Although its sometimes hard to see underneath its gruff, post-industrial exterior, early Milwaukee officials gave great thought to our green spaces. Thanks to the foresight of men like Charles Whitnall, Milwaukee has an extensive infrastructure of park land. This year, why not pay tribute to the groups working to preserve our greenery, locally and otherwise, by participating in some Earth Day celebrations.

• Public Land Clean-ups with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful
  When: 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, April 21
  Where: Multiple locations:
• Cudahy Park, 3000 E. Ramsey Ave.
• Bradford Beach, Meet at Beach House, 2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
• Falk Park, 2031 W Rawson Ave.
• Grant Park, 100 E Hawthorne Ave.
• Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave.
• Jackson Park, 3500 W. Forest Home Ave.
• Lake Park, 3233 E Kenwood Blvd.
• Lakefront Bike & Trail Bluffs, Meet at McKinley Marina Parking Lot, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
• Sheridan & Warnimont Parks, 4800 S. Lake Drive
• South Shore Park, 2900 S. South Shore Dr.
• Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St.
• Whitnall Park/Potter’s Forest, 5879 S. 92nd St.

• Earth Day for Afternoon Nappers
  Kids five and younger can celebrate Earth Day at a special event just for them! They'll see a puppet show, and take part in outdoor activities and crafts.
  When: 10:30 a.m. - noon, Saturday, April 21
  Where: Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl.
  How much: Free, donations appreciated
  Contact: 414.964.8505 - register by April 29

• Earth Day Festival at Riverside Park
  Everyone can celebrate Earth Day through music, rock climbing, nature walks, crafts, food and more.
  When: noon - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21
  Where: Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl.
  How much: Free, donations appreciated
  Contact: 414.964.8505

• Earth Day Festival at Washington Park
  Celebrate Earth Day through music, canoeing, nature walks, trash roundups, games, food, resource booths and more.
  When: noon - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21
  Where: Urban Ecology Center - Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th Street
  How much: Free, donations appreciated
  Contact: 414.964.8505

• Earth Day Festival at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Canter
  Paddle a canoe on Mystery Lake, search for frogs, beach-comb along the shores of Lake Michigan, take a guided hike in our fabulous forests, view live animals, and much more!
  When: noon - 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22
  Where: Schlitz Audobon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd, Bayside
  How much: $5
  Contact: 414.964.8505

• Party for the Planet
  Learn about taking care of planet Earth at the Milwaukee County Zoo, featuring exhibits and habitats highlighting the importance of conservation. Learn ways you can lessen your impact on the Earth and protect our endangered species.
  When: Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20
  Where: Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Rd.