Together,
We Build a City Where Nature Welcomes All.

Discovering your new favorite hobby might be right in your backyard

When you walk into the Urban Ecology Center at Washington Park, you’re greeted by color, movement, and story. The walls themselves have come alive. Two local artists, Tia Richardson and Mi Salgado, helped transform the space into a celebration of connection — to nature, to community, and to one another.

The story of how one change brought us closer to urban nature — and each other.

In 2009 eight year old Jamarquan was just a boy riding his bike through Washington Park when a staff member at the newly opened Urban Ecology Center, invited him to learn about decomposers. That simple invitation transformed his life.

Eco-Enthusiasts: Meet the People Behind the Urban Ecology Center 🌿 From education and research to volunteering and land management, the Urban Ecology Center is powered by an incredible team of individuals who are passionate about nature, community, and creating access to green spaces in Milwaukee. We’re excited to share the Eco-Enthusiasts on our staff with you! Let’s shine a light on the people who make our mission possible. Get to know their favorite places, values, and the moments in nature that shaped their journeys.