Group Nature Experiences
Gather your crew for a unique adventure in urban nature!
Come Visit Us
Program Title
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Price per person
$X
Capacity
XX
Locations offered
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Animal Clues: Homes & Tracks
Price per person
10
Capacity
14
Explore the hidden stories of urban wildlife! Search for tracks, scat, and other clues that reveal who’s been active in the park, and look high and low for animal homes to discover how city creatures live and thrive in their habitats.
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Aquatic Explorations
Price per person
10
Capacity
14
Dive into the world beneath the water’s surface! Using nets and containers, we’ll discover crayfish, tadpoles, aquatic insects, and other macroinvertebrates. Along the way, we’ll learn what these creatures reveal about the health of their freshwater ecosystem.
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Art in Nature
Price per person
10
Capacity
14
Explore Milwaukee from a new perspective on a guided bike ride! Using the Center’s fleet, we’ll follow paved paths and inter-urban trails, spotting city landmarks along the way. Learn biking techniques and safety skills you can use on future rides. All participants, including chaperones, must be able to ride a bike.
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Bike & Discover Milwaukee
Price per person
16
Capacity
12
Explore Milwaukee from a new perspective on a guided bike ride! Using the Center’s fleet, we’ll follow paved paths and inter-urban trails, spotting city landmarks along the way. Learn biking techniques and safety skills you can use on future rides. All participants, including chaperones, must be able to ride a bike.
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Camping Essentials
Price per person
12
Capacity
16
Learn the basics of camping in Wisconsin, from safety precautions and preparing for a trip to setting up tents and building a campfire. This hands-on experience will set you up for success at your next overnight adventure! Group minimum of 10 people.
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Canoeing
Price per person
18
Capacity
16
Paddle the Milwaukee River or Washington Park Lagoon under the direction of lifeguard certified staff, practicing basic paddling skills while exploring the meandering shoreline. This experience is well suited for beginner paddlers, or those with some experience on the water. Canoes host 2 individuals each. Group minimum of 10 people
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Catch & Release Fishing
Price per person
12
Capacity
12
What a catch! Learn the basics of fishing with educators who will guide you through the basics using provided equipment. State of WI Fishing license required for ages 16 and up. Group minimum of 10 people
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Fire Building Skills
Price per person
12
Capacity
14
Heat, Oxygen, Fuel, & Spark! Ignite your fire-building skills using Leave No Trace and safety practices in preparation for future campfire adventures. *Optional marshmallow roasting and s’mores upon request. Group minimum of 10 people
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Insect Investigation
Price per person
10
Capacity
14
Insects are incredible! Discover how insects live and interact with their environment and learn how they are so important to plants, other animals and humans too! We’ll use nets and bug boxes to catch and release insects as we observe critters up close. Group minimum of 10 people
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Kayaking
Price per person
24
Capacity
12
Kayak with us under the direction of lifeguard certified staff, practicing basic paddling skills while exploring the meandering shoreline. This experience is well suited for beginner paddlers, or those with some experience on the water. Group minimum of 10 people
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Mindfulness in Nature
Price per person
10
Capacity
14
Let's practice mindfulness through sensory exploration in nature. Grounding ourselves in the outdoors can help us connect with our emotions, others, and the natural world around us. Group minimum of 10 people
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Orienteering Quest
Price per person
10
Capacity
14
Put your directional skills to the test with map reading and compass navigation! We will complete a compass-based orienteering course that guides us through the park. Group minimum of 10 people
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Snowshoe Hike
Price per person
15
Capacity
14
A thick blanket of snow, warm boots, and an energized spirit are required for this unique experience. Learn about snowshoes, specialized gear designed to help people walk over snow, and head out into the park for a heat building hike. Group minimum of 10 people.
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Survival Challenge
Price per person
12
Capacity
14
Use teamwork to face wilderness challenges, practice preparedness, and construct a rustic shelter to survive nature’s elements. Group minimum of 10 people
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Team Building
Price per person
12
Capacity
14
Strengthening relationships, gaining new perspectives, and using clear communication are only a few of the goals we can set for ourselves as we navigate various challenges. All team building activities are progressional, ground-based and can be tailored from pre-set group goals.
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XC Skiing for Beginners
Price per person
16
Capacity
12
Kick and glide your way across the wintry landscape with the Urban Ecology Center! Learn the basics of cross country skiing from a balanced stance, to coordinating arm and leg movements for a foundation in this favorite winter past-time. Group minimum of 10 people
Experiences for all types of groups
Corporate Groups
- Corporate Teams
- Schools and Educators
- Scout Groups and Youth Organizations
- Nonprofit Groups and Community Organizations
- Health and Wellness Organizations
- Your Family, Friends, or Neighbors
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Let the UEC come to you
Looking for a group activity at your location? We offer group experiences that can take place almost anywhere. Click here to see the Group Experiences we can bring to you.
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Don't take our word for it
Anna Hedges | MarVan Program Manager, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
John Fox, AIA | Project Architect, HGA Architects
Lisa Bailey | Broadscope Disability Services
Frequently Asked Questions
While facilities are available, we strongly encourage groups to use their site facilities prior to the trip to allow optimum use of the time we have together.
To keep the scheduling process simple and fair for all groups, we ask that payments are made according to the following timeline:
- Deposit: A deposit is required within 1 week of booking to hold your program date and confirm your reservation.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before your program date.
If full payment is not received by the deadline, your program will be cancelled and the deposit will be retained.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to creating a great experience with you!
Forms of Payment accepted:
- Credit Card -- via phone at time of booking
- Invoice -- payable via credit card online with the Quickbooks Invoicing System
- Check -- due by dates outlined in contracts.
We know plans can change! If you cancel more than two weeks before your program date, your deposit will be refunded. Cancellations within two weeks forfeit the deposit, and cancellations within 48 hours or no-shows will be charged the full program fee.
If unexpected circumstances arise, please contact the Program Director right away to discuss alternative arrangements.
Participants, group leader, and chaperones should dress according to the weather. In inclement weather, outdoor activities may be shortened. Unless the weather is severe, we will still go outside. Please have participants wear close-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty. The UEC does have extra items for participants to borrow while onsite for programming.
If the UEC must cancel due to weather or unsafe conditions (such as poor air quality, extreme heat, or wind chill), we’ll work with you to reschedule at no cost or issue a full refund if rescheduling isn’t possible. When outdoor conditions are simply unfavorable, UEC educators may adapt or pivot programming indoors to ensure a safe and engaging experience. Program pivots can be discussed with the Program Director to best accommodate your group’s interests and needs.
Any of our programs can be slightly modified for individuals with specific needs. Please communicate any specific needs at the time of booking, so that we can be prepared for your group. The Urban Ecology Center buildings and many trails are accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Click here to review our Program Ability Requirements information.
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