The Urban Ecology Center has increased its annual membership rates for the first time in 15 years.
New rates run $30 for college students, previously $12, and $35 for individuals, previously $25. Family membership is priced at $45, up from a previous rate of $35.
The elevated rates were prompted by enhanced membership benefit offerings and a new aim to educate UEC members about how their dollars support the organization’s mission to connect Milwaukee-area residents with urban nature, according to the UEC.
Benefits members reap have “grown considerably” in the past 15 years, the organization said. While membership opportunities initially allowed residents and families to tap into a few community programs and borrow a few canoes at one location, today members can access more than 60 programs a month and borrow a much broader range of equipment at all three of the organization’s locations.
Rentable equipment includes canoes, kayaks, mountain bikes, camping equipment, cross country skis, snowshoes and sleds – all of which can be rented for free for up to three days.
“Our new rate structure sets our value more honestly in the community,” said Ken Leinbach, executive director of the UEC.
Along with the increase in fees, the UEC is redirecting attention to the ways that those fees support its mission to educate children and adults about the environment and nature.
“As a member, you are making a statement that you believe in growing natural green spaces in the city, that protecting our water by naturalizing shorelines is essential, that urban kids need a chance to experience nature firsthand every day of their lives, and that having a place that inspires sustainable choices in our neighborhoods is critically important,” Leinbach said.
Even with steeper fees, the UEC projects it will continue to grow its base of household members. The nonprofit currently has about 4,000 member households.
The UEC’s three sites are located in Milwaukee’s Riverside Park, Washington Park and Menomonee Valley.
For more information, visit www.urbanecologycenter.org.
