04/21/2015
Dear Friend,
How many trees could a Riverside Park beaver fell, if a Riverside Park beaver could fell trees?
The answer is: A LOT! Now, you might think, “Oh no, he’s killing trees!” But wait! Having a resident beaver in Riverside Park is really a good thing. It is a sign of revitalization and improved habitat!
Here’s the great thing…YOU made this revitalization happen! Because of your ongoing support, and because of the help you and our other amazing volunteers have offered, we have witnessed a steady change over the last 15 years. Riverside Park has transformed from an underutilized urban park to a vibrant community asset. The ravine in the park has grown from a lonely lowland covered in garlic mustard to an amazing woodland replete with a variety of spring wildflowers. Now in 2015, we have even welcomed back a beaver.
But our work is not yet done. The urban habitats you have helped revitalize in Riverside Park, Washington Park, and Three Bridges Park need more love and care. There are still invasive species like buckthorn, burdock, and garlic mustard that need removal. There are areas along the rivers that need new native plantings to help control erosion and improve water quality. We need your support to continue this work. In honor of Earth Day and our new beaver friend, please consider a donation to the Urban Ecology Center for more habitat restoration that helps create outdoor classrooms for thousands of children each year.
Join us in making a difference. As the Manager of Land Stewardship, I see firsthand the many tangible ways you make a difference on the land every day. But you also have an opportunity to inspire young minds with tales of our resident beaver and provide land management mentorship opportunities for college-age interns. Together we’re developing the future stewards of our natural world. Your gift today creates opportunities for students and interns to connect to nature through Urban Ecology Center programs.
I am so proud of how our community has come together to support the Urban Ecology Center and the impact it has had on Milwaukee. You understand the importance of investing in revitalization efforts of our green spaces and educating youth about the natural world. In fact, two members of our community are really stepping forward this Earth Day with a challenge for us all. Friends of the Center, Richard Franz and Joan Robertson have issued a $50,000 challenge. Help us raise $50,000 and Richard and Joan will match your donation!
Your donation today can have double the impact. With your gift, you are improving the quality of the habitat for resident and migratory wildlife, creating an important outdoor learning space for urban school kids, and enhancing an oasis in the city for the enjoyment of all. Make your Earth Day donation now.
And as I reflect on Riverside Park’s newest resident one last time, I just want to say to you all – thank you for welcoming back the beaver.
 With appreciation,
Kim Forbeck
Manager of Land Stewardship
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