Local artist Shelly Rosenquist will display her art exhibit 'Eco Stars' at the Urban Ecology Center Menomonee Valley later this July. Everyone is welcome to the opening reception on July 22 from 5-7 pm. 

Shelly Rosenquist says, “My subject matter ranges from what influences me in our world, but I tend to take much of my inspiration from nature and the organic. I believe that in our hectic human existence, we have strayed from what makes this world a beautiful place. I like to use my work as a tool to remind people to look around them, breathe the air, to appreciate the detail and miracles of nature. I express myself by taking the neglected and twisting it into something unique that cannot be ignored. 

People are finding many ways to celebrate this warm (maybe a little too warm?) summer. The one that has caught my attention the most is fireworks. As the night skies filled with flashing bright colors and a resounding loud noise, I’ve found myself considering the effects of fireworks on our urban environment from an ecological perspective.

Fireworks affect all of us in Milwaukee in more ways than you might imagine.

“I enjoy supporting an organization that brings nature to the city!” Grace Fuhr said of her UEC membership. “Our family lives in Riverwest and we often take walks along the Milwaukee River. Having the UEC and Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum across the river is an amazing asset to our community.”

As an avid hiker, Brianna Joy Seipel believes in the power of wild spaces to heal, inspire and transform. Inspired by backpacking trips with her husband, Joel, her vibrant oil paintings reveal the expansive beauty of national parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Her work invites us to consider landscapes as “places of refuge” and time outdoors as restorative care for the spirit, mind, and body. 

Before becoming a member of the UEC during the winter of 2020, Anushka Fonseka had lived in Indiana for 9 years. “I’m new to Milwaukee, so I was looking for outdoor things and how to get involved in the community.” Shortly after moving here, he decided to become a member after it was suggested by his friend and UEC staff member Victoria Bahe.

The Urban Ecology Center always encourages everyone to enjoy urban nature any time of the year as we truly believe that the wonders of the outdoors bring people together. And winter is not an exception. 

Between sports and outdoor winter activities, including Urban Candlelight Hike, Pop-Up Excursions, and Adventure Days, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Milwaukee in the winter. 

At the Urban Ecology Center, we are offering great activities to do outside during the coldest season of the year.  Here are a few of our highlights for this winter:

“I think we’ll be members forever now.” The Urban Ecology Center had the opportunity to speak with new members, Linda Gorens-Levey and Mike Levey, about their experiences with their UEC membership thus far, and aside from their cheery commitment to being lifelong members, following is some of what they had to share when asked why they decided to sign up.

Mike explained, “We had two great experiences this year.” Mike and Linda’s son, Ben, had been living at home while working remotely since last March, and they were looking for outdoor family activities. Linda had been aware of the UEC for several years and decided to sign the family up for a cross-country skiing class led by UEC staff member Erin Whitney. Mike recalled their first great experience, “We took a group cross-country skiing lesson on a weekend during the winter, and we just had a great time! It was fun to be out during the pandemic and have that opportunity.” It was at this point that Linda decided to sign the family up as UEC members. They had another great experience shortly after this initial class that reinforced this decision.

We are happy to announce that Meghan Schopp will be joining us as our Director of Education, starting on Monday, December 13th.

Meghan will be coming from the Milwaukee Public Museum, where she leads program development, builds community partnerships, and helps guide strategic planning while managing an interdisciplinary team that delivers innovative programming for children, families, and lifelong learners.

The holidays are around the corner! We sure hope you'll enjoy time relaxing, spending time in nature, and connecting with people you care about.

Looking for some holiday gift ideas? Give the gift of a UEC experience! Plus, you'll be supporting our mission of connecting people to nature and each other. Urban Ecology Center gifts are gifts that keep on giving!  Check them out: