Friday, December 4, 2009
"Take a Hike!" & the Milwaukee River Quest
In the summer of 2008 and 2009 RRF joined with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett’s Earn and Learn Program.The result was the opportunity for city youth to be employed 20 hours a week, for seven weeks over the last two summers.The program, run by Milwaukee Area Work Force Investment Board, strives to teach the basics of having a job as well as providing work experience, an opportunity not had by many youth. Working in conjunction with job skills training, RRF’s goal is to expose workers to the natural world. The goal is to teach workers about native and non-native plant species so that they can assist RRF in natural landscape restoration as well as transfer conservation knowledge and skills to a new generation.
Throughout the seven weeks, the workers learn to identify plants, remove non-natives and plant native species. To complement their restoration work in the valley, the workers are challenged to create and lead their own trail hikes to demonstrate what they have learned not only about the natural species of the valley but the history of human interaction and use of the land in the past. Photography, drawing, map creation and graphic layout are also tasks associated with their summer work.
Take a Hike Publication
The "Take a Hike!" publication is an eight-page tabloid sized document that will be distributed in the area surrounding the Milwaukee River in Spring of 2010. Within the newspaper style document are the trail guides, stories and hand-drawn plant species guides, trail maps, and diagrams of RRF's summer Earn & Learn Crew.
Milwaukee River Quest
The Milwaukee River Quest is outdoor hike based on the trail guides written by our summer work crews. Written in to the trail guides are is information regarding the placement of 12 informational signs within the Milwaukee River corridor from Locust Street to North Avenue on both banks of the river. The quest is designed for all who enjoy hiking, learning something new about the river, its adjacent lands and their history. It is recommended for grade school aged children in groups of 4-6 with the assistance of an adult to help interpret directions.
As you follow the trail guide it leads you on a quest to find the 12 signs as well as the plant species and "quest clues" that are written on them. (see example sign) Collect the "quest clues" and write them in the spaces provided in the publication. Once the quest is completed, the hiker may visit the River Quest section of our website to discover more information about the clues they collected. After verification of the the correct quest clues via an online quiz, the hiker will have the opportunity to submit their quest results for a free pass to a local museum or an embroidered patch.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
New Park and Trail Developing On Wheelhouse Site
On December 17th, after almost 10 years of negotiation, RRF closed on the Wheelhouse Property. To find out more information please read our press release below or visit the following links to articles from the local press. If you would be interested in donating, please visit our Donation page.
Press Coverage:
- 12/18/2009 - Business Journal of Milwaukee: Wheelhouse Restaurant Property Sold to Land Trust
- 12/18/2009 - JSOnline:Abandoned Wheelhouse Property to Become Riverfront Park
- 9/27/2009 - JSOnline: Funding Sought to turn Melanec's Wheelhouse Site into Riverfront Park
August 13, 2010
Visit the Wheelhouse site to see the progress on trail construction. New trails have been added by RRF Earn and Learn Summer crew. Pause a moment on the benches built by our crew.
The Beerline Bike trail will be pass by the wheelhouse by the end of September. We will be having events soon!!!
December 17th, 2009
The River Revitalization Foundation, Milwaukee's urban rivers land trust, has purchased 2.8 acres of land located along the Milwaukee River on the east side of the City of Milwaukee. The project will restore blighted urban riverfront land to preserved green space, increase shoreline stabilization and floodplain protection, provide a public access linkage to adjacent Milwaukee County parks and trails, protect Butler 's Garter Snake habitat and provide multiple recreational opportunities. The Foundation received a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Stewardship grant award in the amount of $700,000 for the acquisition. An additional $400,000 easement purchase through the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's Greenseams program is a partial match to the DNR grant.
The site's approximately 642 feet of frontage along the Milwaukee River will connect to the planned “Beerline” segment of the Milwaukee County Park 's Oak Leaf Trail System and the North Avenue pedestrian bridge extending over the river to Caesar's Park and the East Bank Trail. The property is primarily a developed site that includes an abandoned building (formerly the Melanec's Wheelhouse restaurant) and impervious parking lots, both of which will be removed by the Foundation as part of the restoration. The finished product will include improved public access for low impact recreational activities including fishing, hiking, and access to adjoining trails that will also provide biking and cross-country skiing. Proposed plans also include a non-motorized boat launch.
The River Revitalization Foundation will retain ownership but will manage the property in a manner consistent with the park management policies of Milwaukee County . Public information meetings will be scheduled in 2010 inviting comment for site planning for the new park.
“We and our partners are excited and proud to have secured this property for Milwaukee and Wisconsin 's future,” said Foundation President Chris Jaekels. “Its strategic location and natural attributes will enable the Foundation to help improve water quality, add scenic beauty to the neighborhood, and provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community,” he added. With this acquisition, the foundation has protected 10 acres within Milwaukee 's environmental corridor.
Donations are being sought and accepted for the remaining $300,000 in acquisition costs and for additional expenses including demolition and habitat restoration. Visit www.riverrevitalizationfoundation.org for more details.
The Beerline Trail is Open!
