore nature in an artistic informative discussion. to explore bird life with us. light and develop new skills. . Binoculars available. Vegetarian Potluck* Thursdays, July 5 & July: SEED: Creating Jobs Every Wednesday August 2 Through Local . Bring a plate and fork along Bob Beezat, Board President of except July 4 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. RP with your meatless dish to share 8 a.m. Sustainable Edible Economic at our picnic-style meal. WP For adults, teens, and Development (SEED), will accompanied children discuss the successes and Thursdays, July 19 Free - donations appreciated challenges they face to create & August 16 Every Thursday Call to register, 964-8505 local agricultural product jobs. 6:30 - 8 p.m. RP 8 a.m. RP For adults For adults and teens New Urban Friends* August: Video Night! Watch the Free - donations appreciated latest and best short videos from Free - donations appreciated Come join us to learn about New the real food movement. Get ready (Nonmembers: $5 Urbanism and the movement for the Eat Local Challenge (the suggested donation) to create sustainable cities. 1st two weeks of September). Monday, July 9 Wednesdays, July 11 & Please note: Urban Ecology Center Riverside Park 7:30 - 9:00p.m. RP August 8 branch will be closing at 5 p.m. and Washington Park For adults 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. RP Free - donations appreciated branch will be closed on Monday, August 27 and For adults Tuesday, August 28 for the Center’s annual staff retreat. Free - donations appreciated 10 RP = Riverside Park WP = Washington Park

Urban Ad ventures

Kayaking 102 These programs are supported by the U.S. Ready to take your kayaking Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Milwaukee River skills to the next level? Join Urban Canoe - Thiensville Adventures staff on a kayaking Restoration Initiative, under Assistance Agreement to Brown Deer Rd. trip down the Milwaukee River. No. GL00E00651-0 and the Wisconsin DNR.) Join us as we paddle down this This trip will feature a few rural stretch of the Milwaukee rapids so be prepared to get wet. River. We will discover the Payment required at registration. plants and animals that inhabit Monday, July 2 this magnificent waterway. We 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. RP Macro Invertebrate Hike Lincoln Park will also discuss the current For adults Mayhem issues and projects that are $45 (Nonmember $50) Discover how a water park helping to improve the river. Did you know insects living in and dredging of the sloughs the river can tell us about water way have revitalized Lincoln Monday, July 30 Canoeing Basics quality? Don hip boots and join Park and explore little 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 Practice your canoeing technique us as we use kick nets to take a known areas of the park. p.m. RP on the still, quiet waters of the close look at macroinvertebrates. Monday, July 23 For adults and families Washington Park Lagoon. Mondays, July 16 & 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. RP $10 (Nonmember $15) All skill levels welcome August 13 RP For adults, teens, Saturdays, July 28, 4 - 6 p.m. and families August 11 & 25 For adults, teens, Free - donations appreciated 11 a.m. - noon and families (Nonmembers: $5 For adults and WP Free - donations accompanied children appreciated Milwaukee River Hike ages 5 and older (Nonmembers: $5) Learn about amazing projects in Adults: $6 (Nonmembers: $9) the stretch of river from Locust Children: $4 Milwaukee River Street to North Avenue that are (Nonmembers: $7) Kayak Kletzch to helping to improve the health Call to register, 964-8505 Estabrook Park of the Milwaukee River. Come explore this beautiful Tuesday, July 24 River Rhythms stretch of the Milwaukee 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. RP Paddle with us down the river River. We will discover and For adults, teens, from the Rowing Club Boathouse discuss current issues facing and families to River Rhythms in Pere the river as well as what we can Free - donations appreciated Marquette Park. River Rhythms do and what has been done. (Nonmembers: $5) is a free, fun music concert Friday, July 6 series. After we’ll paddle back. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. RP Milwaukee River Explore the Dress for the weather. Pack some For adults and families Clean up by Canoe Kinnickinnic River snacks or purchase some there. $10 (Nonmember $15) Explore the Milwaukee River Did you know that the July 11: Jeanna Salzer Trio while helping to make it a better Kinnickinnic River is home & The Crooked Keys History of Milwaukee place. We will paddle down to Great Blue Herons and by Canoe the river and collect garbage. beavers? Discover this hidden July 18: Madison County urban waterway. We will Look at the city’s history from Meet at the Rowing discuss several significant July 25: Milwaukee a different perspective! We Club Boathouse (1990 N. projects that have improved Battle of the Bands will paddle down the river Commerce St. Milwaukee). this local resource. comparing the current scenery Saturday, July 28 August 1: Madisalsa to pictures of the past. 9:00 a.m. - noon RP By Canoe August 8: Trapper Saturday, July 14 For adults, teens, Schoepp & The Shades RP Friday, July 13 9:00 a.m. - noon and families 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. RP For adults and families Free - donations appreciated For adults and families August 15: Skerryvore $10 (Nonmembers: $15) (Nonmembers $5) $10 (Nonmembers: $15) Meet at the Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N. On a hike Commerce St. Milwaukee) Thursday, August 2 Every Wednesday, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. RP July 11 - August 15 For adults, teens, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. RP and families For adults, teens, Free - donations and families appreciated $35 (Nonmember $40) (Nonmembers $5) RP = Riverside Park WP = Washington Park 11

