Although its sometimes hard to see underneath its gruff, post-industrial exterior, early Milwaukee officials gave great thought to our green spaces. Thanks to the foresight of men like Charles Whitnall, Milwaukee 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.
- Public Land Clean-ups with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful
When: 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, April 16
Where: Multiple locations:
- Cudahy Park, 3000 E. Ramsey Ave.
- Bradford Beach, Meet at Beach House, 2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
- Falk Park, 2031 W Rawson Ave.
- Sheridan & Warnimont Parks, 4800 S. Lake Drive
- Grant Park, 100 E Hawthorne Ave.
- Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave.
- Kiwanis Landing, Corner of Humboldt and N. Riverboat Rd.
- Lake Park, 3233 E Kenwood Blvd.
- Lakefront Bike & Trail Bluffs, Meet at McKinley Marina Parking Lot, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
- South Shore Park, 2900 S. South Shore Dr.
- Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St.
- Whitnall Park/Potter’s Forest, 5879 S. 92nd St.
- Cudahy Park, 3000 E. Ramsey Ave.
- Earth Day for Afternoon Nappers
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 30
Where: Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl.
How much: Free, donations appreciated
Contact: 414.964.8505 - register by April 29
- Earth Day Festival at Riverside Park
Everyone can celebrate Earth Day through music, rock climbing, nature walks, crafts, food and more.
When: noon - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl.
How much: Free, donations appreciated
Contact: 414.964.8505
- Earth Day Festival at Washington Park
Celebrate Earth Day through music, canoeing, nature walks, trash roundups, games, food, resource booths and more.
When: noon - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Urban Ecology Center - Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th Street
How much: Free, donations appreciated
Contact: 414.964.8505
- In Celebration of Trees
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: noon - 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 29
Where: Boerner Botanical Gardens, 5879 S. 92 St., Hales Corners
- Party for the Planet
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 14 and Sunday, May 15
Where: Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Rd.


