What We Do
See the wildlife of your dreams in Brazil!
Brazil’s Pantanal is a mix of savanna, forest, and wetland habitats with the highest concentration of wildlife in South America. Home to the world’s largest fresh-water wetlands, the Pantanal is ten times the size of the Everglades, draining into a single channel: the Paraguay River. You’ll venture deep into this world-class wildlife hotspot from August 22 - September 1, 2020.
Discover thriving wildlife
Even a relaxed day can yield more than 100 species of birds and dozens of mammals — Capybara are everywhere! Brazilian Tapir, Maned Wolf, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, and yes, Jaguar (we saw many on our past trips!), are five of many incredible mammals we seek. Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Red Legged Seriema, and Helmeted Manakin top the list of impressive bird sightings. Rare Green Anaconda, the world’s largest snake, may be a lucky find, while the small crocodilian Yacaré can be seen by the thousands. For many, it is the sheer number and variety of species that leaves the most lasting impression.
Saving habitat through ecotourism
Tourism can be a major part of the revitalization of a small economy. Ecotourism can have the extra benefit of saving habitat in areas where farming is a big business. Some farmers in Brazil are working with environmentalists on nearby habit to make it appealing to nature enthusiasts who then use the farms as travel accommodations. You’ll support this alternative economic model by staying at a charming (and working) cattle ranch who’s owners have worked to keep their land thriving with its own impressive and distinctive wildlife community.
We also support local economies by frequenting locally owned businesses, restaurants and attractions.
Is the Pantanal on fire?
We take the safety of our participants very seriously. The Pantanal has been affected by the 2019 fires in the Amazon. We're keeping an eye on the situation and will let our registrants know if there are any change of plans.
Attend our Eco-Travel Information Session on Oct 29th to get more details about this amazing trip.
Save your space and go to Brazil!
Space is limited so sign up soon for this unique and exotic trip!
Brazil 2020 Eco-travel Details
When:
August 22 - September 1, 2020
Highlights:
- Try for South America’s “Big Five” Brazilian Tapir, Maned Wolf, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, and Jaguar
- Witness the “Big Five” of birds: Red Legged Seriema, Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, and Helmeted Manakin. Add Southern Screamer,
Sunbittern, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, and so many more! - Explore both sides of the Transpantaneira wilderness — by boat and road on safari-like excursions
- Find five species of kingfisher
- Enjoy local cuisine and hospitality at fazendas (working cattle ranches) at several stages along the road
- Boat the Cuiabá River for an excellent chance at a Jaguar sighting
- See water birds in mass congregation — like those of the Everglades, but magnified!
- Find at least four species of monkeys and several hundred species of birds
- Scan for night birds under intense southern sky constellations; spotlight for mammals, too!
- Enjoy optional fishing at two locations (additional cost for local boat and guide)
Itinerary:
You can download a draft of our itinerary here!
Cost:
The price per person for 11 days in Brazil is $5940 per person double occupancy. Single occupancy is $7170 and this is limited to two spots.
This price covers:
• 3 domestic flights (Sao Paulo - Campo Grande, Campo Grande - Cuiaba, Cuiaba - Sao Paulo)
• All other domestic transportation (buses and boats)
• All meals and accommodations as described in the itinerary
• Photo safaris, tours, entrance fees
• Local guides
It does not include:
• International airfare to Sao Paulo
• Tips
• Additional beverages (non-alcoholic and alcohol)
A $500 deposit secures your spot on this adventure.
Photo credits: Carlos Roberto ChavarrÍa
Sustainable Food
Real Food at the Urban Ecology Center
At the Urban Ecology Center we inspire people to tread lightly on the earth while being mindful of their impact on the water, climate, energy, land use, biodiversity and community. Making intentional, mindful food choices is one way to have a huge impact on each of these things.We would like to invite you to become involved in the Urban Ecology Center’s food programs where you can learn and explore real, sustainable food along with people in your community, and with us.
Through the Urban Ecology Center’s programs we:
- Connect our community to local farmers — strengthening our local, sustainable food system. We began to focus on local food in 2002 when we first organized the Local Food and Farmer Open House – inviting community members to meet four farmers from southeast Wisconsin who grow food sustainably. This annual spring event has grown, and this March hundreds of community members came to the Center to meet and talk to dozens of farmers. It is exciting to watch the local food movement grow! Throughout the year you can browse our website to learn more about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms and where to find other local food producers.
