Board Members LaVonda Graham Board Chair Member Since 2015 Read More Heidi Moore HR Committee Chair Member Since 2018 Read More Earl Ingram Board Member Member Since 2023 Read More X'Zayvion McCoy Treasurer of the Board Member Since 2018 Read More Emonia Barnett Board Member Member Since 2022 Read More Monique Graham Secretary of the Board Member Since 2017 Read More Dea Wright Board Member Member Since 2023 Read More

Job Listings Blue Skies Landscaping - GI and General Services Crew Member Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Café Team Member Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Urban Agriculture Coordinator Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Community Wealth Building Manager Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Communications Assistant Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job

Projects Top of Page Projects 1 (List)

Team Members Antonio Butts Executive Director (414) 260-2243 antonio@walnutway.org Since 2017 Read More Alysha Holmes HR Manager 414.264.2326 Ext 872 alyshadholmes@walnutway.org Since 2024 Read More Jevon Prowell Blue Skies Supervisor (414) 296-1130 jprowell@walnutway.org Since 2016 Read More Clyde Martin Urban Agriculture Assistant Since 2025 Read More Terrance Rayford Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Since 2023 Read More Pastor Teresa Thomas -Boyd Faith Partnership Consultant (414)507-1115 fourjttb@yahoo.com Since 2021 Read More Jerrilynn Freelon Associate Director (414) 253-0779 jfreelon@walnutway.org Since 2019 Read More Marilyn Mitchell Accountant (262) 259-5917 mmitchell@walnutway.org Since 2020 Read More Gwendolyn Hodges Program Assistant 414-264-2326 ghodges@walnutway.org Since 2025 Read More Vonadrian Scott Maintenance Read More Samuel Thurman Construction Development thurman@walnutway.org Since 2020 Read More Chandra Ellis Development Director (414) 375-4224 cellis@walnutway.org Since 2017 Read More Dawnice Anglin AR/AP Bookkeeper (414) 253-8069 danglin@walnutway.org Since 2021 Read More Eric R. Trunnell Environmental Program Assistant 414-264-2326 etrunell@walnutway.org Since 2024 Read More Michael Malone Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Since 2022 Read More Vince Ashford Safety Director (414) 310-1274 vincent.ashford1@gmail.com Since 2016 Read More

< Back Samuel Thurman Construction Development Samuel Thurman is Walnut Way’s General Contractor and Campus Maintenance Supervisor, as well as founder of Building Enthusiasm in Educational & Construction Services, Inc. With over 30 years of gardening experience and a Master Gardener Certification in Southeastern Wisconsin, Samuel brings expertise in both land cultivation and sustainable construction. He has played a key role in neighborhood revitalization and building projects at Walnut Way and previously served as Volunteer Coordinator at Mercy Memorial Baptist Church, managing daily meal preparation for over 100 children. Samuel holds a PhD from Grace Christian College, is a State Licensed Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counselor, and is certified in Advanced Child and Youth Care and Case Management from UW–Milwaukee. He is also licensed by the City of Milwaukee for development and contracting work. Samuel is dedicated to empowering communities through education, mental health advocacy, sustainable practices, and construction services. thurman@walnutway.org

