Although its sometimes hard to see underneath its gruff, post-industrial exterior, Milwaukee is actually a safe haven for green spaces -- in fact, thanks to the foresight of men like Charles Whitnall, Milwaukee actually has an extensive infrastructure of park land. This year, why not pay tribute to the groups working to preserve our greenery, locally and otherwise, by participating in some Earth Day celebrations.
Kids five and younger can celebrate Earth Day at a special event just for them! They'll see a puppet show, and take part in outdoor activities and crafts.
When: 10:30 a.m. - noon, Saturday, April 18
Where: Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl.
How much: Free, donations appreciated
Contact: 414.964.8505 - register by April 17
Everyone can celebrate Earth Day through music, rock climbing, nature walks, crafts, food and more.
When: noon - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18
Where: Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl.
How much: Free, donations appreciated
Contact: 414.964.8505
Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful will be hosting this "official" community cleanup event. Stop in to get motivated and to pick up some cleaning supplies -- next stop, a park or greenspace of your choice!
When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, April 18
Where: Gordon Park, 1321 E. Locust St.
How much: Free
Contact: 414.272.5462
Start off with interactive music and poetry for the whole family (you can even bring your own), then settle in for the scheduled acts, including: Jahmes Tony Finlayson, Louisa Loveridge Gallas, Holly Haebig, Jeff Poniewaz, Suzanne Rosenblatt, Harvey Taylor and Claudia Schmidt.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 24
Where: Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl.
How much: $5, $10 per family
Contact: 414.964.8505
Kids can connect with nature by exploring hiking trails, creating artwork, adopting a tree and more, during this special Earth Day / Arbor Day event.
When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25
Where: 5879 S. 92 St., Hales Corners
How much: $1
Contact: 414.425.8550
Celebrate Earth Day through music, canoeing, nature walks, crafts, games, food, resource booths and more.
When: noon - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25
Where: Urban Ecology Center - Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th Street
How much: Free, donations appreciated
Contact: 414.964.8505
Get rid of your old scrap metal and help St. Sebastian school programs. Recyclable items include almost anything that has metal in it – from computers and window weights to old car batteries and home appliances. Action Metals will be on hand to help recycle and properly dispose of all the materials. Items that will not be accepted include: hazardous, medical or chemical waste, printers or monitors.
When: 9 a.m. - noon, Saturday April 25
Where: St. Sebastian School, 1747 N 54th St. Drive will be held on playground at 55th Street and Washington Boulevard.
How much: Free
Contact: 414.442.4232
Learn about taking care of planet Earth at the Milwaukee County Zoo, featuring exhibits and habitats highlighting the importance of conservation. Learn ways you can lessen your impact on the Earth and protect our endangered species.
When: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17
Where: Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Rd.
How much: $11.25 adults, $10.25 senior, $8.25 children
Contact: 414.256.5466