U rban Volunteer Opp ortunities Adventures Volunteer Orientation River Connections Forestry Fridays Continued Want to spend more time Volunteer Training Help us improve the health of outside? Looking to work Want to help teach an exciting our forests in Riverside Park, the alongside ecologically-minded program in partnership with Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Milwaukee History people? Interested in sharing Arboretum and Washington Park. Canoe Trip Riveredge Nature Center? Come your gifts with the community? for an afternoon of learning how Every Friday Want to learn about Milwaukee’s Come find out how you can this program flows. Please bring 2 - 4 p.m. RP history in a unique fashion? contribute your time and talents lunch as we will eat on the way up. Join Urban Adventures to the Urban Ecology Center. Thursday, August 30 Coordinator Chad Thomack Every Friday Friday, July 6 Noon - 4:00 p.m. RP 10 a.m. - noon on a paddle through downtown 3 - 4:30 p.m. RP WP and explore some of Milwaukee’s For adults interesting history from the Tuesday, July 10 Free - donations appreciated For adults, families vantage point of the river. 10 - 11:30 a.m. and teens Meet at the Rowing Tune-up Tuesdays* Free - donations appreciated Wednesday, July 25 Do you enjoy fixing bikes, Club Boathouse (1990 N. 3 - 4:30 p.m. Commerce St. Milwaukee) tents, canoes and other types Park Ranger Crew Thursday, August 16 of equipment? Come join our Friday, August 10 mechanical repair crew. Join other volunteers and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. RP 10 - 11:30 a.m. walk through the park For adults and families Tuesdays, July 10, 24, picking up trash and noting $45 (Nonmember: $50) August 7 & 21 any maintenance needs. Thursday, August 30 2 - 4 p.m. RP 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Every 2nd, 4th & 5th Saturday Water Safety Course* For adults and teens of the month Free - donations appreciated Come take a 30 minute water Saturday, July 21 9:30 - 11 a.m. RP safety course to make sure you are 10 - 11:00 a.m. ready to get out on the water. This Compost Crew Every Saturday training, or training through one Come and help keep the 9 - 10 a.m. of our scheduled canoe/kayak trips, Friday, August 3 WP 4 - 5 p.m. Center’s compost systems For adults, families, is a requirement of the boat lending WP working full steam! and teens program. Registration required. Every Tuesday Free - donations appreciated Every Thursday Saturday, August 18 10 - 11:00 a.m. 2 - 4 p.m. RP 6 - 6:30 p.m. RP For adults and teens Free - donations appreciated Every Sunday For adults and teens Free - donations appreciated 1 - 1:30 p.m. Burdock Brigade Menomonee Help us restore our parks Every Saturday Valley Volunteer by removing exotic invasive 10 - 10:30 a.m. Orientation* plants and propagating and For adults WP planting native species. Attend this informational meeting Free - donations Every Thursday appreciated to find out how you can contribute WP your skills and time to get our 4 - 5:30 p.m. (Nonmembers: $5) new branch off to a great start. Art at UE C Membership required Menomonee Valley branch, Every Tuesday to borrow boats 9 - 11 a.m. RP Art Opening: 3700 W. Pierce Street Nature’s Moments Open Climb Friday, July 20 & Pulp Renderings 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. 1st & 3rd Saturday Unwind by climbing on our three of the month Meet the artists, enjoy story rock wall! All climbers must For adults Free - donations appreciated 9:30 - 11 a.m. refreshments & hear artists’ have a completed and signed reflections!Amber Shefchek’s waiver before climbing. No oil paintings are focused walk-ins. Must have a minimum Volunteer Teacher For adults, families, and teens Free - donations appreciated on plants and animals. The of six people registered so gather Orientation backgrounds are developed some friends and sign up! Do days of canoeing, studying through layers inspired by Work Outside places of her youth and the Every Sunday until birds, biking the Oak Leaf Trail Wednesdays August 12 and catching bugs with students vibrancy of nature’s colors. 2 - 3:30 p.m. appeal to you? Find out how you Green up your thumbs in our Don Urness began making can do this and more on field trips native nursery or while you keep paper from trash in the 1980s. Urness’s recycled paper pulp Every Tuesday until RP with neighborhood school groups the Center’s gardens looking by becoming one of our amazing great and welcoming to wildlife. projects reflect his interest in August 14 the environment and how volunteer teachers this school year! Every Wednesday 4 - 5:30 p.m. Must be available on weekdays. light affects nature and objects. except July 4 Artists speak at 3pm. For adults, teens Thursday, August 30 2 - 4 p.m. RP 9:00 a.m. - noon RP For adults, families Sunday, July 1 and children ages 6 and older 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. RP accompanied by an adult For adults and teens Free - donations appreciated Free - donations appreciated For adults and teens Adults: $10 (Nonmembers: Free - donations $12), Children: $8 appreciated (Nonmembers: $10) 12