Empowering Milwaukee's Youth Through Urban Agriculture, Leadership, and Environmental Sustainability Growing Youth Leadership (GYL) is Walnut Way Conservation Corp's signature summer internship program that engages local teens in intensive urban agriculture education, leadership development, and job training. Through hands-on experience, youth transform vacant lots into productive gardens and orchards while developing valuable skills and contributing to community wellness. Program Overview Growing Youth Leadership offers Milwaukee youth the opportunity to: Gain intensive training in sustainable urban agriculture practices Develop leadership skills through hands-on community projects Earn income while learning valuable job skills Contribute to neighborhood food security and environmental stewardship Engage in civic activities that strengthen our community Through this transformative program, teens grow and harvest a wide range of chemical-free vegetables and fruits, from tending beans on reclaimed mini vegetable farms to picking peaches in urban orchards and creating value-added products like jams for local farmers markets. Impact & Outcomes "It's about taking care of what you have, taking pride, having ownership and helping each other out." - Kimora Eubanks, 18-year-old GYL intern Each growing season, GYL employs local teens to work in Walnut Way gardens and at partner sites like Alice's Garden. Throughout the program, participants engage in civic engagement and environmental stewardship activities-key components of the Walnut Way mission. GYL creates multiple community benefits: Grows young environmental leaders Transforms once-vacant lots into productive gardens and orchards Produces an abundance of fresh food that increases neighborhood access to healthy options Supports Lindsay Heights' economic and environmental development Program Details Who: Milwaukee youth ages 14-19 When: Summer season (June-August) Where: Walnut Way gardens and partner sites throughout Lindsay Heights Activities include: Planting and harvesting organic produce Learning sustainable growing practices Creating value-added products Selling at local markets Participating in leadership development workshops Engaging with community members The GYL Experience ![Youth harvesting vegetables in community garden] (Image placeholder) Participants in the Growing Youth Leadership program don't just learn about agriculture-they become agents of positive change in their community. From weeding rows of vegetables on thriving mini-farms that once stood as abandoned lots to picking fresh fruit from urban orchards planted by their peers, GYL interns experience firsthand how their work contributes to community transformation. Under the guidance of our Urban Agriculture Coordinator, interns develop practical skills while contributing to Walnut Way's mission of creating an economically diverse community through environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic development Why GYL Matters Growing Youth Leadership is a powerful way to engage and employ youth in our community to steward the land and revitalize the neighborhood. The program continues to support our mission to sustain transformation by advancing economically diverse and abundant communities through civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and creating venues for prosperity. In Lindsay Heights, where 96% of residents are African American and many families face economic challenges, GYL offers meaningful opportunities for youth development while addressing community needs for fresh, healthy food and environmental justice Join Our Community of Young Leaders ![Youth selling produce at farmers market] (Image placeholder) Applications for Summer 2025 will open in March Interested in becoming a GYL intern? Want to support the program? There are many ways to get involved: Apply: Youth ages 14-19 can apply for paid summer internships Volunteer: Community members can support our gardens and youth programs Donate: Contributions help fund internship positions and program supplies Partner: Organizations can collaborate on educational or community projects Youth Leadership is made possible through the generous support of our community partners and donors, including the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation, and others who believe in the power of youth to transform communities.Related Programs at Walnut Way Blue Skies Landscaping: Professional landscaping services employing neighborhood residents Wellness Programs: Activities promoting community health and well-being Environmental Justice Initiative: Addressing environmental justice concerns in our community The Healing Garden: Youth programming focused on community and creativity6Walnut Way Conservation Corp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization founded in 2000 by Lindsay Heights residents to reclaim and redevelop the economic health and vitality of their community.

