St. Anthony School Embarks on Transformative Green Space Project for Environmental Education and Student Wellness

St. Anthony Middle and High School, nestled in the heart of Milwaukee's industrial neighborhood, is gearing up for an innovative and transformative project that will redefine its physical landscape, enhance its educational offerings, and promote environmental awareness. The school is excited to announce the launch of its ambitious green space project that aims to create a state-of-the-art learning environment while addressing critical environmental challenges.

The centerpiece of this project involves the reconstruction of a concrete lot into a sprawling green space featuring outdoor classrooms, athletic fields, and recreational areas. With over 40,000 square feet of asphalt to be removed, St. Anthony School is committed to managing approximately 360,000 gallons of stormwater from adjacent parking lots and roofs. This effort will substantially reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality in Holmes Creek, a tributary of the Kinnickinnic River Watershed that ultimately flows into Lake Michigan.

Running along the school's western boundary, Holmes Creek presents an opportunity for students and staff to connect with water resource lessons and current environmental issues in southeastern Wisconsin. This project will elevate the educational and social value of the school, fostering a deeper appreciation for water conservation and ecosystem protection.

"We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey that not only creates a vibrant green space but also integrates environmental education into our curriculum," said Dr. Rosana Mateo, president of St. Anthony School. "The green space initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and will provide our students with unparalleled opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive."

The green space will feature outdoor Socratic classrooms, a 200’ field for athletics and physical education, and areas for students to enjoy the outdoors safely. Beyond its environmental benefits, the outdoor classroom will serve as a dynamic learning environment, enhancing the science curriculum. The space will be utilized for studying native plants and animals, ecology, conservation, and sustainability, effectively bridging classroom learning with real-world experiences.

Supported by funding from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's Green Infrastructure Partnership Program and in collaboration with the City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) and the nonprofit Reflo, this project exemplifies St. Anthony School’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to providing students with holistic educational experiences beyond traditional classrooms. This project has also received funding from the WE Energies Foundation, the Lakeview Foundation, the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, the Luedke-Smith Fund, the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors (GMAR), and The Fund for Lake Michigan. St. Anthony School continues to seek funding for this project and welcomes interested donors to contact the school for a tour.?

Through this groundbreaking initiative, St. Anthony School is transforming its physical landscape and inspiring a generation of students to become stewards of the environment, fostering a culture of sustainability that will endure for years to come.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Gretchen Zyduck

Communications and Fund Development Specialist

[email protected]