



Mission Statement
Milwaukee Urban Gardens acquires and preserves land and partners with neighborhood residents to develop and maintain community gardens to enhance the quality of life.
History
Community Gardens have been a historical presence in Milwaukee since World War I. Today, however, they are an endangered species. Over the last twenty years, Milwaukee County has lost over 60% of its garden plots to pressures of development - jeopardizing the quality of life for future generations of Milwaukeeans. In many neighborhoods, new developments are quickly swallowing any remaining vacant parcels, resulting in little open green space left in urban neighborhoods.
Milwaukee Urban Gardens was founded in 2000 by a group of individuals who were advocating for the long term protection of community gardens in urban Milwaukee.
The organization currently holds titles to four properties: Greenfolks Garden in Riverwest; Village Roots Garden in Bay View; Hocking Heritage and Spencer Garden, both on the Northwest side of Milwaukee.
Board of Directors
Venice Williams
Executive Director
SeedFolks Youth Ministry
Anthony Lyons
Freelance Carpenter
Julie Ruplinger
Owner of Moksha Designs
Co-founder of Off the Grid Milwaukee
Mary Beth Driscoll
Executive Director
Groundwork Milwaukee
Caroline Carter
Certified Raw Foods Chef, Co-Owner
Eden's Market
Judy Fassbender
Senior Assoiciate
Bloom Companies, LLC
Wendy Mesich
Co-founder ofOff The Grid Milwaukee
Claire Moore
Business Owner, Pilates Instructor
Pink House Studio
Pamela Schaefer
Attorney
Reinhart, Boerner and Van Deuren
Jacqueline Ward
Manager
Business Improvement District 32
Staff:
Executive Director
Erin Kanuckel
(414) 431-1585
erin@milwaukeeurbangardens.org
Program Director
Jacki Walczak
(414) 431-1585
jwalczak@milwaukeeurbangardens.org