I don’t think I will be the first person to say that this winter has been loooong…and it’s not even over yet! Although today brings some nice sunny weather and the possibility of 40 degrees, I think we are all dreaming of days to come when the sunlight lasts a little longer, green becomes the new brown, and daily exercise might include a walk instead of shoveling snow.
While many of us have felt too cooped up inside for the past few months, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy this snow-filled winter, allowing us to get outside and stretch our legs, create some good community with others, and bask in the beauty of nature and our city. We have come up with a few of our favorite local earth-friendly activities should you find yourself sitting around wondering just what to do.
Photo credit: http://cheersmilwaukee.tumblr.com
Explore the Urban Ecology Center
Enjoy an early morning bird walk, sign-up for cooking classes focused on food preservation and eating local, expose your children of any age to a variety of nature adventures, and if you happen to be a member, you can even borrow equipment like snowshoes and cross country skis for free!
Kid’s Art Projects Using Recycled Materials
Desperately in need of some crafty ideas to help your kids stay engaged inside while at the same time teaching them about reducing waste? Try these super cute art project that use things many of us would otherwise throw away.
Can Do Robots
Vase and Flowers
Lakefront Brewery Environmental Tour
Did you know that Lakefront Brewery became the first brewery in the state and the first business in the city of Milwaukee to receive the Travel Green Wisconsin certification? At 4pm on Fridays, brewery president, Russ Klisch, leads a tour highlighting the breweries environmental practices. Now that is what I call a win for the Brew City!
Experience the trails at Havenwoods State Forest
With 237 acres to explore right in the heart of the city, this state forest often goes overlooked. Take advantage of such a beautiful place without having to go far. There are great trails for cross country skiing as well. Located near Sherman Blvd and Silver Spring Rd.
Buy Local Produce at the Milwaukee County Winter Farmer’s Market
Although gardens are not overflowing with produce during the winter months that doesn’t mean you aren’t able to buy from local farmers and vendors. Hosted on Saturdays at the Mitchell Park Domes this year, check out delicious vegetables, artisanal cheeses, breads, meat, honey and more. You can even enjoy a quick hot and ready to eat breakfast.
Volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore
This make-a-difference store is completely stocked with donated home items that might otherwise be destined for landfills. From tables to cabinets and lamps, these vintage and practical items can create a unique, up-cycled look for your home or office. Open to the community, all proceeds go directly to benefit Milwaukee’s Habitat for Humanity projects.
Share your favorite local earth-friendly winter activities with our readers by commenting on this post!
Leave a Reply