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If you spend most of your time in the central business district you may not know why Milwaukee County park’s were awarded the 2009 National Gold Medal Award "for excellence in the field of park and recreation management" by the National Recreation and Park Association. Here are three events help appreciate the beauty of Milwaukee’s 136 parks, to learn more about them and to contribute to their ongoing health.
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) are invasive species that are wreaking havoc on the woodlands of Milwaukee. The pestiferous plants are not in the diet of local insects and wildlife, which means that Mother Nature has no natural lawnmower with which to make space for indigenous species. That’s where the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium’s Annual Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon comes into the picture. This year’s goal is to pull 5,000 pounds of the invasive species as well as to raise funds for long-term management and control. The Pull-A-Thon appeals to participants’ competitive spirit: form a team, recruit modest monetary pledges from friends/family/co-workers, pull the most Garlic Mustard by June 30, win the Pull-A-Thon Traveling Trophy and a year’s worth of bragging rights. See here for documents and email info@sewisc.org to form your team. Ready… set… PULL!
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There is an interminable philosophical conversation concerning the hierarchy of the Beautiful in nature and the Beautiful in art. If you’re more inclined to put the debate aside and just dig some art that takes nature as its subject matter, take note: Port Washington’s Gallery 224 is unveiling its newest exhibition, “Fur Fins Feathers,” on June 19. The exhibition features paintings by James Kiesow, sculptures by Andy Schumann and works from Gallery 224’s present artists in residence.
