July 2025
July 1, 2025
July is another great month to get out and see your neighbors and explore the waterways near you! There are a ton of fun family-friendly events taking place this month all over the city and out. Join us in celebrating an exciting summer season of connection!
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Photo by Corrigan Eckert
Announcements
Are you subscribed to our
YouTube Channel?
Come learn more about the WaterMarks project on our Youtube channel. Watch interviews with our neighbors, artists, and scientists all in one place! Learn more about the experiences of some of the people that you share this beautiful city with and consider what your Water Story is and how you can share it with your community.
The Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility Turns 100!
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District has been a partner of the WaterMarks project for a very long time and we would like to join them in celebrating 100 years of running the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility.
They have a great interactive timeline on their website, check it out here: Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility
Fair Future Movement is hiring
Fair Future Movement is an environmental justice non-profit based in Milwaukee. Their commitment to a multiracial, multicultural environmental justice movement rooted in community, collective learning, and action aligns with what WaterMarks seeks to do. They are currently hiring for two positions, the co-executive director and the Community Learning Series Facilitator. If you believe this is a good fit for you our someone you know, please consider applying.
Partner Events
WaterMarks isn't building an atlas of water alone. We work with countless organizations and individuals on this endeavor. WaterMarks Community-University Working Group is a collective of residents, artists, community-based institutions, and researchers who assemble to guide the future of water in Milwaukee.
Here are some upcoming events that our partners are hosting:
Dino Days at MPM
Beat the heat when you travel back in time to the age of the dinosaurs! Visit MPM for three weeks of positively prehistoric programming. Examine real fossils, think like a paleontologist, and test your
"di-knowledge" through hands-on activities and special events.
Location: MPM, 800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee
Date/time: July 7- July 25 / times vary
Help Build the Ark: Grasslyn Manor Takes Charge on Flooding
Learn what's next for Grasslyn Manor as the Advisory Group takes on a new project to investigate underground water infrastructure and how water flows in and out of homes. A WaterMarks representative will be there!
Location: Albright Trinity United Methodist Church, 5555 West Capitiol Drive, Milwaukee
Date/time: July 8 / 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition: Opening the Door to a New Chapter at Lac Lawrann
Join a discussion lead by Dan and Samantha Scheiman about the Ozaukee Washington Bir Coalition's future.
Ages 18+ | Pre-registration required for those joining in-person.
Location: Digital: Zoom / In-person: 300 Schmidt Rd, West Bend, WI 53090
Date/time: July 9 / 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Kayak Tour: Paddle with a Naturalist
Join Milwaukee Riverkeeper for a unique outdoor adventure that blends recreation and discovery! During this guided kayak tour, you’ll explore the beauty and biodiversity of our local waterways alongside an experienced naturalist who will share fascinating insights about the plants, wildlife, and ecological features of the area.
All gear is included with your ticket, and no prior kayaking experience is necessary.
Location: Thiensville Village Park, 250 Elm St., Thiensville
Date/time: July 10th / 5:00pm - 7:30pm
First Annual Bioblitz
The Bioblitz is a free event where participants actively contribute to the historic monitoring and inventory of plants, birds, insects, fish and more within a fixed acreage of land and water. We’ll use photo documentation and data collection with the easy-to-use iNaturalist app. (If you’re new to iNaturalist, we’ll show you how to use it.)
All ages welcome | Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free for everyone!
Pre-registration is not required, but highly recommended so you can be notified of any changes due to weather.
Location: 4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr), Saukville
Date/time: July 12 / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Big Brothers Big Sisters
50th Anniversary Big Bash!
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters in celebrating 50 years of mentorship! To commemorate this achievement, they are hosting a celebration in Cathedral Square Park for all of their Mentors, Families, Supporters, Partners, Alumni, and all those who believe in the power of mentorship.
Location: Cathedral Square Park, 520 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Date/time: July 12 / 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Farm Tour
Take a guided walk on Riveredge’s 4-acre permaculture farm! Learn about what happens on our veggie farm, ask the guild questions, and get inspired to apply some of the farm’s sustainable habits into your own gardening life.
All ages welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Member Adult: $10 | Non-member Adult: $20
Location: 4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr), Saukville
Date/time: July 16 / 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Summer Plant ID & Management
Get to know native and non-native plant species in their natural settings and leave with a good understanding of managing them. In this short half day course students will tour the natural center’s habitats alongside Matt Smith. These classes are rain or shine, please dress accordingly.
Ages 14+ | Member: $30 | Non-member: $35
Pre-registration is not required, but highly recommended.
Location: 4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr), Saukville
Date/time: July 18 / Choose the class time that works best for you: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm or 4:15 pm – 7:15 pm.
Milwaukee Makers Market Fest
Milwaukee Makers Market is a celebration of the city’s creators and our local community. Creator, Ryan Laessig, curates each market to create a perfect opportunity for small business owners to sell their wares and make connections with fans and other makers.
Location: Discovery World, 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Date/time: July 20 / 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Service & Sunshine: Summer Celebration
Celebrate community, connection, and the people who help make our rivers—and our neighborhoods—thrive. Bring your friends, your family, and your sunshine spirit—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Location: The Tap Yard at Schlitz Park, 1555 RiverCenter Drive, Milwaukee
Date/time: July 26 / 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Photo Club
The Photo Club meetings are friendly and informal, with a brief discussion of upcoming activities, a short program and conclude with the opportunity to share and discuss photos. You’re welcome as a photographer, regardless of your skill level.
Location: Virtual: Zoom / In-person: 4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr), Saukville
Date/time: July 29 / 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Wisconsin State Fair
Visit Energy Park at Wisconsin State Fair, July 31 - Aug. 10, for free family fun. Their daily lineup features performances, exhibits and demonstrations in a clean, relaxed park setting. Energy Park is on the west side of the fair grounds on Wetley Way at Center Street.
Location: Energy Park at the Wisconsin State Fair, 640 South 84th Street, West Allis, WI 53214
Date/time: July 31 - August 10 / 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Stay active with
Soul Roll's group bicycle rides:
Images all sourced from our website or with permission from the owner. Featured WaterMarks content was completed by Corrigan Eckert.
If you would like to see something included in our next newsletter, please send a request to: watermarksmke@gmail.com
with the subject line "Future Newsletter Content"
Find more events on our Website, scroll to the bottom of our home page to see our calendar!
