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In the heart of Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights neighborhood, Walnut Way Conservation Corp is leading a community-driven transformation rooted in environmental stewardship, economic development, and collective well-being. As part of their mission to create a resilient, inclusive, and thriving community, Walnut Way has launched a modern, reliable, and secure WiFi initiative designed specifically for multi-unit apartment buildings and individual households. This initiative bridges the digital divide by delivering fast, dependable internet to residents who need it most. Utilizing industry-leading Ubiquiti Wave access points and the latest WiFi technology, Walnut Way ensures seamless connectivity throughout apartments and shared spaces-eliminating dead zones and technical headaches. Residents benefit from a range of affordable service plans, including a free basic tier, all with professional installation, 24/7 support, and no contracts. The WiFi network is more than just internet access; it’s part of Walnut Way’s broader vision for community empowerment. By making digital resources accessible, the program supports digital literacy, economic mobility, and neighborhood engagement. Every installation is handled with care, from secure rooftop antennas to robust coverage in every unit, all while meeting strict safety and regulatory standards. Through this innovative approach, Walnut Way Conservation Corp is not only providing modern, secure internet for multi-unit buildings but also fostering a connected, equitable, and sustainable Milwaukee community where every resident can thrive].

Welcome to the first floor along North Avenue in IWC Phase I, a versatile and modern meeting venue designed with flexibility and convenience in mind. This expansive space boasts seating for up to 20 individuals, making it an ideal choice for workshops, seminars, or team meetings. The room features eight small group tables that can be effortlessly reconfigured. Join them together for a large communal workspace or arrange them separately for breakout sessions or smaller group discussions. A 65-inch display is equipped with a virtual camera, ensuring seamless video conferencing experiences. A laptop is also available for presentations or digital collaborations. Jot down ideas or map out strategies on our whiteboard, a crucial tool for any brainstorming session. The conference space also includes a compact kitchenette, complete with a small refrigerator for refreshments. Elevator access ensures the space is easily accessible, and multiple bathrooms provide added convenience for attendees. One of the unique features of this room is its ability to be split into two separate sections, each spanning 550 square feet. This allows for simultaneous activities or provides an additional level of privacy if needed. Reliable WiFi connectivity enables real-time collaboration and ensures you stay connected throughout your event or meeting.

Welcome to the second floor conference space at IWC Wellness Commons, a versatile and modern meeting venue designed with flexibility and convenience in mind. This expansive space boasts seating for up to 20 individuals, making it an ideal choice for workshops, seminars, or team meetings. The room features eight small group tables that can be effortlessly reconfigured. Join them together for a large communal workspace or arrange them separately for breakout sessions or smaller group discussions. A 65-inch display is equipped with a virtual camera, ensuring seamless video conferencing experiences. A laptop is also available for presentations or digital collaborations. Jot down ideas or map out strategies on our whiteboard, a crucial tool for any brainstorming session. The conference space also includes a compact kitchenette, complete with a small refrigerator for refreshments. Elevator access ensures the space is easily accessible, and multiple bathrooms provide added convenience for attendees. One of the unique features of this room is its ability to be split into two separate sections, each spanning 550 square feet. This allows for simultaneous activities or provides an additional level of privacy if needed. Reliable WiFi connectivity enables real-time collaboration and ensures you stay connected throughout your event or meeting.

