July

The Urban Ecology Center has two locations that provide public programming; our original location at Riverside Park (1500 E. Park Place) and our new branch at Washington Park (1859 N. 40th Street).

There are two icons to help you know at a glance the location of each program.

= Riverside Park = Washington Park

Other things to note:

= program is accessible for persons with physical disabilities. All others have limited to no accessibility. Call ahead if you have accessibilitiy needs.

= Urban Adventure. Advanced registration is required for all Urban Ecology Center Urban Adventures. Payment due at time of registration. Cancellation Policy: When payment is required in advance for a program, you may cancel up to 48 hours in advance without penalty. If the Center cancels a program for any reason, the payment will be refunded or can be used toward a future program. Call the Center at (414) 964-8505 to register at least two days before the trip. Trips run as scheduled rain or shine, at the discretion of the trip leader.

July 1

Branch Loop Tours

Tour the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park branch and future Menomonee Valley site.

9 a.m. - noon
For adults
Free - donations appreciated
Meet at Riverside Park location

WOW Mornings!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

9 a.m. - noon
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

WOW Afternoons!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

1 - 5 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Tour of Washington Park Branch

Join Washington Park Program Director Joey Zocher on a tour of our branch and Washington Park. Dress for the weather. Call ahead to confirm.

5 - 6 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Fishing with E.B. Garner

Enjoy a fun evening fishing in Washington Park. Learn fishing techniques and play fishing games. Dependent on the weather. Poles provided.

5 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

River Rhythms Canoe Trips

Paddle down the Milwaukee River to Pere Marquette Park and River Rhythms. Dress for the weather. Each week fills quickly. Sign-up early!
Visit www.westown.org/westown/river+rhythms/default1.asp for a list of performers.

Meet at Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N. Commerce St. 53211)
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Adults: $25 (Nonmembers - $30)
Children: $15 (Nonmembers - $20)
Call to register, 964-8505

Monarch Larvae Monitoring

After a brief introduction to the eggs, caterpillar, chrysalis and adult stages of the Monarch, the group will comb the park for examples of all stages of the butterfly’s life. Participants collect data for the University of Minnesota’s National Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project.

5:30 p.m.
For adults and accompanied children
$4 (Nonmembers - $7)
Call 964-8505 to register

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

7 - 7:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

July 2

Early Morning Birdwalks

Kick start your day with bird song. Everyone is invited to explore bird life with us. Binoculars available.

8 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Burdock Brigade

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in Washington Park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Papermaking

Join us as we learn the art of recycled papermaking to create beautiful gifts for our Center’s supporters.

4 - 6 p.m.
For anyone ages 12 & older
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Plant Monitoring

Come to Washington Park and learn about native and invasive plants in the park. This monitoring program will help us keep track of the progress we are making with our land steward efforts.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Beth’s Building Tour

Explore our green facility with Senior Director of Education and Strategic Planning, Beth Fetterley, and learn about the Center’s innovative building design and programming (tour leader substitution on occasion).

5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

Ornithology Workshop

These monthly workshops delve into the mysterious and wonderful world of birds, looking at current research and well-established topics. Presentation to be followed by a dusk birdwalk. Binoculars provided.

6:30 - 8 p.m.
For adults
$5 (Nonmembers - $10) Free for regular birding volunteers
Call 964-8505 to register

July 3

Riverside Gardens Tours

Come join the Center’s stewardship and native gardening experts to enjoy and learn about the gardens within Riverside Park. Learn how native plants are more hardy, require less water and provide habitat for our native birds, insects and mammals. Tour our rain gardens, sensory green roof garden, butterfly garden and more! Please dress for the weather.

9 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Clean Up Your Park

Do you enjoy clean parks? We do too, but they don’t clean up after themselves. Help us beautify our park and feel good doing it. Good exercise and having fun outdoors included.

4:30 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Water Quality Monitoring

Be a citizen scientist and help track the health of the 11 acre Washington Park lagoon. The data collected will give us a better understanding of this unique aquatic habitat.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

July 4

UEC Closed

July 5

Volunteer Orientations

Learn about the Center’s programs and how to get involved.