We are in the process of creating a comprehensive strategy to scale the systemic change already being fostered throughout Milwaukee, further improving the community's quality of life across multiple dimensions. We are aiming to leverage a $20 million grant in a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, each focusing on their expertise to maximize the impact of the investment. EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program The collaborative process aims to secure the EPA Community Change Grant with cross-sector partners. Milwaukee Walnut Way Conservation Corp. leads, with the City of Milwaukee, grassroots orgs, and the Environmental Justice & Infrastructure Initiative. Walnut Way, EJII and City of Milwaukee are working with Slipstream and Elevate (technical assistance providers) to advance the development of a unified, collaboratively created grant proposal submission, ensuring the inclusion of all partner stakeholders involved in this collective endeavor. Initial phase: info gathering and proposal drafting; subsequent phases focus on stakeholder review. The project aligns with stakeholder priorities in targeted neighborhoods. To extend beyond 36 months, explore additional sources like municipal strategies, matching resources, philanthropic entities, donors, and other funding. Current timeline for submission by April 15, 2024 Update In green 5/2/2024 - Slide Deck DRAFT Overview Update In green 3/8/2024 Updates: in Green EPA Kick-off meeting registration: https://www.walnutway.org/events-1/epa-grant-kick-off-meetin EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program Walnut Way Letter of Support Draft Template - EPA Grant Conceptual Starting Point - Update 3 /8/ 2024 - How can we positively impact the lives of 5300 in targeted neighbohrood individuals through a variety of approaches focusing on voting capabilities, marketable skills, healthy housing (affordable rental and home owernship) , stable transportation, and healthcare access? The project is a multi-faceted initiative aimed at foste ring environmental justice, infrastructure development, and community engagement. Positioned as a comprehensive response to pressing environmental concerns, the project leverages the collective strength of Walnut Way and its partner organizations, deploying a budget of approximately 20 million to be distributed over 36 months. Update 3/8/2024 - How can we attract matching funds to seize the opportunity for long-term sustainability? The project involves education, capacity building, governance participation, and environmental stewarding, with a specific focus on energy efficiency, weatherization, storm water management, healthy home resources, and data collection. An important aspect of the initiative includes the implementation of a micro-grid for subscription-based renewable energy access, as well as weatherizing 300 homes and significant green infrastructure projects. A critical part of this effort is the Resilient Resident Civic Engagement Compensation Program. This innovative program provides a method for community members to gain recognition and compensation for their contribution to the project, providing a way to earn additional income and engage in civic activities. Overall, the project aims for a holistic transformation of urban infrastructure and the creation of a sustainable, equitable community. Update 3/8/2024 - We must clearly outline how resident led initiatives can access direct recourses for self-directed projects programs and initiatives - toward a more cohesive community. Writing Team: Led by Antonio Butts from Walnut Way (antonio@walnutway.org ), who acts as the lead agency and convener. Core members include Oliver Schmitz from the Grainger Institute for Engineering (oschmitz@wisc.edu ) and Dr. Nilanjan Lodh from Marquette University College of Health Sciences (nilanjan.lodh@marquette.edu ). Other key contributors are Chelsea Chandler from Clean Wisconsin (cchandler@cleanwisconsin.org ) and Jodi Jean Amble from Renew Wisconsin (jodi@renewwisconsin.org ). Update 3 /8/ 2024 - Slip Stream is currently leading the initial phases of the proposal writing process (slipstream contact: Sarah Dooling sdooling@slipstreaminc.org ). Next phases will include collaborative review and feedback. Submission date goals April 15, 2024. Responsible for writing proposals, reports, and ensuring clear communication among all teams. Their key tasks include project documentation, proposal development, and interteam communication. Green Infrastructure Team: Breanne Plier from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (bplier@mmsd.com ) now holds a core leadership role in this team. Randy Krous of Milwaukee's Forestry Apprenticeship program (rkrous@milwaukee.gov ), Jiquinna Cohen from Milwaukee Public Schools (505@milwaukee.k12.wi.us ), Chuck Schumacher from the Milwaukee Department of Public Works (cschum@milwaukee.gov ), Lafayette L. Crump from the Department of City Development (lafayette.crump@milwaukee.gov ), and Langston Verdin from MKE Fresh Air Collective (langston@mkefreshair.com ). Update 3 /8/ 2024 - Strategy is emerging between Urban Ecology, Ground Works and Walnut Way for aligned training and implementation approach. Habitat restoration, forestry-related tasks, and sustainable urban planning. Key tasks involve implementing green infrastructure projects, coordinating with city departments and schools, and monitoring air quality. Health Research Team: This team maintains its focus on health-related aspects of environmental issues, with Dr. Nilanjan Lodh from Marquette University College of Health Sciences (nilanjan.lodh@marquette.edu ) serving as a member in addition to his role in the Writing Team. Other team members include Michael Mannan from the City of Milwaukee Health Department (mamanna@milwaukee.gov ) and Nicole Mubanga from Outreach Health Systems (nicolem@orchc-milw.org ).Update 3/8/ 2024 - To repurpose the former Children's Hospital Pediatric Care Center at the previous Next Door Foundation site in 53210 Metcalf Park, the goal is to establish a community clinic for family practice. Children's previously served over 1,500 families from this site. Currently, there is no other clinic or primary care facility within a 4-square-mile radius of the community. Potential partnerships with federally qualified health centers are being considered in this initiative as we plan for the next steps. focuses on the health impacts of environmental issues. Their main objective is to optimize health systems and conduct medical research related to the environment. This includes studying the effects of pollution on public health, researching new methods to mitigate these impacts, and working closely with health departments to implement findings. Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Team including workforce training: This team includes Calleb Zyduck from WE Energies - Business Services (calleb.zyduck@wecenergygroup.com ) and Nic Schueller from Focus on Energy (nic.schueller@focusonenergy.com ). They work closely with Dan Streit from Slipstream (dstreit@slipstreaminc.org ) and Abigail Corso from Elevate (Abigail.Corso@elevatenp.org ) to implement and evaluate energy-efficient technologies and infrastructures, promote energy conservation, and provide technical expertise. Update 3 /8/ 2024 , the acquisition of eight to 12 navigators strategically positioned partner locations to facilitate and implement inflation reduction measures, focusing on owner occupants, particularly seniors and low to middle-income families. A cohort of up to 16 organizations is engaged in an ecosystem of support to enhance stability access. promote energy conservation and renewable energy use in Milwaukee. They work on implementing energy-efficient technologies and infrastructures, managing stormwater, a nd providing technical expertise. Their key tasks include conducting energy audits, implementing energy-saving measures, and educating the public about energy efficiency. Project Goals The Walnut Way Conservation Corps, in partnership with a cross-sector collaborative of community-based organizations, municipalities, social sector anchors, and the local community, is requesting a $20 million grant. The allocation of funds includes: $5 million to the Milwaukee Community Land Trust for new construction development project subsidies in partnership with the Community Development Alliance. $10 million for environmental justice and infrastructure initiative, with 16 partners receiving grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, totaling $4 million. 1.275M Family Care: Community Clinic $1.5 million specifically for navigators and ambassadors stationed at Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative partner sites. $3 million for neighborhood-level services such as pre-weatherization, weatherization, rehab, green infrastructure, energy efficiency, and renewable. $2 million African-American Leadership Alliance for training, development and education, with million going directly towards civic compensation for paid training and learning pathways in civic education, green jobs, or health and wellness advocacy. 1M toward 1MW utility scale solar development 350K Milwaukee Area WISP - extension implementation Subscriber start-up 500K toward Green Jobs Training Center (1414 W Fon Du Lac Ave) References MMSD Proposal Draft 2023 Govenor Housing Proposal McKnight Policy Initiative Proposal Walnut Way - Contractor / Vendor Supplier Enviornmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative member list Resident Civic Compensation Program Resilient Resident Program Elevate / Walnut Way - Electrification Project Concepts Letter of Support Draft Template - EPA Grant Clean Economy Coalition Wisconsin Plan - EJII Founding Member Data You Can Use African American Wellbeing Index Walnut Way Model Home - Weatherization, Heat Pumps, Solar + Battery Storage Lindsay Heights Green Infrastructure Tour MKE Fresh Air Collective 12 Month Planhttps://www.perplexity.ai/search/from-a-20-n.NEawdlQBysZFuuvBgdGA EPA Project Partners Title Contact Role African American Leadership Alliance Walter Lanier, Executive Director Individual Education and Development Milwaukee Community Land Trust Lamont Davis, executive Director Housing Partner City of Milwaukee office of Sustainability Erick Shambarger, Director Housing Partner Urban Ecology Center Jen Hense, Executive Director Conservation Training and Development Harambe Neighborhood Improvement District Cordela Jones, Board Chair Grassroots EJII Partner RON Coalition / UMCS William Schmidt, Executive Director Grassroots EJII Partner Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Improvement District James Green, Board President Grassroots EJII Partner Century City Neighborhood Yvonne Mcascill, Resident Leader Grassroots EJII Partner Amani United Mricha Harris, Executive Director Grassroots EJII Partner Metclf park Community Bridges Melody Curtis, Deputy Director Grassroots EJII Partner Walnut Way Conservation Corp Antonio Butts antonio@walnutway.or g Convener JCP Construction - Construction Management James Phelps / james@jcp-construction.com Development design and construction