Standing up to a powerful utility like We Energies—the only major electric utility in the region—and Wisconsin’s largest philanthropic institution is an especially bold and risky move for Walnut Way. These entities hold considerable influence over public investments, policy decisions, and the flow of resources in Milwaukee and across the state.​ Challenging such dominant organizations can be dangerous for a community-based group. It risks future funding, stakeholder relationships, and the organization’s ability to participate in critical decision-making. Yet, Walnut Way’s willingness to challenge these giants reflects a commitment to genuine accountability and real community representation—actions that are rarely taken in a landscape as segregated and unequal as Wisconsin’s. Their stance is a necessary, courageous step to ensure that community voices are heard and that new projects truly serve local residents, even when facing serious institutional pressure. What’s happening: Major utilities are proposing new tariffs—complex energy pricing rules that could shape who pays for Wisconsin’s data center boom, how much, and what our communities get in return. Yet, without strong voices for equity at the table, these decisions risk leaving neighborhoods like ours behind. See Clean Economy Coalition A “tariff” is simply the set of rules that utilities use to decide how much everyone—families, businesses, and big companies—have to pay for electricity. Right now, utility companies and new data centers want the state to approve a plan to spend more than $16 billion building power plants and infrastructure just to supply these data centers, which could use more energy than all the homes in Wisconsin combined.​ Take a survey The problem? We energies wants regular people and small businesses to help foot the bill—by raising everyone’s rates—while the data centers and utilities profit. All this while making energy truly affordable for everyone in Wisconsin would cost less than $500 million. That means the resources exist to help families struggling with their bills, but the current plan puts corporate profits ahead of affordability and community needs. Why it matters: Tariffs have a direct impact on every household’s electric bill, the affordability of keeping the lights and heat on, and whether new money from tech giants will help or hurt frontline neighborhoods. Decisions made now will shape utility rates, infrastructure, and fairness for decades. Why Walnut Way intervened: Walnut Way is stepping up as an “intervenor” in the Public Service Commission (PSC) tariff docket—joining legal proceedings, submitting testimony, and fighting for our seat at the table. Intervenors have the power to cross-examine utility proposals, demand community benefits, and require utility transparency. If we don’t speak up, policies may be set that overlook equity, workforce development, local hiring, and bill assistance for those most in need. Across Wisconsin and the country, community benefits agreements (CBAs) are increasingly being implemented by tech companies, institutions, and utilities to ensure that major projects deliver tangible benefits for local residents—like workforce development, affordable access, and community investments. In Wisconsin, tech sector projects and utilities are beginning to include CBAs as part of new data centers and broadband infrastructure, promising collaboration with local organizations and direct investment in education, workforce, and housing.​ Elsewhere, tech giants such as Google and Microsoft have pioneered major CBAs tied to data centers and renewable energy projects. For example, Microsoft’s solar and data center agreements have included commitments for workforce training, supplier diversity, local hiring, educational partnerships, and millions in community funding. Google has also made similar investments in community infrastructure and broadband where it operates large technology campuses and data centers. These models are being adapted to Wisconsin’s landscape, offering new opportunities for local communities to shape the future benefits of tech and infrastructure development. What we’re fighting for: Community Benefits Agreements: Ensuring large energy users, like data centers, pay into funds that will support local renewable energy, weatherization, and job training. Ratepayer Protection: Making sure new utility infrastructure isn’t just a blank check that sticks residents with higher bills or stranded costs if data centers leave. Equity and Affordability: Advocating for targeted bill credits and affordability programs so low- and moderate-income families share in the benefits—not just the burdens—of these big energy deals. Transparency: Demanding that decisions about customer costs and utility profits are made in the open—not behind closed doors or via confidential deals with tech giants. How we do it: We join forces in coalitions with partners, attorneys, and advocates who share our commitment to justice and fairness. We submit direct testimony, participate in hearings, and file public comments. We push for settlement agreements that guarantee lasting benefits and system-wide improvements for all Milwaukeeans. The bottom line: By intervening, Walnut Way is ensuring that community voices are not only heard, but matter, in shaping Wisconsin’s clean energy transition and making sure the economic benefits reach those who need them most. Order Now