12:30 - 2 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Science Sundays: Bumbling Bees

Explore science through self-led interactive activities.

Drop-in program
12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Summer Running

Running is a great way to get outside, explore the community, stay in shape and to meet other people. Join us for leisurely runs along the river, the Oak Leaf Trail or beyond. It’s a great way to end the weekend!

4 - 5 p.m.
For teens and adults
Free-donations appreciated

July 6

Sustainable Building Exhibit Open Hours

Remodeling, adding on, or building new? Visit the Center’s Sustainable Building Exhibit for ideas to beautify your home while honoring the environment. This is a hands-on library of sample products. Resource person available during open hours.

4 - 7 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

July 7

Burdock Brigade

Have a direct impact on our natural world by helping increase the biodiversity within the outdoor classroom of Riverside Park. The Burdock Brigade engages in hands on restoration activities such as removing exotic invasive plant species and planting native species.

9 - 11 a.m.
For adults, teens and accompanied children
Free

Open Climbs on Tower Rock Climbing Wall

Build strength, balance and confidence by climbing on our three story rock wall! Harnesses and belayers provided. All climbers must have a completed and signed waiver before climbing, available at www.urbanecologycenter.org. Please call ahead to register, no walk-ins.

4 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $10 (Nonmembers - $15) per session
Children: $8 (Nonmembers - $12) per session
Call ahead to register, 964-8505, no walk-ins

Ephemeral Pond Study

Be a citizen scientist and help us verify our ephemeral ponds by collecting data on their characteristics. This information is used by the DNR in the Wisconsin Emphemeral Pond Project to help protect these unique habitats.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Children $2 (Nonmembers - $3)
Call to register, 964-8505

July 8

Stand Together Milwaukee

Collaborate with others to confront gun violence in and restore a sense of healthy community through collaborative action.

8:45 a.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated

Chat with Ken

Join our Executive Director, Ken Leinbach for coffee, tea and good conversation about anything environmental. Possible outdoor walk in the park. Call ahead to confirm.

9 - 10 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

WOW Mornings!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

9 a.m. - noon
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

WOW Afternoons!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

1 - 5 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Tour of Washington Park Branch

Join Washington Park Program Director Joey Zocher on a tour of our branch and Washington Park. Dress for the weather. Call ahead to confirm.

5 - 6 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Fishing with E.B. Garner

Enjoy a fun evening fishing in Washington Park. Learn fishing techniques and play fishing games. Dependent on the weather. Poles provided.

5 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

River Rhythms Canoe Trips

Paddle down the Milwaukee River to Pere Marquette Park and River Rhythms. Dress for the weather. Each week fills quickly. Sign-up early!
Visit www.westown.org/westown/river+rhythms/default1.asp for a list of performers.

Meet at Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N. Commerce St. 53211)
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Adults: $25 (Nonmembers - $30)
Children: $15 (Nonmembers - $20)
Call to register, 964-8505

Friends of Real Food: Victory Gardens in Milwaukee

Share a potluck dinner and join the enthusiastic, informative discussion. Victory Gardens contributed to our country’s success through depression and war. Today’s are fighting for a different cause. Come find out why Victory Gardening is so important and how you can get involved.

6 - 8:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free-donations appreciated
Call 964-8505 to register

Frogs of Washington Park

Do you like frogs and learning about their neat adaptations? Then hop on over to Washington Park and learn about our slippery neighbors that live here in the lagoon.

7 - 8 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $5 (Nonmembers - $7)
Children: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Call 964-8505 to register

July 9

Early Morning Birdwalks

Kick start your day with bird song. Everyone is invited to explore bird life with us. Binoculars available.

8 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Burdock Brigade

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in Washington Park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Papermaking

Join us as we learn the art of recycled papermaking to create beautiful gifts for our Center’s supporters.

4 - 6 p.m.
For anyone ages 12 & older
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Beth’s Building Tour

Explore our green facility with Senior Director of Education and Strategic Planning, Beth Fetterley, and learn about the Center’s innovative building design and programming (tour leader substitution on occasion).

