Urban Ecology Center

The Urban Ecology Center connects people in cities to nature and each other.

Nature focused community centers are typically surrounded by wilderness or rural areas that match people's assumptions about nature spaces, but the Urban Ecology Center has taken a different approach. By intentionally locating branches in 3 of Milwaukee's most densely populated zip codes, the UEC helps people in urban Milwaukee see the nature that is all around them. The neighborhoods around these branches are those most in need of access to safe parks, outdoor recreational activities, and increased nature programming.



The Urban Ecology Center works to inspire generations to build environmental curiosity, understanding, and respect while also restoring the environment around each branch. The UEC's neighborhood-centered approach allows us to restore hope and heal the urban natural world through three environmental community centers located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Center's three branches are located in urban parks: Riverside Park on Milwaukee's east side, Washington Park on the west side, and Three Bridges Park in the Menomonee Valley. These communities are some of the most diverse in the state, and there are more than 100,000 people living within a two‐mile radius of each branch.

Testimonials

At the Urban Ecology Center, we help people of all ages connect with nature. For Korbin - and many campers like him - this was his first time fishing! He enjoyed being able to "just look at them for a little bit and then release them". When you try something for the first time it can be a daunting task, but the right mentor can make all the difference! Korbin praised his camp leader, "Miguel taught us how to use the hook right and make sure you don't hurt anybody or yourself".