We are excited to share this special piece by Urban Ecology Center (UEC) Board Director Dennis Grzezinski. Dennis has been volunteering at the UEC almost since its inception and has had a huge role in getting us to where we are today. We are proud of his accomplishments and thrilled that he continues to be such a strong UEC advocate.

Dennis was our pick for Volunteer of the Month in November 2019. We often ask our volunteers to list the experiences they've had at UEC and he wrote the article below that is part autobiography, part UEC history, and completely heartwarming. Thank you, Dennis, for everything you do!

The Urban Ecology Center is an environmental community center with the mission to connect people in cities to nature and each other. Our members are a key component of this mission and an example that everyone can join together in this endeavor. With your help, we connect kids to local green spaces through school partnerships, to environmental science through internships, and to sustainable learning opportunities. This valued support also allows us to protect and enhance public green spaces to make them safe, accessible and vibrant for everyone. In addition to contributing support to our mission, Besides giving to us, members receive unique benefits that help them to be an active, engaged, healthy and eco-conscious member of our community.

We are excited to announce that Ed Krishok is joining our leadership team as managing director in a new limited term role, for a two-year period as the organization begins transitions related to growth plans in Milwaukee. Ed begins the managing director role on July 1. Ken Leinbach, executive director, will remain in his role and concentrate on specific activities related to the long-term growth and financial sustainability of Urban Ecology Center.

This adjustment in leadership roles sets the stage for future growth at UEC.

Managing inventory for our gift shop is always a tricky game. Sometimes we order too little and run out of items that people really want. Sometimes we order too much and have inventory sitting on the shelf for too long.
That’s why we’re trying a new approach to selling UEC merchandise and building in a discount for YOU!

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Rachel Nielsen to the role of Director of Finance and Operations!

“In addition to teaching through the Peace Corps and at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Rachel will bring years of finance and operations experience from the corporate world,” said Ken Leinbach, Executive Director at the Urban Ecology Center. “We are excited to bring her broad experience and expertise to our team.”

Nielsen comes to the Urban Ecology Center from Rockwell Automation where she was the Global Finance Manager, Low Voltage Motor Control Center Business. Throughout her career, Nielsen has held finance and operations positions at Rockwell and Best Buy.

“The Urban Ecology Center has such a strong reputation within the Milwaukee community, I am thrilled to be a part of it,” said Nielsen. “I am excited to leverage my experience as a strategic financial leader in multiple industries to help advance the Urban Ecology Center's mission in this exciting time.”

As a volunteer, Camoya remembers, “The first thing they had us do was canoe…and I’ve never canoed before. I was really nervous and it was completely out of my comfort zone. But they were like ‘you can do it, you can do it!’”

“The staff were very encouraging. So we got in the canoe and we canoed the lagoon. It was one of the best days I’ve ever had here.” From Camoya’s first introduction to the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center as a youth volunteer in 2014 to her years in the High School Outdoor Leader program and then acceptance to college in the fall of 2018, we’ve loved being a part of this amazing young woman’s journey!

Because of your support, our next generation of environmental scientists is growing. Up and out the door at 6 a.m., Analiese is ready to dive into the latest Community Science research project at the Urban Ecology Center! It’s not how you’d expect an 11-year-old might start her day. But for Analiese, walking a few doors down to the UEC at daybreak was a weekly routine during the summer of 2018.

As Black History Month draws to a close, our Equity, Dignity, and Justice team at the Urban Ecology Center wanted to highlight some of the black folks who have shaped, led, and grown the environmental movement. The faces associated with environmentalism in our societal storytelling are often white ones, but in reality black (and brown) folks have been caring for and protecting our environment throughout human history. Here are some black environmental leaders we love:

Whether you are one of the more than 100 million Amazon Prime members or an avid in-store purchaser, the holidays can rack up a lot of extra cardboard and packaging material quickly. Here’s how to spread holiday cheer while keeping Mother Earth in mind. Let's commit to a more earth-friendly holiday season!

Costa Rica 2019: Charismatic Megafauna!

We are excited to offer an eco-travel expedition to explore the amazing biodiversity and unique cultural history of the Republic of Costa Rica! With the largest percentage of protected areas of any country and plans to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021, the New Economics Foundation rated Costa Rica as the greenest country in the world. The wildlife in Costa Rica is also extraordinary - did you know that Costa Rica is home to as many as 225 mammals and 913 species of birds?

Speaking of wildlife, this is the Urban Ecology Center’s first time leading a trip to Costa Rica in the summer to take advantage of two magical wildlife spectacles:

First, we will be witness to the breeding grounds of Humpback Whales that spent the winter near Antarctica and are now returning to tropical waters to give birth to the calves that have been developing inside them all year.

Second, we will be present along the Caribbean Coast during the sea turtle nesting season as they return to their natal beaches to give birth. These are two natural events you will not want to miss!

And when we’re not looking for these two wonders, we’ll explore the amazing natural areas and biodiversity that bring visitors from around the world, while also looking into social and economic forces that contribute to some of the best examples of sustainability on a national level.

Reserve your spot today!

Can you spot the crocodile in this shot? Photo: Global Water Forum

When

August 1-12, 2019 (12 days, 11 nights)

Highlights

• Tortuguero National Park during turtle nesting season: a unique area where the primary avenues of exploring are the many naturally-formed canals through primary rainforest. This area was preserved primarily to protect sea turtles and jaguars.
• Tirimbina, an 850-acre, mid-elevation rainforest with a strong focus on environmental education.
• Visiting Arenal: volcano, hot springs, and a chocolate tour (what more could you want?!)
• Whale watching tour at Marino Ballena National Park
• Wilson Botanical Garden, to see one of the largest plant collections on the world
• Visiting the Paramo, the highest elevation tropical ecosystem

Itinerary

• Click here for a sample of our itinerary!

Arenal Volcano, where you'll relax in hot springs, enjoy a chocolate tour, and more!

Cost

The price for this 12-day trip is (all-inclusive except for airfare):

$3375 for single occupancy

$2,595 for double occupancy 

$1600 for children sharing a room with an adult

Click here to pay your deposit and reserve a spot

If you are interested in this trip, have questions, or would like more information, contact Tim Vargo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (414) 964-8505

The Urban Ecology Center Eco-travel program offers a unique way to explore local and international destinations while exploring issues around sustainability. Your participation supports the Urban Ecology Center’s mission.

Top photo by Carlos Roberto Chavarría