5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

UEC Photo Club

Explore nature in an artistic light and develop new skills.

6:30 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated

Urban Echo Poets

Our purpose is to observe and experience nature, then to express these observations in poetry and essay. We will read and write and appreciate poetry with images from nature at its core.

7 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated

Urban Stargazers

Join us for fun, information and stargazing.

7 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated

July 10

Clean Up Your Park

Do you enjoy clean parks? We do too, but they don’t clean up after themselves. Help us beautify our park and feel good doing it. Good exercise and having fun outdoors included.

4:30 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Water Quality Monitoring

Be a citizen scientist and help track the health of the 11 acre Washington Park lagoon. The data collected will give us a better understanding of this unique aquatic habitat.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

A Sense of Wonder: Film Screening

A Sense of Wonder depicts pioneering environmentalist Rachel Carson in the final year of her life as she battles cancer and the chemical industry in the wake of publishing Silent Spring. Join us for a special free screening, followed by a Q&A with Wonder’s acclaimed star and writer Kaiulani Lee.

6:30 - 8 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated
Call 964-8505 to register

DNR Frog & Toad Survey

Come out for a late night of auditory froggin’ and help add to the Wisconsin DNR’s statewide database of frogs and toads run by citizen scientists. Dress for the weather and wear footwear that can get muddy. We will cover western and southern Milwaukee County. Call Tim Vargo, x116, for details.

8:15 p.m. - 12:15 a.m.
For adults and accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated (Nonmembers - $5)
Call 964-8505 to register

July 11

Wellspring Farm Tour

Join us for a tour of Wellspring Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture farm that produces organic produce and provides educational opportunities. Wellspring is also a retreat and conference center, a bed and breakfast and an international hostel. Bring a bag lunch.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
For adults and kids accompanied by an adult
Adults: $7 (Nonmembers - $10)
Children: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Registration required by July 10, call 964-8505

Park Ranger Crew

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in the park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

9 - 10:30 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Park Ranger Crew

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in the park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

9 a.m. - noon
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Science Saturdays: Bumbling Bees

Explore science through self-led interactive activities.

Drop-in program
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Volunteer Orientations

Learn about the Center’s programs and how to get involved.

10 - 10:30 a.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

10 - 10:30 a.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

Teen Book Club

Teens, come join us on a spiritual journey! The Teen Book Club is a new group at the Center that will get together to read some environmental teen fiction and non-fiction. Our first book will be Dogsong by Gary Paulsen, which participants should read by the first meeting. Once the group is assembled, we can choose the subsequent books for the upcoming meetings.

11 a.m. - noon
For teens
Free- donations appreciated

Riverside Park Butterfly Count

Every year the North American Butterfly Association coordinates volunteers across three countries (USA, Canada and Mexico) to census butterfly populations. Join us for a stroll through Riverside Park to count & identify our resident butterflies. No experience is necessary.

11 a.m.
For adults and accompanied children
$3
Call to register, 964-8505

Burdock Brigade

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in Washington Park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

12:30 - 2 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Animal Feeding

Come to either location to help feed the Center’s resident turtles, snakes and fish as you learn about the animals that inhabit Riverside and Washington Parks.

1 - 2 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Tree ID Hike

Come on a hike around the park to learn about the diverse tree species that Fredrick Law Olmsted planted here over one hundred years ago.

2 - 3:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Children: $2 (Nonmembers - $3)
Call to register, 964-8505

July 12

Science Sundays: Bumbling Bees

Explore science through self-led interactive activities.

Drop-in program
12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Open Climbs on Tower Rock Climbing Wall

Build strength, balance and confidence by climbing on our three story rock wall! Harnesses and belayers provided. All climbers must have a completed and signed waiver before climbing, available at www.urbanecologycenter.org. Please call ahead to register, no walk-ins.

2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $10 (Nonmembers - $15) per session
Children: $8 (Nonmembers - $12) per session
Call ahead to register, 964-8505, no walk-ins

July 13

Sustainable Building Exhibit Open Hours

Remodeling, adding on, or building new? Visit the Center’s Sustainable Building Exhibit for ideas to beautify your home while honoring the environment. This is a hands-on library of sample products. Resource person available during open hours.

