Michelle Milford
Michelle is UEC's Donor Communications and Events Manager. With a degree in Zoology and Environmental Studies, she began her career as a zookeeper. An American badger remains her favorite animal - having raised one from a cub. After making some difficult professional decisions, Michelle ended up in the nonprofit sector where she’s happily stayed for 8+ years. Having started in January 2022, she still feels incredibly lucky to be part of the UEC team - a team who, like her, cares deeply about the environment and those, both human and not, that depend on it. When she’s not at the UEC, you can find her exploring the outdoors with her husband, two young children and their deaf English setter.
Your gift, no matter the size, makes a difference
“I guess I don't have a real understanding of how helpful $100 is - I think your budget is much bigger.”
An Urban Ecology Center supporter recently expressed worry that his gifts weren't impactful. His concern stemmed from the realization that there are those who give significantly more to the UEC than he does.
A gift is not meaningful because of its size - a gift is meaningful simply because it was given.
Every single gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Here’s why:
UEC’s Outdoor Leaders are giving the tools to become Leaders of the Outdoors
What do you want to be when you grow up? In high school this question quickly becomes a daunting task to figure out. Luckily for Milwaukee students, the Urban Ecology Center is on a mission to keep this question full of hope and wonder.
The Urban Ecology Center High School Outdoor Leadership program is a unique paid internship that helps teens build a wide range of skills including leadership, studies of ecology, environmental justice, and job-readiness. After completing an 8-week summer internship, high school students have the opportunity to apply for an academic year position (September-April).
Will You Put Your Philanthropy First by Giving First?
Traditionally, one of the most popular days of charitable giving, Giving Tuesday falls after Black Friday and Cyber-Monday. Giving First Day flips that script. Before the hustle and bustle of the traditional shopping weekend, we invite you to reflect on the needs of our community and invest in shared values.
In 2021, a collaboration of over 40 non-profits was formed in Milwaukee, WI. This idea, originally set into motion by the Urban Ecology Center, started in part with a need for more collaboration between area nonprofits. By working together, we have the opportunity to strengthen the complex and interconnected landscape of organizations addressing difficult issues and creating robust community assets that all of our neighborhoods need to thrive.
Do You Love Urban Nature? Then, HKE MKE with the UEC!
What is Urban Nature?
Urban Ecology is based on the radical idea that nature is everywhere. And, the Center works by engaging communities in restoring critical local ecologies - parks, open spaces, river systems, and more - right where they live. These natural spaces tucked amongst towering buildings and city streets are what we call “Urban Nature”.
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