It's finally complete! RRF celebrated the opening of the Beerline Trail this week with Milwaukee County Parks, UWM, and community members at Stubby's Pub and Grub on Humboldt Ave. Check out the link below to see some great photos of the evening, thanks to Jeff Baudry of County Parks.
http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d546b314e546b784d7a4e384d5459784e4445314f544d3d0d0a&sb=1
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
North Avenue Dam Pedestrian Bridge
Pedestrian Bridge over the remnants of the North Avenue dam linking Caesar’s Park and the west bank of the river at the dam.Map of Location:
View North Avenue Dam Pedestrian Bridge in a larger map
East Bank Trail
Overview:On Wednesday, July 26, RRF and partners dedicated a new ADA-accessible walking trail that will allow better access to the Milwaukee River in one of the most densely populated areas of the city. The East Bank Trail is a soft pedestrian trail on the East bank of the Milwaukee River, linking Caesar's Park on the South to Riverside Park and the Urban Ecology Center on the North. It is part of a larger loop of pedestrian and paved trails called the 'Beerline Loop' that extends from Commerce Street up to Locust Street on both sides of the river and will create alternative transportation options and recreational opportunities for neighborhood residents and visitors.
"By creating this new East Bank Trail with our partners, we are protecting the environmentally sensitive wetland area along the river that people were previously accessing on an unmanaged, unauthorized path," says Kimberly Gleffe, Executive Director of River Revitalization Foundation. "Also, neighbors and visitors can now enjoy an easier and more reliable walking path that won't flood out every time it rains."
The Milwaukee River is a nationally recognized environmental jewel that River Revitalization Foundation is working to preserve and protect for future generations to enjoy. A new public art installation of two, Native American-inspired turtles constructed in concrete, tile, and steel designed by Marina Lee and Chris Leslie, two Riverwest artists, are featured at each end of the trail, commemorating the completion of the trail and recognition of donors to the trail project.Partners in the project:
Wisconsin Coastal Management Program; Milwaukee County Parks;
City of Milwaukee; National Park Service Rivers & Trails; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; private landowners; youth from the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Washington High School students placed through United Water’s Internship Program; and additional crew hired through a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Map of Area:
View Milwaukee River Valley in a larger map
Beer Line Trail Loop
Overview:
Milwaukee County Parks Department was awarded $320,000 from DOT federal highway funds toward a $400,000 conversion of the Beerline right-of-way to a bike trail. The River Revitalization Foundation raised the 20% matching funds as the local sponsor, or $80,000. Milwaukee County will work with RRF and local property owners to build this trail linking Gordon Park and Riverwest to Commerce Street, connecting under the North Avenue bridge. This trail will help preserve the invaluable natural area along the Milwaukee River north of North Avenue while providing links to the adjacent neighborhoods, to the newly developing residential area south of North Avenue, and to downtown.
Historical Perspective
Historically, this section of the Milwaukee River Valley was a focal point of commerce and recreation with swimming, boating and ice-skating as major uses. For the last half century, the city turned away from the river because it was severely polluted. The recent removal of the dam at North Avenue combined with water quality improvement efforts throughout the river basin, has resulted in improved water quality and changing attitudes. The river’s edge is now a desirable real estate location and its vegetated buffer is threatened with residential and commercial development as housing moves up the Milwaukee River from downtown. Building this trail will help preserve the invaluable natural area along the Milwaukee River north of North Avenue while providing links to the adjacent neighborhoods, to the newly developing residential area south of North Avenue, and to downtown.
Trail Benefits
The trail will contribute to improving the neighborhood’s overall quality of life. Neighbors will have a public open space in which to meet, chat, and enjoy the quiet. Residents will gain pleasant and safe access to downtown for commuting to work and to recreational activities; students will gain safe access to schools and parks.
Community health will improve
The proximity of the trail to the high density Riverwest Neighborhood will encourage residents to increase their physical activity; this can result in improved individual and community health as well as a reduced public health burden. Fewer people will rely on their cars, so the air will be cleaner.
The local economy will improve
Visitors from other neighborhoods and tourists are likely to visit the area as they explore downtown and Milwaukee River environs, opting to visit shops and restaurants on Center Street. Property values near the trail will likely increase as the bike path becomes a desirable public asset.
Natural and historical areas will be preserved and interpreted
The trail will contribute to the community’s overall goal of preserving the natural area buffering the Milwaukee River, an excellent area for birding and nature study. The trail will also be a good place to learn about the rich history of the Milwaukee River. We’ll creatively incorporate history and nature into trailside amenities.
Trail Basics
Location:
The proposed trail will be located on an abandoned railroad right-of-way formerly known as the “Beerline” in the City of Milwaukee. The project is bounded by Locust Street on the north, Humboldt Boulevard on the west, North Avenue on the south, and the Milwaukee River corridor on the east.