4 - 7 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

July 14

Burdock Brigade

Have a direct impact on our natural world by helping increase the biodiversity within the outdoor classroom of Riverside Park. The Burdock Brigade engages in hands on restoration activities such as removing exotic invasive plant species and planting native species.

9 - 11 a.m.
For adults, teens and accompanied children
Free

Open Climbs on Tower Rock Climbing Wall

Build strength, balance and confidence by climbing on our three story rock wall! Harnesses and belayers provided. All climbers must have a completed and signed waiver before climbing, available at www.urbanecologycenter.org. Please call ahead to register, no walk-ins.

4 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $10 (Nonmembers - $15) per session
Children: $8 (Nonmembers - $12) per session
Call ahead to register, 964-8505, no walk-ins

Nest Watch

Help us partner with the Cornell University’s citizen science program by making observations of nesting birds in Washington Park. Dress for the weather!!!

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Children: $2 (Nonmembers - $3)
Call to register, 964-8505

Pioneering Citizen Scientists: The Peckhams

George and Elizabeth Peckham were world-renowned arachnologists living and working in Milwaukee over a century ago. Their achievements created a legacy of continuing value from which scientists and citizens still benefit.

Speaker:
Joan Jass, Curator of Non-insect Invertebrates, Milwaukee Public Museum Tuesday, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated (Nonmembers - $5)
Call 964-8505 to register

July 15

Ken’s Building Tours

Explore our green facility with Executive Director, Ken Leinbach (staff substitution on occasion).

9 - 10 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

WOW Mornings!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

9 a.m. - noon
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

WOW Afternoons!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

1 - 5 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Tour of Washington Park Branch

Join Washington Park Program Director Joey Zocher on a tour of our branch and Washington Park. Dress for the weather. Call ahead to confirm.

5 - 6 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Fishing with E.B. Garner

Enjoy a fun evening fishing in Washington Park. Learn fishing techniques and play fishing games. Dependent on the weather. Poles provided.

5 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Chi-Gung

Translated as “energy work” or “breath work”, Chi-gung has been practiced for thousands of years as a way of enhancing health and mental awareness, balancing emotions and calming the mind. Join us as we investigate a sampling of several different breath and movement offerings including Chi-gung and T’ai Chi. All physical levels of fitness welcome. Comfortable clothes and a desire to experience a new you is a must!

5:30 - 7 p.m.
For adults
$10 per session (Nonmembers - $12 per session)
Call 964-8505 to register

River Rhythms Canoe Trips

Paddle down the Milwaukee River to Pere Marquette Park and River Rhythms. Dress for the weather. Each week fills quickly. Sign-up early!
Visit www.westown.org/westown/river+rhythms/default1.asp for a list of performers.

Meet at Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N. Commerce St. 53211)
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Adults: $25 (Nonmembers - $30)
Children: $15 (Nonmembers - $20)
Call to register, 964-8505

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

7 - 7:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

July 16

Early Morning Birdwalks

Kick start your day with bird song. Everyone is invited to explore bird life with us. Binoculars available.

8 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Papermaking

Join us as we learn the art of recycled papermaking to create beautiful gifts for our Center’s supporters.

4 - 6 p.m.
For anyone ages 12 & older
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Burdock Brigade

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in Washington Park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Plant Monitoring

Come to Washington Park and learn about native and invasive plants in the park. This monitoring program will help us keep track of the progress we are making with our land steward efforts.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Beth’s Building Tour

Explore our green facility with Senior Director of Education and Strategic Planning, Beth Fetterley, and learn about the Center’s innovative building design and programming (tour leader substitution on occasion).

5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

Vegetarian Potluck

Bring a plate and fork along with your meatless dish to share at our picnic style meal.

6:30 - 8 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

July 17

Riverside Gardens Tours

Come join the Center’s stewardship and native gardening experts to enjoy and learn about the gardens within Riverside Park. Learn how native plants are more hardy, require less water and provide habitat for our native birds, insects and mammals. Tour our rain gardens, sensory green roof garden, butterfly garden and more! Please dress for the weather.

