When looking at the world around us today, we might feel like we have no way of making a change big enough to matter. As a young college student, it’s hard to wrap my head around what I can do to help my community. But just like anything, taking the first small step matters more than you can imagine. I find that inspiration blossoms within myself and those around me through small acts of kindness and initiative. When we take one seemingly small step—like volunteering, supporting a neighbor, shopping locally, cleaning up a local park, donating to those in need, or simple acts of kindness—we set everlasting change in motion.

When Heather first started volunteering with the Wisconsin Night Guardians for Songbirds (WIngs), she was shocked to discover that window collisions are the second leading cause of death for songbirds in the U.S.—second only to cats. An estimated 1 billion birds are killed annually by collisions with buildings and other man-made structures across the United States.

Discovering your new favorite hobby might be right in your backyard

When you walk into the Urban Ecology Center at Washington Park, you’re greeted by color, movement, and story. The walls themselves have come alive. Two local artists, Tia Richardson and Mi Salgado, helped transform the space into a celebration of connection — to nature, to community, and to one another.

The story of how one change brought us closer to urban nature — and each other.

In 2009 eight year old Jamarquan was just a boy riding his bike through Washington Park when a staff member at the newly opened Urban Ecology Center, invited him to learn about decomposers. That simple invitation transformed his life.

Eco-Enthusiasts: Meet the People Behind the Urban Ecology Center 🌿 From education and research to volunteering and land management, the Urban Ecology Center is powered by an incredible team of individuals who are passionate about nature, community, and creating access to green spaces in Milwaukee. We’re excited to share the Eco-Enthusiasts on our staff with you! Let’s shine a light on the people who make our mission possible. Get to know their favorite places, values, and the moments in nature that shaped their journeys.

“Making friends was my favorite thing about summer camp,” Isaac shared enthusiastically about his time at the Urban Ecology Center.

The rebuild of the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park location officially began in the fall of 2023. And it reached it's cumulation January of 2025. Here's the story of UEC 's Washington Park branch remodel and re-opening!.

When José first came to the Urban Ecology Center, he was planting a tree in Riverside Park. Since that day, José has become a vital part of the UEC community, particularly through the ROOT (Restoring Our Outdoors Together) volunteer program, where he dedicates time to plant trees, restore green spaces, and support Milwaukee’s local habitats. Over the past year, José has planted more than 100 trees and nearly 500 plants, all while gaining new skills in environmental stewardship.