Program areas at Urban Ecology Center
Promote community by offering resources that support learning, volunteerism, stewardship, recreation and camaraderie. The Urban Ecology Center's active community centers engage adults, youth and families in opportunities to connect with each other through programming and volunteer opportunities. Over 3,000 youth and adults participated in community programs such as Urban adventures, workshops, or afterschool programs. An additional 11,736 people visited our centers through unstructured activities and to enjoy our community spaces. Over 5,300 people visited as part of facility rental events. Our robust volunteer program served 2,613 volunteers.
Preserve, enhance, protect and use public natural areas, making them safe, accessible and vibrant. A variety of research opportunities are available, including surveys of birds, bats, mammals, turtles, vegetation surveys and park use surveys. Uec's land stewardship program engages community members to restore and maintain diverse native plant communities. Over 2,253 people participated in these offerings, with an additional 15,929 total volunteer hours served across 3 branches.
Provide outdoor science education for Urban youth. The Urban Ecology Center partners with over 60 schools to provide each with 24 half-day field trips annually. These hands-on science and environmental education programs are designed to compliment the schools' science curricula and connect students to the natural world in the city of milwaukee. Preschool, after school and summer camp programs compliment the school program throughout the year. Over 30,800 children were served through these educational programs.
Prepare land for future mission impact. Practice and model environmentally responsible behaviors.