9 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Clean Up Your Park

Do you enjoy clean parks? We do too, but they don’t clean up after themselves. Help us beautify our park and feel good doing it. Good exercise and having fun outdoors included.

4:30 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Water Quality Monitoring

Be a citizen scientist and help track the health of the 11 acre Washington Park lagoon. The data collected will give us a better understanding of this unique aquatic habitat.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

July 18

Science Saturdays: Bumbling Bees

Explore science through self-led interactive activities.

Drop-in program
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Burdock Brigade

Have a direct impact on our natural world by helping increase the biodiversity within the outdoor classroom of Riverside Park. The Burdock Brigade engages in hands on restoration activities such as removing exotic invasive plant species and planting native species.

9 - 10:30 a.m.
For adults, teens and accompanied children
Free

Park Ranger Crew

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in the park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

9 a.m. - noon
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Canoeing at Washington Park

Do you want to cool off on a hot summer day? Canoe with us at the Washington Park lagoon. Be prepared to get wet playing fun water games! Meet either at 9:30 at the Riverside Park location for a ride to the park or at the Washington Park location at 10. Space is limited!

10 a.m. - noon
For teens
$3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Call to register, 964-8505
Teens must have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian to particpate. Download a permission form at www.urbanecologycenter.org/permission or ask for a form from our receptionist.

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

10 - 10:30 a.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

Burdock Brigade

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in Washington Park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

12:30 - 2 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Animal Feeding

Come to either location to help feed the Center’s resident turtles, snakes and fish as you learn about the animals that inhabit Riverside and Washington Parks.

1 - 2 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Canoeing Basics

Learn the basics of canoe instruction from our lifeguard certified staff. Registration required.

2 - 4 p.m.
For everyone
Adult: $5 (Nonmembers - $7)
Children: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Registration required, call 964-8505

July 19

Science Sundays: Bumbling Bees

Explore science through self-led interactive activities.

Drop-in program
12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

International Family Dancing

Travel around the world with dance instructor Elaina Qurehi— all you need are your feet and a good imagination! We will explore the rhythms of Africa, Bolivia, France, Mexico, Israel and many more countries. No passport needed. Are you ready for the adventure??

1 - 3 p.m.
For families with children ages 4 and older
$10/family or $3/person (Nonmembers - $12/family or $3/person)
Call to register, 964-8505

Art at UEC Reflections –Wet and Wild

Sue Haislmaier’s watercolors are inspired by looking closely at native plants, natural settings and how light plays on an object, giving you an intimate encounter with objects seen many times but not experienced fully. Jan Montgomery’s photographs focus on the aesthetic aspect of water around the world. While we enjoy clean, safe water, over one in six people in the world don’t have that same right. She hopes you will reflect on the care we must exercise if this gift of clean water is to endure. Artists will speak at 3 p.m.. Refreshments provided.

2 - 4 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated
Call 964-8505 to register
Show runs through late September

Open Climbs on Tower Rock Climbing Wall

Build strength, balance and confidence by climbing on our three story rock wall! Harnesses and belayers provided. All climbers must have a completed and signed waiver before climbing, available at www.urbanecologycenter.org. Please call ahead to register, no walk-ins.

2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $10 (Nonmembers - $15) per session
Children: $8 (Nonmembers - $12) per session
Call ahead to register, 964-8505, no walk-ins

Summer Running

Running is a great way to get outside, explore the community, stay in shape and to meet other people. Join us for leisurely runs along the river, the Oak Leaf Trail or beyond. It’s a great way to end the weekend!

4 - 5 p.m.
For teens and adults
Free-donations appreciated

July 20

Sustainable Building Exhibit Open Hours

Remodeling, adding on, or building new? Visit the Center’s Sustainable Building Exhibit for ideas to beautify your home while honoring the environment. This is a hands-on library of sample products. Resource person available during open hours.

4 - 7 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

July 21

Burdock Brigade

Have a direct impact on our natural world by helping increase the biodiversity within the outdoor classroom of Riverside Park. The Burdock Brigade engages in hands on restoration activities such as removing exotic invasive plant species and planting native species.

