by Dana Jones
Thanks to Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, April 22nd is now known as Earth Day around the globe. The Environment and Transportation and Public Spaces Committees of the Bay View Neighborhood Association have teamed up to bring a handful of activities to our neighborhood in honor of Earth Day and Earth Week. Earthweek.org has declared the theme for 2008 to be Global Change/Local Action.
Kinnickinnic River Cleanup - Saturday, April 19th, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Cleveland Park at 10th and Cleveland - BVNA continues its partnership with The Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers, The Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, and Americorps to clean up the banks and waterways of the endangered Kinnickinnic River. Bring the entire family to help make a difference for our local river, learn more about protecting our water, and enjoy fun eco-events for kids! Please note the new location this year. Please dress appropriately. Gloves will be provided. Lunch will be served at noon.
Pre-registration appreciated: http://mkeriverkeeper.org/milwaukeerivercleanup/reg.htm
Seminary Woods Family Educational Hike - Tuesday, April 22nd, 6:30 p.m. - Weather Permitting - Bring the kids and join the BVNA as we set off on a hike to enjoy nature’s best in our own backyard. Environmental educators will lead the hour long hike and activities to learn more about the animals and plants in this beautiful area. Meet by the wooden bridge on the north side of the Cousins Center parking lot, near the soccer fields.
Learn more about Seminary Woods: http://www.mkeconservancy.org/localpartnerships.html
Bay View Neighborhood Cleanup - Saturday, April 26th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Meet in the parking lot of Bay View United Methodist Church, 2772 S Kinnickinnic Avenue. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Klement’s Sausages. Sign in at the registration table and learn about targeted cleanup areas. Youth groups, schools, and church groups are encouraged to attend. Free admission coupons for Milwaukee County Recreation facilities will be provided to volunteers.
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Presentations - Presented by Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers - Saturday, April 26th, 12:30 and 2 p.m. - Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers will offer two power point presentations on how we as citizens can help reduce storm water runoff that pollutes our lakes and waterways. These presentations will take place at the Bay View United Methodist Church, 2772 S Kinnickinnic. No registration required. Come to one or both!
Rain Gardens and Landscaping for Stormwater Management: 12:30 – 1:30 - This presentation seeks to educate about storm water runoff and prevention. It illustrates how to landscape with storm water management in mind, and gives in-depth attention to rain gardens, native plants, and rain barrels.
Environmentally Friendly Lawn and Yard Care: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. - This presentation raises awareness of the environmental impact of green lawns. It provides environmentally friendly lawn care techniques, including soil testing, composting, and minimizing use of herbicides and insecticides, and introduces feasible alternatives to green lawns.
Here’s what else we do: Humboldt Park Pot Luck, Annual All-Member Meeting and Board Elections, Winter Fun at South Shore Pavilion, Quarterly All-Member Meetings, All-Summer Humboldt Park “Chill on the Hill” Free Concert Series, Nighttime Trick-or-Treat, KK Holiday Event
The BVNA is a membership-based organization. Dues support our mission and enable us to continue with our programs and special events that benefit the entire Bay View community. Our work would not be possible without members who support our organization both financially and with their volunteer efforts. We would love for you to join us with your time or membership.For further information on Earth Week activities, please visit us online at www.bayviewneighborhood.org