In Lindsay Heights, faith and innovation have come together to spark a new era of health and digital opportunity. Driven by a partnership between Walnut Way Conservation Corp, Marquette University, neighborhood residents, and leaders from local churches—including the active engagement of Pastor Teresa Thomas-Boyd organizing congregations—this study reveals how deep-rooted community trust can unlock lasting change.​ Study Findings Through wearable health monitoring devices and technology-centered health education, African American residents saw improved chronic disease management and better mental health outcomes. The effort was grounded in trusted faith spaces, with churches hosting learning sessions and empowering residents to track their health, ask questions, and receive culturally responsive support from leaders they know.​ The Team and Their Commitment Pastor Teresa Thomas-Boyd’s leadership, alongside Cassandra Flagg, Dr. Nilanjan Lodh, Dr. Aleksandra Snowden, Dr. Praveen Madiraju, Mr. Antonio Butts, Walnut Way staff, and dedicated church volunteers, was critical. Their patient, sustained involvement built bridges across faith, health, and technology—ensuring that digital tools served real neighborhood needs, not just abstract goals.​ Outgrowth: Digital Literacy and Affordable WiFi The faith community’s involvement illuminated a new need: digital literacy and access. By teaching residents to use technology for self-care in familiar, supportive church and neighborhood environments, and launching affordable WiFi, Walnut Way and its partners have begun closing the digital divide. Church events and trusted gatherings made learning accessible, while new connectivity now enables ongoing virtual support and broader opportunities for families.​ Emerging Initiatives With digital literacy growing and affordable WiFi reaching more homes, Lindsay Heights stands ready for the next generation of community health, education, and faith-based empowerment. This collaboration demonstrates that, when faith leaders, trusted nonprofits, academic partners, and residents unite, they not only solve today’s problems—they set a trajectory for future generations to thrive. See more on affordable wifi here: Resilient Resident Affordable WIFI Open Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm

May brings fresh momentum to Walnut Way as we nurture roots of change in the neighborhood. From garden prep to tech access and café innovations, we're planting seeds that uplift community resilience and equity. Catch up on recent wins, events you won’t want to miss, and how you can get involved in shaping a vibrant, thriving Lindsay Heights.