9 - 11 a.m.
For adults, teens and accompanied children
Free

Open Climbs on Tower Rock Climbing Wall

Build strength, balance and confidence by climbing on our three story rock wall! Harnesses and belayers provided. All climbers must have a completed and signed waiver before climbing, available at www.urbanecologycenter.org. Please call ahead to register, no walk-ins.

4 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $10 (Nonmembers - $15) per session
Children: $8 (Nonmembers - $12) per session
Call ahead to register, 964-8505, no walk-ins

Kayaking 101

Come learn the basics of kayaking. We ‘ll start on land and then get out on the river. Bring a water bottle and a snack or dinner. Come prepared to get wet!

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
For adults and children ages 13 and older
Adults: $20 Nonmembers - $25)
Children: $15 (Nonmembers - $20)
Meet at Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N. Commerce St.)
Call to register, 964-8505

Ephemeral Pond Study

Be a citizen scientist and help us verify our ephemeral ponds by collecting data on their characteristics. This information is used by the DNR in the Wisconsin Emphemeral Pond Project to help protect these unique habitats.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Children $2 (Nonmembers - $3)
Call to register, 964-8505

Summer Cooking - Summer Salads

Elizabeth Crawford brings to her classes 20 years of professional cooking experience, as well as a deep desire to help people become more confident cooks.

Learn how to create summer salads using organic grains, seasonal herbs and vegetables, artisinal oils and vinegars, nuts and seeds. Food will be prepared and sampled during each class.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
For adults
$30 (Nonmembers - $35)
Registration required one week before class, call 964-8505

Paths to a Sustainable Future:
Sweet Water Organics/Urban Aquaculture Center

We strive to increase self-reliance to address the global crises of climate change and the decline of fossil fuels. Sweet Water Organics/Urban Aquaculture Center is poised to be the city’s first large scale commercial and educational sustainable aquaculture center. Partner James Godsil will describe the history, process and progress of the project. Tour TBD.

6:30 - 8 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated (Nonmembers - $5)
Childcare available: $4 (Nonmembers - $6)
Call 964-8505 to register

July 22

Chat with Ken

Join our Executive Director, Ken Leinbach for coffee, tea and good conversation about anything environmental. Possible outdoor walk in the park. Call ahead to confirm.

9 - 10 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

WOW Mornings!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

9 a.m. - noon
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

WOW Afternoons!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

1 - 5 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Can You Canoe?

Join the Sierra Club for an evening out on the water learning the ins and outs of canoe instruction.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Tour of Washington Park Branch

Join Washington Park Program Director Joey Zocher on a tour of our branch and Washington Park. Dress for the weather. Call ahead to confirm.

5 - 6 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Fishing with E.B. Garner

Enjoy a fun evening fishing in Washington Park. Learn fishing techniques and play fishing games. Dependent on the weather. Poles provided.

5 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

River Rhythms Canoe Trips

Paddle down the Milwaukee River to Pere Marquette Park and River Rhythms. Dress for the weather. Each week fills quickly. Sign-up early!
Visit www.westown.org/westown/river+rhythms/default1.asp for a list of performers.

Meet at Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N. Commerce St. 53211)
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Adults: $25 (Nonmembers - $30)
Children: $15 (Nonmembers - $20)
Call to register, 964-8505

July 23

Early Morning Birdwalks

Kick start your day with bird song. Everyone is invited to explore bird life with us. Binoculars available.

8 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Papermaking

Join us as we learn the art of recycled papermaking to create beautiful gifts for our Center’s supporters.

4 - 6 p.m.
For anyone ages 12 & older
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Burdock Brigade

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in Washington Park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Beth’s Building Tour

Explore our green facility with Senior Director of Education and Strategic Planning, Beth Fetterley, and learn about the Center’s innovative building design and programming (tour leader substitution on occasion).

5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

Volunteer Orientation

Learn about the Center’s programs and how to get involved.

