Nearby Nature Milwaukee

Nearby Nature Milwaukee is an environmental justice and equity initiative started in the Fall of 2017, to build healthier and more resilient communities..
We started this project recognizing a great need in neighborhoods stressed by high poverty and injustice, The group focuses its efforts in Milwaukee’s Lincoln Creek Greenway.  We are grateful for those who supported us through this campaign.  Once this campaign is completed, you can still offer support by reaching out to us at [email protected]
Since 2018 we have been operating a Youth Outdoors Education Program in neighborhood youth centers and host events and service outings along the Lincoln Creek Greenway. We have also hosted forums, workshops and presentations for the environmental community to promote justice, inclusion and equity. Our youth agency partners to date have included Lighthouse Youth Center in the Garden Homes neighborhood, Daniels-Mardak Boys and Girls Club and MPS Samuel Clemens elementary school.  We have been partnering with the Urban Ecology Center to deliver programming.  In order to expand upon this capability, in January of 2020, we hired Martina Patterson, as a youth-educator in training who will be developing new programs.

Martina has been shadowing youth environmental educators from the Urban Ecology center and is now ready with materials and curriculum. In the coming months, we are initiating new programs with new partners.  We are actively working with youth agencies to include expanded hours and field trip capabilities to provide the youth with new outdoor experiences.  

In neighborhoods with high poverty, we are seeing the effects of trauma in our young people. Research shows that time outdoors can reduce stress and improve physical health. Environmental education can also introduce youth to green careers and inspire them to a lifetime of outdoor stewardship and recreation.