Et cetera : Oak 4 Cleans Up Milwaukee Riverfront

By George Kimball, Oak 4

Oak 4 has been in Milwaukee for the past five weeks helping to preserve native wildlife and performing trail maintenance. NCCC is partnering with the non-profit community action program, Groundwork Milwaukee, to ensure that Milwaukeeans will be able to enjoy new park trails for years to come.

The team has been busy removing invasive species and combating soil erosion. Groundwork Milwaukee works in tandem with the Milwaukee County Parks Department, to ensure that the trail will meet ADA accessibility standards. NCCC is building trails that will allow for equal opportunity access to the park system, which boasts the highest number of public parks per acre of any major city. The majority of the work is being completed in the Cambridge Woods, a beautiful riverfront on the banks of the Milwaukee River. Corps members are also assisting with the Kinnickinnic River Improvement Coalition and Harambee Great Neighborhood Initiative to enhance the riverfront, making it more habitable for native species.

“Working on the environment is where I want to be,” says NCCC member Zachary Brazan. He is excited about the positive change being brought to an urban environment. Team Leader Marty Fankhanel says, “It’s great to hear a passerby say ‘I love the work you’re doing’ or ‘Thank you so much for what you’re doing for the park!”