Length: 4,000’
Width: 10’
Surface Materials: asphalt
Connections:
The segment of the Beerline to be converted to bike trail is situated at the crossroads between the Riverwest and UWM/North Shore suburban neighborhoods and the City of Milwaukee Downtown area. The proposed trail will facilitate non-motorized travel between those destinations by connecting with:
Milwaukee County received $320,000 from federal highway funds for a $400,000 conversion of the Beerline right-of-way to a bike trail. The River Revitalization Foundation (RRF) has raised the 20% matching funds as the local sponsor, or $80,000. Milwaukee County will work with RRF and local property owners to build this trail linking Gordon Park and Riverwest to Commerce Street. The DNR awarded RRF with a Stewardship grant of $200,000 to cost share in the land acquisition along the Milwaukee River from Gordon Park to Wright Street. RRF purchased a section of the rail corridor and will transfer this land to the County Parks Department. Acquiring and preserving this nearly 5-acre property for public access and trails will also help protect the river valley. A land swap will complete the contiguous corridor needed to develop the trail.
How You Can Support this effort
Collectively these benefits create an overwhelming reason to support the Beerline Trail. To add your support, contact the Kimberely Gleffe at kgleffe@riverrevitalizationfoundation.org or 414.271.8000
Milwaukee County Parks Department was awarded $320,000 from DOT federal highway funds toward a $400,000 conversion of the Beerline right-of-way to a bike trail. The River Revitalization Foundation raised the 20% matching funds as the local sponsor, or $80,000. Milwaukee County will work with RRF and local property owners to build this trail linking Gordon Park and Riverwest to Commerce Street, connecting under the North Avenue bridge. This trail will help preserve the invaluable natural area along the Milwaukee River north of North Avenue while providing links to the adjacent neighborhoods, to the newly developing residential area south of North Avenue, and to downtown.
Historical Perspective
Historically, this section of the Milwaukee River Valley was a focal point of commerce and recreation with swimming, boating and ice-skating as major uses. For the last half century, the city turned away from the river because it was severely polluted. The recent removal of the dam at North Avenue combined with water quality improvement efforts throughout the river basin, has resulted in improved water quality and changing attitudes. The river’s edge is now a desirable real estate location and its vegetated buffer is threatened with residential and commercial development as housing moves up the Milwaukee River from downtown. Building this trail will help preserve the invaluable natural area along the Milwaukee River north of North Avenue while providing links to the adjacent neighborhoods, to the newly developing residential area south of North Avenue, and to downtown.
Trail Benefits
The trail will contribute to improving the neighborhood’s overall quality of life. Neighbors will have a public open space in which to meet, chat, and enjoy the quiet. Residents will gain pleasant and safe access to downtown for commuting to work and to recreational activities; students will gain safe access to schools and parks.
Community health will improve
The proximity of the trail to the high density Riverwest Neighborhood will encourage residents to increase their physical activity; this can result in improved individual and community health as well as a reduced public health burden. Fewer people will rely on their cars, so the air will be cleaner.
The local economy will improve
Visitors from other neighborhoods and tourists are likely to visit the area as they explore downtown and Milwaukee River environs, opting to visit shops and restaurants on Center Street. Property values near the trail will likely increase as the bike path becomes a desirable public asset.
Natural and historical areas will be preserved and interpreted
The trail will contribute to the community’s overall goal of preserving the natural area buffering the Milwaukee River, an excellent area for birding and nature study. The trail will also be a good place to learn about the rich history of the Milwaukee River. We’ll creatively incorporate history and nature into trailside amenities.
Trail Basics
Location:
The proposed trail will be located on an abandoned railroad right-of-way formerly known as the “Beerline” in the City of Milwaukee. The project is bounded by Locust Street on the north, Humboldt Boulevard on the west, North Avenue on the south, and the Milwaukee River corridor on the east.
Length: 4,000’
Width: 10’
Surface Materials: asphalt
Connections:
The segment of the Beerline to be converted to bike trail is situated at the crossroads between the Riverwest and UWM/North Shore suburban neighborhoods and the City of Milwaukee Downtown area. The proposed trail will facilitate non-motorized travel between those destinations by connecting with:
- Existing City of Milwaukee bike routes on Humboldt Boulevard, Locust Street and North Avenue
- Planned City of Milwaukee off-street paths in the railroad corridor to the northwest of the subject trail and extending into the Downtown area at the southern end of the trail
- Milwaukee County’s Oak Leaf Trail, which is located on the east side of the Milwaukee River and connects numerous parkways and park sites.
Milwaukee County received $320,000 from federal highway funds for a $400,000 conversion of the Beerline right-of-way to a bike trail. The River Revitalization Foundation (RRF) has raised the 20% matching funds as the local sponsor, or $80,000. Milwaukee County will work with RRF and local property owners to build this trail linking Gordon Park and Riverwest to Commerce Street. The DNR awarded RRF with a Stewardship grant of $200,000 to cost share in the land acquisition along the Milwaukee River from Gordon Park to Wright Street. RRF purchased a section of the rail corridor and will transfer this land to the County Parks Department. Acquiring and preserving this nearly 5-acre property for public access and trails will also help protect the river valley. A land swap will complete the contiguous corridor needed to develop the trail.
How You Can Support this effort
Collectively these benefits create an overwhelming reason to support the Beerline Trail. To add your support, contact the Kimberely Gleffe at kgleffe@riverrevitalizationfoundation.org or 414.271.8000
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