Hands-on Project Teaches Water Stewardship and Environmental Awareness
On a beautiful Tuesday in May, something special happened at Milwaukee’s own urban oasis, Lakeshore State Park. Students rotated through interactive, water-focused learning stations led by local scientists and environmental educators as part of the Milwaukee Water Investigation Project.
“The whole goal of this project is to connect students with their local waterways and then all of the partners working in water,” explained Kae DonLevy, co-creator and manager of Milwaukee Water’s Investigation. “Where do we get our drinking water? Lake Michigan. So, it is so important that we keep the land clean and the rivers clean so the waters that flow into Lake Michigan are as clean as they can be.”
The success of programs like the Milwaukee Water Investigation Project showcases what’s possible when community partners unite around a shared vision. When scientists step away from their labs to teach by the lakefront, when educators design hands-on activities that make complex concepts accessible, when organizations coordinate resources to create seamless learning experiences—that’s when transformation happens. These collaborations don’t emerge overnight; they’re cultivated through relationship-building, shared commitment, and the recognition that investing in environmental education requires the entire community working together. Programs like this demonstrate the profound impact that dedicated educational spaces can have on young learners.
Your Support Makes These Moments Possible
Imagine this same energy and engagement amplified year-round. Picture students gathering not just on beautiful spring days, but throughout Milwaukee’s seasons, diving deep into environmental education within a purpose-built learning center. That vision is becoming reality through the development of a new Visitor and Education Center at Lakeshore State Park.
Every student who rotated through the learning stations at Lakeshore State Park carried home new knowledge about their environment. Some will pursue careers in environmental science. Others will become more conscious consumers, better neighbors, more engaged citizens. All experienced the power of experiential learning in one of Milwaukee’s most treasured spaces.
The Friends of Lakeshore State Park has launched a $5 million campaign to build this Visitor and Education Center. Your support makes possible the expansion of transformative programming, the creation of year-round educational opportunities, and the development of essential visitor services that welcome everyone to engage with nature and environmental stewardship.
- Enhanced Learning Opportunities: A dedicated learning center offering unique educational programming about Milwaukee’s environmental infrastructure and the city’s relationship with land and water
- Community Gathering Space: Seating for 50 people at tables, creating space for workshops, presentations, and community meetings
- Year-Round Programming: Two outdoor patios and accessible facilities that enable programming in all seasons
- Essential Visitor Services: Family restrooms and DNR office space to better serve park visitors
download visitor and education center brochure
More Than a Building—A Gateway to Understanding
The learning center will provide unique educational opportunities about Milwaukee’s environmental infrastructure and the city’s complex history with land and water use. Students will explore the consequences of urbanization alongside the innovative solutions our community continues to develop. These aren’t abstract concepts—they’re the stories of our shared home, told through hands-on experiences that make environmental science tangible and relevant.
With dedicated space for programming, educators can expand beyond single-day events to offer deeper, more sustained learning experiences. The impact multiplies when curiosity sparked in one session can be nurtured through ongoing engagement and exploration.
Meeting Growing Demand
The success of programs like the Milwaukee Water Investigation Project reflects a broader trend. Lakeshore State Park’s popularity continues to grow as Milwaukee’s downtown shoreline becomes increasingly activated and pedestrian-friendly. Families, school groups, and community organizations are discovering this urban oasis and the unique access it provides to Lake Michigan.
This growing demand highlights the need for enhanced visitor amenities and dedicated educational infrastructure. The Visitor and Education Center will ensure this special urban greenspace can fulfill its potential as a destination for hands-on education, community gatherings, recreation, and meaningful connection with nature.
Ready to make waves with us?
Learn more about our Visitor and Education Center campaign and discover how you can help create a legacy for future generations of environmental stewards.
Source: Original reporting by CBS 58 Milwaukee, “Hometown students gather for hands-on, eco-friendly learning,” May 13, 2025.