A Record Breaking Teen Adventure Challenge!

Over 70 teens experienced an outdoor sports adventure they won’t forget. That’s the largest number of participants we’ve ever had! We also had a record breaking number of volunteers! Seventy-two folks helped the teens climb, canoe, bike, hike learn how to use a compass and develop teamwork skills they’ll use long after the day’s excitement is through. Congratulations to our winning team, El Puente High School!

We are grateful for title sponsor Johnson Controls and the organizations listed to the right for their support of this year’s Challenge.

Visit our Facebook page to see more photos of the Challenge. Want in on this? Contact Chad Thomack at cthomack@ urbanecologycenter.org and ask to be put on the Teen Adventure Challenge 2013 team info list.

Or contact Cassie Mordini at cmordini@ urbanecologycenter.org and ask to be put on the Teen Adventure Challenge 2013 sponsor info list.

Photo by Ana Maria Minter Photo by Becky Fitzgerald Becky by Photo 13

Thank You F rom th e Cen ter

The Urban Ecology Center receives a majority of its support from local foundations, corporations and individuals. This section of our newsletter is reserved to thank you and the many supporters of the Center. The names listed are those who made a contribution to the Urban Ecology Center in the two months since our previous newsletter. We thank all of you who have begun a new membership, renewed your membership, given a gift membership or made a donation to our mission. We work hard to recognize all our supporters accurately. Contact Cassie at 964-8505 or [email protected] if your name has not appeared as you expected.

