UWM Service Learning Info

UWM Service Learning – Fall 2011

River Revitalization Foundation (RRF)

Office: 1845 N. Farwell Ave. in MEC (Milwaukee Environmental Consortium) Offices

             Suite 100, Milwaukee  WI 53202 (but we don’t meet here!)

www.milwaukeerrf.org    414-271-8000 (office phone)

Agency contacts:

Vince Bushell, Program Manager/Land Steward

vbushell@gmail.com

cell: 414-588-7281

Ellie Kirkwood, Field Assistant/Intern

kirkwoo2@uwm.edu

cell: 414-630-6311

Theresa Morgan, Conservation Specialist

Kimberly Gleffe, Executive Director

Our Mission:

The mission of the RRF is to establish a parkway for public access, walkways, recreation and education, bordering the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers; to use the rivers to revitalize surrounding neighborhoods; and to improve water quality.

From the past to the future, we are committed to the return of this vital natural resource for all as Milwaukee’s urban rivers land trust.

Our Vision:

The RRF advocates environmental conservation, public access and sensitive recreation in metro Milwaukee’s river watersheds.

To address critical land use issues and further the greenway concept, our primary focus includes ensuring:

• Public Access
• Preservation of the river valley
• Preservation of green space in a dense urban environment
• Riparian buffers against encroaching development
• Links with neighborhoods on both sides of the river
• Conservation of critical habitat and wildlife areas

By convening partners with shared vision, values and mission, we can influence planning decisions made along this corridor.

Our Organizational Goals:

Our long-term goal is to recreate the urban landscape using the river as a focal point. As a land trust, we will impact the quality of life through neighborhood restoration, economic vitality, conservation of natural areas, and creation of public access to these natural areas and open spaces. “Green infrastructure” addresses this concept; by incorporating open space in urban planning, we have relief, through access to these spaces, from the intensity and pace of a dense urban environment. The community would be enhanced in many ways.

Partner/Course: UWM CES 210 or GEOG 125

Project Details:

1. Introductory Hike = 2 hours
1. Each student is required to take an introductory hike led by Vince and/or Ellie through the Milwaukee River valley. Meet at Riverview dorms. This hike must be completed by Oct. 16.
2. Invasive Species Removal
1. The remainder of your hours may be spent removing invasive species like buckthorn and Japanese knotweed. This work is somewhat labor intensive – be ready to get dirty.
3. Other Project
1. If you have a creative idea (you like writing, drawing, making movies, etc) please do not hesitate to tell Vince and Ellie. Artistic promotion is desirable for us.
4. Major Events – throughout the semester there are a few large volunteer events that you can help supervise. Below are a few in September – look for email updates with new potential opportunities.
1. Fri 9/16 – Wild and Scenic Film Festival at Bayshore (at dusk)
2. Tues 9/20 – Days of Caring at Gateway Park (1-4pm)
3. Sat 9/24 – National Public Lands Day at Gordon Park (9am-12pm)

Important Info: READ THIS

1. You are required to complete 10 hours of volunteer work with RRF. 2 hours will be the intro hike, 8 hours will be your other projects.
2. You must have your intro hike done by Sunday October 16. Failure to do so will result in being dropped from the program
3. You must have at least 6 hours (intro hike + 4hrs) completed by Sunday November 6. Failure to do so will result in being dropped from the program.
4. You can contact Vince by phone call and email. You can contact Ellie by phone call, text, and email. Please be specific and brief when leaving messages.
5. YOU tell US when you can work. Messages with “When can I work?…” will not be responded to.
6. Please schedule days to work in advance – don’t expect to be able to schedule and work that same day.
7. If you must cancel a time you have scheduled, do so ASAP (at least 3 hours in advance).

If you will be late to a time you have scheduled, just call! Have our numbers on hand and let us know you will be running late. Don’t leave us waiting around.