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Nature within reach

for childlike wonder

"I just want to thank you for having an evening hike, that my whole family enjoyed. Seeing the moon through the telescope was mind blowing for my seven year old as well as for me. Thank you for making special memories."
- Winter Solstice Walk Attendee
On this Page:
Unique, Convenient Locations
Beautiful natural greenspaces in the heart of Milwaukee. No need to travel far.
Experiences for Every Season
Enjoy year-round programming, including snowshoeing in the winter, bird-watching in the spring, or survival challenges in the fall.
Expert-Led Fun
Whether it’s paddling down the Milwaukee River, exploring habitats in your parks, or learning outdoor skills, participants leave with both memories and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Together in Nature

Memories That Last

Adventures together that about for years to come.
  • Paddle the Milwaukee River
  • Hike through and urban forest
  • Bike the Hank Aaron State Trail
  • Explore nature in your neighborhood!
"I found my roots here and feel so whole seeing my great grand daughters laugh and smile in my park."
- Shelby Connor, age 97

Get outside all year long

Check out

Right where you are

Beautiful natural greenspaces in the heart of Milwaukee. No need to travel far. Pick one of our Milwaukee neighborhood locations.
Riverside Park - 3 minutes from downtown
Washington Park - 9 minutes from Mitchell Park Domes
Menomonee Valley - 5 minutes from American Family Field
If you have additional questions, please reach out:
programs@urbanecologycenter.org  •  (414) 626-8571

Don't take our word for it

What some of our past groups have to say
"I found my roots here and feel so whole seeing my great grand daughters laugh and smile in my park." Four generations of their family come in to enjoy the Urban Ecology Center and park. The matriarch shared with me that she had volunteered and attended potlucks, her daughter then volunteered and published research of her work in the park, her daughter's daughter attended school field trips for years, and now she brought her daughter's daughter's daughters to play here for the first time.

Shelby Connor (age 97)
‍"We wanted to show our summer interns another side of city. Paddling the Milwaukee River revealed a vibrant greenspace woven through the urban environment. We even had a whitetail fawn come down to the river edge as we floated by. The afternoon on the water was one of our interns’ favorite events of the summer and one we plan to repeat next year."
‍
John Fox, AIA | Project Architect, HGA Architects
"A group of clients and staff from our Independent Living Program came to the Riverside UEC for a program that was designed especially for us.  Our goal was to learn how spending time outdoors surrounded by nature could be good for our mental health and to take some time to learn about and practice Mindfulness.  The program was perfect for our group.  We had a campfire- which is something some of the group members hadn't done in quite a while. We also used all of our senses and noticed things in our surroundings and enjoyed activities our facilitator had brought out for us.  We enjoyed both the outdoor and indoor spaces which were both very accessible and all of the group members had an exceptionally good time.  We felt really welcome there and will definitely be back."
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Lisa Bailey |  Broadscope Disability Services