6:30 - 8 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Darwin Lives in our Homes:
Natural Selection, Insects and Our Household Ecosystem

You don’t have to go out into a rainforest to see natural selection at work – you just need to step into your backyard or take a look in your basement. Learn about the fascinating world of urban insects and how all of us drive their evolution.

Speaker: Ted Snyder, entomologist
7 - 8:30 p.m.
For adults and accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated (Nonmembers - $5)
Call 964-8505 to register

July 24

Clean Up Your Park

Do you enjoy clean parks? We do too, but they don’t clean up after themselves. Help us beautify our park and feel good doing it. Good exercise and having fun outdoors included.

4:30 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Water Quality Monitoring

Be a citizen scientist and help track the health of the 11 acre Washington Park lagoon. The data collected will give us a better understanding of this unique aquatic habitat.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

July 25

Park Ranger Crew

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in the park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

9 - 10:30 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Park Ranger Crew

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in the park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

9 a.m. - noon
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Science Saturdays: Bumbling Bees

Explore science through self-led interactive activities.

Drop-in program
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Volunteer Orientations

Learn about the Center’s programs and how to get involved.

10 - 10:30 a.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

10 - 10:30 a.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

Book Club

Our Book Club meets once a month to discuss an environmentally themed book. Newcomers and ongoing participants are invited to come enjoy the conversation and refreshments.

This month's book is Biomimicry by Janine Benyus

10 - 11 a.m.
For adults
Free-donations appreciated

Teen Book Club

Teens, come join us on a spiritual journey! The Teen Book Club is a new group at the Center that will get together to read some environmental teen fiction and non-fiction. Our first book will be Dogsong by Gary Paulsen, which participants should read by the first meeting. Once the group is assembled, we can choose the subsequent books for the upcoming meetings.

11 a.m. - noon
For teens
Free- donations appreciated

Burdock Brigade

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in Washington Park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

12:30 - 2 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Animal Feeding

Come to either location to help feed the Center’s resident turtles, snakes and fish as you learn about the animals that inhabit Riverside and Washington Parks.

1 - 2 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Tree ID Hike

Come on a hike around the park to learn about the diverse tree species that Fredrick Law Olmsted planted here over one hundred years ago.

2 - 3:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Children: $2 (Nonmembers - $3)
Call to register, 964-8505

July 26

Science Sundays: Bumbling Bees

Explore science through self-led interactive activities.

Drop-in program
12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

International Family Dancing

Travel around the world with dance instructor Elaina Qurehi— all you need are your feet and a good imagination! We will explore the rhythms of Africa, Bolivia, France, Mexico, Israel and many more countries. No passport needed. Are you ready for the adventure??

1 - 3 p.m.
For families with children ages 4 and older
$10/family or $3/person (Nonmembers - $12/family or $3/person)
Call to register, 964-8505

Open Climbs on Tower Rock Climbing Wall

Build strength, balance and confidence by climbing on our three story rock wall! Harnesses and belayers provided. All climbers must have a completed and signed waiver before climbing, available at www.urbanecologycenter.org. Please call ahead to register, no walk-ins.

2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $10 (Nonmembers - $15) per session
Children: $8 (Nonmembers - $12) per session
Call ahead to register, 964-8505, no walk-ins

Knitting Circle

If you are new to knitting or an experienced knitter, please join us for coffee, good conversation, and knitting.

3 - 5 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

July 27

Sustainable Building Exhibit Open Hours

Remodeling, adding on, or building new? Visit the Center’s Sustainable Building Exhibit for ideas to beautify your home while honoring the environment. This is a hands-on library of sample products. Resource person available during open hours.

4 - 7 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Sprouting Theology:
The Growing Relationship Between Food and Religion

As Jordan finished his degree in religious studies and went to work on an urban farm, he couldn’t help but ask himself how his two fascinations, religion and food, were related. What can food teach us about religion and what can our religious beliefs teach us about food? As it turns out, farms and churches have a lot to lend each other.