Foundations / von Briesen & John & Julie Carpenter Susan Levine Carol Tishler Corporations/ Roper, S.C. Monique Charlier & Jill & Chris Maertz Carl & Nancy Trimble Organizations Walton Family Holly Blomquist Jeff McAvoy & Jill Kline Michael & Katie Utschig Ameriprise Financial Foundation, Inc. Bill Christofferson David McIntosh Greg & Ann Van Dunk Badger Meter Whyte Hirschboeck & Karin Borgh Rafael Menendez Andy & Lisa Vedder Foundation Dudek SC Jeanne Cohen Allen Miller Brad Vorpahl & Diane Berghammer Wisconsin Department Sarah Degroot Jim & Paula Moenning Arnold-Vorpahl Construction of Natural Resources Richard Donner Patricia & George Vincent Vukelich Corporation Wixon Greg & Dana Dorf Mueller & Sue Conwell Bon-Ton Stores Mary & Duane Dunsirn Rose Mary & Steven & Kristen Gifts in Jennifer & Alex Dye Dean Muller Weisman Brewers Community honor of… Foundation, Inc. Timothy & Margie Marian & Bill Nasgovitz Sandy Weisto Conservation Fund Else Ankel Edwards Mary O’Leary-Michalski Mary Beth Whalen Downtown Rotary - Francis Dettloff & Liz Ehlert & Stephen Michalski Teig & Lindsay Club of Milwaukee Jackie Reid Dettloff Robert W. Eisenbrown Judy Ordens & Whaley-Smith Foley & Lardner, LLP Kelly Mulvenna’s father & Ann Pieper Tom Ordens Tracy Wilkins Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. “Buddy” Katie Felten Tamara & Allan Pacada Rita Marie Wiskowski Gonzalez Saggio - Anne Channell George Gaulke John & Ellen Pecoul Joseph & Mary & Harlan LLP Erv Russell’s Birthday Dr. Lisa Geis & Dr. Diane Pellegrin Margene Woida Great Lakes Restoration - Scott Russell Kirstin Anglea Lydia Poehls Kay Wosewick Initiative Peter Goldberg Gail Povey Corey Zetts & Harley-Davidson Gifts in Russell Grabzyk & David Pritchard & Benji Timm memory of… Julie Ragland Kathy Rogers Motor Company In Kind Donors Jane Bradley Pettit Diane Gallert Deborah Granger Mr. Jan L. Pritzl Foundation, Inc. - Angie Zautner Ronald Gutschow Katharine & Nick Reilly Else Ankel Joy Global Irene Alberte Philip & Connie Gus & Joanne Ricca Dzidra Benish Kautz & McCann - Jeff & Terry Hardacre Mariana Rincon Vivian Corres Family Fund McClellan Leesly & Joan Hardy Katie Rittenhouse Lon Couillard Kohl’s Department Margarete & Kathleen Rivera Danni & Shel Stores, Inc. Individual David Harvey Judy Saichek Gendelman Koss Foundation, Inc. Donors Barb Heinen Kim Schlesinger Chris Hau & Sandra & James Jaskulski W.L. Seaman Medical College Louis & Mary Agnew Hillary Hau of Wisconsin Rebekah Johnson Dulcie & Scott Shoener Brian Hojak Shawn Alexander Gabriele Jung Margaret & Milwaukee Capital, Inc. Jasmine Alinder & Ben LaDuke & Jennifer Milwaukee Recreation Leslie & Wilanna Alexander Siebers Bertrand-LaDuke Aims McGuinness Kalkhof Scott Silet & Kate Lewis Nordic Ski Club Heidi Anders Jim Mattea Milwaukee Elynor & Paul Kimmel Katherine Smith Sharolyn Perry Anonymous Cindy Kluge & Marianne Soldavini PPG Industries Janine Arseneau Jane Porath & Dennis Foundation Michael Maierle & Gary Giombi Grzezinski Nancy Aten & Judith L. Knight Lisa Stukenberg Reader’s Digest Dan Collins Stephen & Barb Reinhart Boerner & Alan Rank Jeffrey Sweetland & Weinstein Mary Jo & Ed Baisch Thomas Krause Margaret Murphy Van Deuren S.C. Kevin Barry Bob & Lois Winans Rexnord Foundation Caroline Krider Sarah Thomas Michael Becker & & Paul Smith Robert W. Baird & Lai King Moy Co. Foundation Thomas & Mara Marsha Berenson Kuhlmann Robertson Ryan & Jamie Bilgo Associates, Inc. Sam Leichtling & Susan Blaustein Lindsey Tauber Rockwell Automation Jacqueline Boynton Thank Sandstone Foundation Ken & Shauna Leinbach & Peter McAvoy James & Judith Lewis Sara Lee Foundation Jeff & Laura Bray Socialtique, LLC Sally Lewis You Michael & Judy Jean Lindemann The PrivateBank N.A. Broderick U.S. Bancorp Foundation Lindsey Loberg Arthur & Anne Brooks Kevin Mackey & Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Milwaukee, WI. Permit Riverside Park No. 5190 1500 E. Park Place Milwaukee, WI 53211

GRAND OPENING Saturday, September 8th | NOON - 4PM It's time to celebrate! We are thrilled to be opening our branch in the Menomonee Valley and we hope you are excited too! Come check out our new building, enjoy family friendly activities and more.

3700 W. PIERCE ST. MILWAUKEE, WI 53215 FREE public festival

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