"Community-Led Comprehensive Development." This approach aims to empower community members to drive their own change, with Walnut Way serving as a facilitator and supporter. No Theories... Just Transformation 2025 Lindsay Heights NID Election Results are in! Resident-led Projects Volunteer, Participate, or Donate Blue Skies Landscaping Workforce Training & Development Careers Our Focus & Philosophy Our Approach Community-led Comprehensive Development Order Now Taste of Lindsay Heights Cafe Events Join Us Schedule Neighborhood Eco Tour What We Do What we Do What we Do What we Do What we Do Walnut Way Conservation Corps is a non-profit organization based in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our mission is centered around "Community-Led Comprehensive Development." This approach aims to empower community members to drive their own change, with Walnut Way serving as a facilitator and supporter. Our Community-Led Comprehensive Development approach recognizes the interconnectedness of wellness, work, and wealth. By fostering community wellness, we encourage active engagement. By linking work to environmental stewardship, we promote sustainable practices while providing meaningful employment. And by driving economic development, we enhance community wealth. Together, these elements create a resilient, self-sustaining neighborhood where every resident can thrive. Community Engagement Wellness Wellness Wellness Wellness Wellness is a foundational aspect of our community engagement work. We understand that a healthy community is an engaged community. We foster wellness through various initiatives such as our Wellness Commons space, senior home repair program, and advocacy for fair energy policies. By creating a safe and healthy environment, we empower residents to actively participate in decision-making processes and community activities. Enviornmental Stewardship Work Work Work Work Work, in our context, goes beyond just job creation; it's closely tied to environmental stewardship. Through initiatives like our green infrastructure programs, residential and commercial energy efficiency pilots, and our green jobs initiative, we provide opportunities for meaningful work that also contributes to a more sustainable environment. This approach is embodied in our businesses like Blue Skies Landscaping, where we generate revenue while enhancing our community's green spaces. Economic Development Wealth Wealth Wealth Wealth Wealth, in our view, is not just about individual prosperity, but about collective economic development. We support small businesses, administer a neighborhood improvement district, and rehabilitate residential foreclosures into affordable homeownership opportunities. These initiatives contribute to community wealth by enhancing economic mobility, increasing access to resources, and promoting local entrepreneurship. 2025 - “Evaluating the impact of remote monitoring devices on chronic health conditions. An index tracks wellbeing of African Americans in Milwaukee and incorporates remote health monitoring devices—like Fitbits and glucose monitors—to guide Walnut Way interventions, target chronic disease management, and measure community health outcomes. 2020 - Lindsay Heights, Northwestern Mutal Data Science Project This plan focuses on leveraging data science to drive social change. Walnut Way can use this resource to inform its decision-making processes, track the impact of its programs, and identify areas where further intervention might be needed. 2010 Lindsay Heights Zilber Quality of Life Plan This plan offers a comprehensive approach to improving quality of life in select Milwaukee neighborhoods, including Lindsay Heights. Walnut Way can leverage the strategies outlined in this plan to address issues like economic disparities, housing inequities, and limited access to resources within the community. 2023 - Data You Can Use - Lindsay Heights Portrait The portrait provides detailed demographic and socioeconomic data about the Lindsay Heights community. Walnut Way can use this data to better understand the needs and challenges of the community, tailor its programs accordingly, and measure progress over time. 2020 - Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Action Plan The action plan provides a roadmap for community improvement efforts in Lindsay Heights, outlining key goals, strategies, and actions to enhance various aspects of community life. Walnut Way can use this plan to guide its initiatives, ensuring that they align with the community's broader goals and priorities. 2020 - Milwaukee: African American Well-bieng Index This index provides critical insights into the wellbeing of African Americans in Milwaukee. It can help Walnut Way identify key areas of concern, develop targeted interventions, and track improvements over time. Leveraging Data in Our Decision Making Leveraging Data in Our Decision Making Leveraging Data in Our Decision Making Leveraging Data in Our Decision Making Download Download Download Download Download Download Home About Get Involved Blue Skies Taste of Lindsay Heights Resident Led EJII Wisconsin More... Give Log In 🕒Get Ready for Harvest Day 2026 Learn More @ Harvest Day 2025 We're excited to invite you to be part of Walnut Way's Harvest Day 2025. Please indicate your area(s) of interest: "Choose Your Tag"* Vendor Sponsor Entertainment Community Resource First name* Last name* Email* "Get Started" RSVP for Upcoming Commu nit y Events No events at the moment Reserve Space, Book a Tour, Get a Quote, learn more about our Services @ Walnut Way Venue / Meeting Space Pricing Neighborhood Tours Blue Skies Landscaping Housing Resources Freedom Affordable WIFI TOL - IWC Phase I - Activity Space Taste of Lindsay Heights Activity Space 2 hr Negotiable Negotiable Request to Book IWC Conference Room Lindsay Heights Community Conference Room 2 hr Starting at $35/hour Starting at $35/hour Request to Book Outdoor IWC Terrace Lindsay Heights Community Conference Room 2 hr Negotiable Negotiable Request to Book

Our Services Blue Skies focuses on our greatest assets – our people. We offer job training in landscape horticulture for staff. The program provides job training and employment for individuals who have traditionally faced employment barriers and those seeking to build skills in a growing trade area. The program also provides a sustainable source of earned income for Walnut Way and serves as a powerful vehicle for individual and community transformation. The impact extends beyond traditional job training programs as residents of the community are employed to help renovate once-vacant properties into community assets and serve as mentors to neighborhood youth who witness us working to lift up Lindsay Heights. All Services Blue Skies Landscaping Housing Resources Green Infrastructure Site Assessment Negotiable Negotiable Request to Book Landscaping Services Quote Negotiable Negotiable Request to Book Residential Energy Assessment Negotiable Negotiable Request to Book Lindsay Heights Senior Home Repair Negotiable Negotiable Request to Book Wetlands Maintenance Bioswale Design and Installation Snow Removal Residential Landscaping Spring Clean-up Tree Planting Commerical Landscaping Fall Clean-up Eric Trunnell Property Maintenace & Rehab Specialist (414) 662-8777 etrunell@walnutway.org Dawnice Anglin AR/AP Bookkeeper (414) 253-8069 danglin@walnutway.org First Name Last Name Email Send Thanks for submitting! Get a Quote

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