Speaker:
Jordan Wesley Stone, Program Assistant and Urban Farmer, Growing Power, Inc.
7:30 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations appreciated
Call 964-8505 to register

July 28

Burdock Brigade

Have a direct impact on our natural world by helping increase the biodiversity within the outdoor classroom of Riverside Park. The Burdock Brigade engages in hands on restoration activities such as removing exotic invasive plant species and planting native species.

9 - 11 a.m.
For adults, teens and accompanied children
Free

Open Climbs on Tower Rock Climbing Wall

Build strength, balance and confidence by climbing on our three story rock wall! Harnesses and belayers provided. All climbers must have a completed and signed waiver before climbing, available at www.urbanecologycenter.org. Please call ahead to register, no walk-ins.

4 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $10 (Nonmembers - $15) per session
Children: $8 (Nonmembers - $12) per session
Call ahead to register, 964-8505, no walk-ins

Nest Watch

Help us partner with the Cornell University’s citizen science program by making observations of nesting birds in Washington Park. Dress for the weather!!!

5:30-6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Children: $2 (Nonmembers - $3)
Call to register, 964-8505

July 29

WOW Mornings!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

9 a.m. - noon
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

WOW Afternoons!

Do you enjoy gardening, landscaping, native plants or just being outside? Then come to WOW, Work Outside Wednesdays. Get to know perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees indigenous to southeast Wisconsin while helping us to maintain and establish native plantings and care for our small native plant nursery.

1 - 5 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Tour of Washington Park Branch

Join Washington Park Program Director Joey Zocher on a tour of our branch and Washington Park. Dress for the weather. Call ahead to confirm.

5 - 6 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Fishing with E.B. Garner

Enjoy a fun evening fishing in Washington Park. Learn fishing techniques and play fishing games. Dependent on the weather. Poles provided.

5 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

River Rhythms Canoe Trips

Paddle down the Milwaukee River to Pere Marquette Park and River Rhythms. Dress for the weather. Each week fills quickly. Sign-up early!
Visit www.westown.org/westown/river+rhythms/default1.asp for a list of performers.

Meet at Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N. Commerce St. 53211)
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Adults: $25 (Nonmembers - $30)
Children: $15 (Nonmembers - $20)
Call to register, 964-8505

Ephemeral Pond ID

Come learn about the unique habitats that amphibians and reptiles depend on for their survival. We will be outside collecting data on our two potential ephemeral ponds, so dress for the weather.

7 - 8 p.m.
For everyone
Adults: $5 (Nonmembers - $7)
Children: $3 (Nonmembers - $5)
Call 964-8505 to register

July 30

Early Morning Birdwalks

Kick start your day with bird song. Everyone is invited to explore bird life with us. Binoculars available.

8 a.m.
For adults & accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Papermaking

Join us as we learn the art of recycled papermaking to create beautiful gifts for our Center’s supporters.

4 - 6 p.m.
For anyone ages 12 & older
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Burdock Brigade

Help with small and large projects around the Center and in Washington Park. Individuals and small groups, everyone is welcome.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated
Call to register, 964-8505

Plant Monitoring

Come to Washington Park and learn about native and invasive plants in the park. This monitoring program will help us keep track of the progress we are making with our land steward efforts.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Beth’s Building Tour

Explore our green facility with Senior Director of Education and Strategic Planning, Beth Fetterley, and learn about the Center’s innovative building design and programming (tour leader substitution on occasion).

5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
For adults
Free - donations welcome
Call to register, 964-8505

Water Safety Course for Boat Lending Program

Interested in borrowing our canoes? Come take a 30-minute water safety course to make sure you are ready to get out on the water. If you passed this course last year you do not have to retake it this year. This is a requirement of the canoe/kayak lending program.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free donations appreciated
Registration required, call 964-8505

July 31

Clean Up Your Park

Do you enjoy clean parks? We do too, but they don’t clean up after themselves. Help us beautify our park and feel good doing it. Good exercise and having fun outdoors included.

4:30 - 6 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated

Water Quality Monitoring

Be a citizen scientist and help track the health of the 11 acre Washington Park lagoon. The data collected will give us a better understanding of this unique aquatic habitat.

6 - 6:30 p.m.
For everyone
Free - donations appreciated