Using Ecorevelatory Design and Landscape Biography to Promote Ecological Literacy in Menomonee Valley, Milwaukee, WI, USA

Abstract

Menomonee Valley in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a defunct brownfield site into a vibrant landscape of community parks within a revitalized industrial corridor. This change was driven by ecological restoration, stormwater management, and renewed connections to the Menomonee River. Central to this transformation was the use of ecorevelatory design, which draws on historical narratives and site-specific stories to highlight the presence and importance of more-than-human elements such as water, vegetation, and wildlife. To assess how contemporary users engage with these ecological features, the study employed stakeholder interviews, intercept surveys, and site observations. These methods explored whether visitors recognize and connect with the ecological systems embedded in the landscape. Survey data were used to evaluate ecological literacy, offering insights into how design and storytelling can foster meaningful relationships between human and more-than-human communities. The Urban Ecology Center, located adjacent to the site, plays a pivotal role in bridging these relationships through education and stewardship. This study demonstrates that ecorevelatory design can be a powerful tool in cultivating ecological awareness and care, helping communities move toward a more holistic understanding of landscape. Menomonee Valley is emerging as a model for integrated urban ecology and sustainability; where people care for one another and the broader environment as part of a shared system.