HIDDEN WATER STORIES — Justin Hegarty and Jill Sebastian (November 2017)

In November 2017, engineer Justin Hegarty and artist Jill Sebastian led a walk through Walker's Square to the Burnham Canal. Together, Justin and Jill discussed how the natural water systems have been altered over time. This walk examined past and present infrastructure, wildlife, industry, and future plans for green initiatives to the Walker’s Square and Brunham Canal areas.

HIDDEN BLUE/GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE — Carmen Aguilar and Melanie Ariens (March 2018)

In March 2018, scientist Carmen Aguilar and artist Melanie Ariens led a walk into the Harbor District to the School of Freshwater Sciences. This walk highlighted green infrastructure in an urban environment that might go unnoticed, such as green roofs, perverse pavement, and rain barrels. Along the route walkers met artist Nova Czarnecki and viewed her mural which uses art to draw attention to local wildlife and celebrate Milwaukee as a water city.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT — Paige Peters and Colin Matthes (April 2018)

In April 2018, engineer Paige Peters and artist Colin Matthes led a walk along National Avenue and to Paliafito Eco-Arts Park. Paige and Colin highlighted best management practices for overflow and sewer treatment in an urban environment. They discussed the concept of sponge cities, natural filtration features, and other green infrastructure that have the unique ability to get communities engaged unlike other types of development.

KK RIVER: RE-GREENING THE KK RIVER — Joanna Dema and Jessica Meuininck (July 2018)

Joanna Dema and Jessica Meuninck led a walk through the Pulaski Park Pavilion to 13th Street to observe the disastrous current state of the river and its wildlife. Introducing a Biodiversity Bingo Challenge on plant, animals & insect identification, participants were able to better understand what they were observing and how the proposal for the revitalization project and Riverwalk will benefit the surrounding community. Ending the walk at “Victory Garden”, participants were introduced to Chlaire LaFontaine, who explained her research in sustainable research in papercraft practices and the benefits of PMFs (PaperMaker’s Farms).

RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND RIVER MYTHS — Patrick Elliott and Gabriela Riveros (June 2018)

In June 2018, Patrick Elliott, Senior Project Manager from Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), and illustrator Gabriela Riveros led the WaterMarks walk entitled, “River Development and River Myths.” Alongside them we gathered at Pulaski Park Pavilion on a hot, sunny day, with a group of both residents and community members, and talked about the cultural and infrastructural significance of rivers.

WALKING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF THE KK — Mollie Oblinger and Nancy Frank (June 2018)

In June 2018, Mollie Oblinger & Nancy Frank led the group through the history of the area of the Kinnickinnic watershed, beginning with the Ice Age in 10,000 BCE and extending into the future. Each stop marked a different point in the history of the watershed and the surrounding neighborhoods, and Mollie and Nancy invited participants to help them present each “timeline stop.” Some attendees were surprised to learn that the neighborhood was once comprised of Polish immigrants, as it is now primarily a Latinx community. Nancy explained how the timeline illustrated "a narrative of the geology, people, and transformations of the land beneath our feet and the river flowing by."

RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION IN THE 30TH ST INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR — Tory Kress and Portia Cobb (May 2019)

In May 2019, artist Portia Cobb & environmental engineer Tory Kress envisioned the future of Milwaukee’s 30th Street Corridor. Formerly the industrial powerhouse of the city, this now vacant land is being transformed into a green infrastructure showcase.

CONNECTING WATER AND ART IN THE GARDEN HOMES NEIGHBORHOOD — Jerome Flogel and Fatima Laster (May 2019)

In May 2019, artist and designer Fatima Laster & engineer Jerome Flogel, this walk explored the historic Garden Homes Neighborhood and the green infrastructure/water features that surround it.