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< Back Clyde Martin Urban Agriculture Assistant Clyde Martin brings six years of hands-on agriculture experience to Walnut Way’s Environmental Stewardship program, where he helps transform vacant lots into productive gardens and orchards. He supports the operation of sub-acre production and teaching gardens, promoting urban agriculture and providing fresh, locally grown foods for the community. Clyde’s work helps integrate fresh produce and herbs into the Taste of Lindsay Heights market, furthering Walnut Way’s mission of sustainable local food systems.

< Back Heidi Moore HR Committee Chair Lindsay Heights resident dedicated to community and economic development in the city of Milwaukee. Serving on multiple boards. Experienced Director of Emerging Markets, Diversity, and Inclusion, with a proven track record in various industries including B2B, clinical, consumer goods, durable goods, financial services, healthcare, hospital, IT, resort, and wealth management.

< Back WPSC Solar Feasibility Study Power in Numbers Programs Locations Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

"A Whole Home Approach" Green Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, Broadband, Home Ownership Access and Affordability for Everyone Pilots, Projects and & Programs Our community-led 'Whole Home Approach' focuses on rehabilitating houses in poor condition, aiding seniors to age in place, and ensuring homes are lead-free and energy efficient. One of our key objectives is to collaborate with landlords to enhance the condition and quality of properties, while also creating affordable home ownership opportunities. Beyond direct interventions, we also advocate for fair energy policies, engaging with the Public Service Commission and intervening in rate cases to address the energy burden on low-income households. This advocacy work bridges the gap between our direct actions and broader systemic change, creating a more equitable energy landscape for our community. WPSC State of WI - Energy Innovation MMSD - Green Infrstrucutre Programs Funding opportunities, education, and tools to create successful green infrastructure strategies. MKE Homes Affordable Home Ownership EJII MKE Fresh Air Collective We Energies - Energy Effiecnecy pilot WPSC - Percentage of Income Pilot Program LH NID Senor Home Repair Focus on Energy - Community Impact Program Techquity Affordable Broadband Access Civic Participation Creates Pathways to Power