Media Kit
Thank you for your interest in the Urban Ecology Center!
From education to ecology to urban living, the Urban Ecology Center can be the starting point for your next story.
Contact Jeff McAvoy, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at jmcavoy@urbanecologycenter.org for any comments or interview requests.
Current Special Projects
The Riverland Development - Prairie Springs on Park
The Urban Ecology Center’s Riverland Development weaves buildings and the environment into a holistic experience, highlighting the intersection of the natural and built environment to support our community.
The Riverland location will provide a unique, eco-friendly event hall called Prairie Springs on Park, an engaging environment for the community to enjoy greenspace and support our growing program and operational needs. This inviting property will be a destination for neighbors near and far to connect to each other and to nature.
Prairie Springs on Park will change the landscape of Milwaukee event spaces by creating a stunning eco-friendly setting for any special event that marries urban elegance with the enchantment of the natural world.
Located 3 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, you can still find the buzz of the native prairie plants, trees of a future savanna and lushness of an urban forest. Our lovingly restored historic building is the perfect setting for any memorable moment - from weddings and life events to corporate conferences and retreats to fundraising galas and much more.
Prairie Springs on Park Opening in Spring 2025
This awe-inspiring venue is a beautiful way to honor the natural world and the community around you. The revenue generated from events at Prairie Springs on Park support the Urban Ecology Center’s mission to connect people in cities to nature and each other.
Learn MoreWashington Park Renovations
Imagine the Washington Park neighborhood being a place where every urban child can explore the natural world every day of every season of every year of their life. With a full heart and an abundance of enthusiasm, we are excited to announce that the rebuild of the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park location is almost done!
Our Washington Park location was opened in 2007 to serve more neighborhood schools with our acclaimed Neighborhood Environmental Education Project. Located at the former site of the Milwaukee Zoo, we opened a site here to help with neighborhood revitalization efforts.
In 2021, we began raising funds to reimagine our Washington Park location - bringing the wonder of nature to the heart of this vibrant neighborhood.
Through intentional conversations, we listened to our neighbors, to students, to community leaders, to supporters, to the County and to the City.
Our new education and community center project will:
- Double the capacity of our Neighborhood Environmental Education Project program within the first 3 years growing our reach from 13 to 31 schools
- Increase the opportunities for preschool environmental education programs
- Allow us to complete beautification efforts on the 20 acres surrounding the building
- Continue partnering with Milwaukee County Parks to upgrade infrastructure
Washington Park renovation photo as of August 2024
The rebuild of the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park location officially began in the fall of 2023. During construction, we are temporarily located at the Washington Park Pool House (N. 40th St. and Galena St.).
Learn MoreJen Hense, President and Executive Director
President and Executive Director Jen Hense joined the Urban Ecology Center staff in 2015 after serving in a variety of positions with YMCA's for nearly 20 years, including Executive Director of Camping Services in Milwaukee.
With a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from UW-La Crosse, Jen believes in the power of connecting people in cities with nature and each other and in the importance of providing equitable access to green spaces in urban settings.
Prior to her role as Executive Director, Jen lead the UEC development team focusing on authentic communication, data-driven decision making, and creative stewardship that inspired people to support the UEC mission. She works closely with the UEC board and is well positioned to lead the Urban Ecology Center as we embark on the ambitious Imagine Campaign.
General Photos
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