- Educate our community about healthy, mindful eating — how to make food choices that promote our own health and the health of our environment. We build a welcoming community, educating ourselves and others. We have activities for everyone, including: monthly gatherings where Friends of Real Food enjoy tasty pot-luck dinners and lively discussions, cooking classes, films, lectures, and more! These are all enjoyable ways to spend time with people in your community.
- Provide resources to help our community be more successful in growing our own food, as well as, preparing and preserving it. Get your hands dirty in our community gardens, in gardening and composting workshops and more. Or join us in our kitchen where you can learn the art and science of cooking and food preservation.
- Protect the environment by educating people about how their food choices impact the natural world. Each of YOUR food choices matter…big or small! We want to help you understand how you can have a positive impact on the planet while eating fantastic food. Together we can make a big difference!
Check out other ways to be involved in sustainable food by being part of the Interest Groups that meet at our three different locations:
Community Pie
Celebrating pie, youth, neighborhoods, and nature’s bounty, Community Pie is an interest group of the Urban Ecology Center Washington Park Branch that brings young people and families together for hands-on experiences in pie-making, from harvest to finished product.More...
Belize 2020: Exploring a Tropical Paradise
Belize is a beautiful tropical country with diverse ecosystems and cultures. It is home to 600 bird species and a diverse array of mammals (including 5 cat species), reptiles and amphibians. In addition to tropical forests and savannas, Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world, home to more than 500 species of fish, 110 species of coral and a variety of sponges. We will explore a number of these ecosystems and enjoy Belize’s beautiful flora and fauna, all the while appreciating the relaxed culture and “go slow” atmosphere.
The official language of Belize is English, but other languages include Spanish, Kriol (Creole), Maya and Garifuna and you will probably hear all of these spoken during your trip. The people are friendly and welcoming and the government and people recognize that their country’s forests, wildlands and reefs are national treasures that need to be preserved. As a result, 44% of the country is designated as national parks or protected areas. Wildlife corridors throughout the country are designed to allow wide-ranging animals including large cats and the white-lipped peccary to travel safely from North to South. Belize is bordered by Mexico on the north, the Caribbean Sea on the east and by Guatemala on the south and west.
Space is limited so sign up soon for this unique and exotic trip!
Click here to pay the deposit and reserve your spot today!
Belize 2020 Eco-travel Details
When:
February 8 - 17, 2020
Highlights:
We will explore some of Belize’s diverse habitats including tropical forests, pine savannas, forested Mayan ruins, caves and tropical islands.
- An amazing Director’s Tour of the Belize Zoo where we will meet some of the animals and learn about the Zoo’s wildlife conservation and education programs,
- A trek through the jungles of the Runaway Creek Nature Reserve and exploration of caves that have signs of use by animals, the ancient Maya and runaway slaves,
- Bird walks to observe both resident and migratory birds,
- Cave tubing which will allow us to see the beauty of the cave systems,
- A tour of Caracol Mayan ruin which was once the most powerful city in the entire Maya world,
- A tour of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a large area of pine forest in the foothills of the Maya Mountains,
- A tour of the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) or Barton Creek caves which will allow us to enter into and learn about the Xibalba (the underworld of the ancient Maya), and
- Relaxing on a lovely tropical island. Activities include “hammock testing” (“Hammock testing is an activity” here.) Hammocks and lounge chairs can be found on your porch, on the beach and scattered throughout the island.
- Other activities include snorkeling the beautiful Belizean barrier reef and kayaking.
We have hired local guides and will stay at locally owned guesthouses and resorts. We will dine at local lodges/restaurants and enjoy delicious homemade Belizean food during our stay. This will allow us to truly experience Belize and also contribute to the local economy.
Itinerary:
You can download a draft of our itinerary here!
Cost:
The fee for this 10-day excursion is $4240 per person based on double occupancy and includes all lodging, meals, group transportation and tours. Price does not include airfare, alcoholic beverages, and travel insurance.
A $500 deposit secures your spot on this adventure.
Come along to Belize! Click here to reserve your spot
Photo credits:
Top photo of toucan – Kelley Hopwood
Photo in cave with kayaks – Belize Nature Travel
Photos in slideshow: Belize Nature Travel & Kelley Hopwood
Upcoming Events
Event Listings
Washington Park Botany Walk ♿
Washington Park
Friday, October 18th
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
ROOT - Riverside Park
Riverside Park
Friday, October 18th
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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