Washington Park Restoration and Management Plan

Milwaukee County Parks is partnering with the Urban Ecology Center to restore native plant communities to a 20-acre section of Washington Park. County Parks and UEC have collaborated to develop a Land Management Plan (linked in the right-side panel) that aims to guide our collective efforts to enhance Washington Park over the next 20 years. This plan is being managed in coordination with the new Washington Park Urban Ecology Center branch, which opened to the public in February 2025.

Project Goals:

1. Restore and maintain diverse Southeast Wisconsin native plant communities for the conservation of plant and wildlife species as well as native biodiversity.
2. Amplify the Park’s capacity to provide carbon sequestration, water and air purification, storm water retention and infiltration, soil creation and conservation, cultural and spiritual inspiration, and other ecosystem services.
3. Provide outdoor science education for urban youths and adults.
4. Practice and model environmentally responsible behaviors.
5. Reduce invasive and non-native plant species to enhance biodiversity, improve sightlines and view sheds, and increase accessibility of the park and lagoon.
6. Foster community engagement by offering recreational activities that promote learning, volunteerism, stewardship, and camaraderie.
7. Employ the following lenses to guide land restoration and management activities: ecological, social, economic, and historical.

Restoration Timeline