Author Archives: MilwaukeeSnow

About MilwaukeeSnow

Dr. Jeffrey Filipiak, Milwaukee's Ambassador of Snow, loves winter, Milwaukee, and environmental history! He has taught college courses on topics including history, writing, environmental ethics, food studies, the Great Lakes, and sustainability. You can contact him at ambassadorofsnow@gmail.com.

Walk Across Lake Winnebago, 3: Photos and Reflections from the 2015 walk

Posted on February 10, 2015 by MilwaukeeSnow

Photos and reflections of mine on the fun of a unique event in a Wisconsin public space: “that combination of walkers and bikers, wild nature and community conversation, of so many different contributions from locals in the area, that makes this event special.” Continue reading →

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Trying to Capture Beauty of the January 31 Blizzard

Posted on February 4, 2015 by MilwaukeeSnow

Last weekend saw the biggest snowstorm of the season in Milwaukee. As usual, I wanted to get out and enjoy the pleasures that snow can provide while falling! Then, I went out afterwards to see how snow and wind had … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations, Photo Gallery | Tagged , | 4 Comments

January 2015 Winter Art and Writing Roundup

Posted on January 29, 2015 by MilwaukeeSnow

To encourage gratitude for winter, it is helpful to check out some of the most interesting events we can find, and to share thoughtful reflections on how we can find beauty and solace during the season. I share articles regularly … Continue reading →

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Walk Across Lake Winnebago: the history of a strange but social event

Posted on January 26, 2015 by MilwaukeeSnow

It all started with one woman leaving her purse at a bar… and deciding to take an unusual route toward getting it back. It led to, year after year, lots of people telling participants “you are nuts.” But last year, … Continue reading →

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Walking at Night during Winter, part 2: between Darkness and Lights

Posted on January 19, 2015 by MilwaukeeSnow

The darkness is one of the great challenges many face in winter. It can lead to depression and danger. But it also has often been pointed to as a chance for reflection, including a time for spiritual awareness. As with … Continue reading →

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Walking at Night during Winter, part 1: Ground Illumination

Posted on December 6, 2014 by MilwaukeeSnow

Winter is my favorite season during which to look at the ground floor at night. With the snow out, there’s a layer of something light, a layer of contrast. I find the snow calming; and it provides contrasts to what … Continue reading →

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Striking Contrasts of Snow in Flooded Wetland: Photo Essay

Posted on April 14, 2014 by MilwaukeeSnow

Today presented an unusual treat. Previous snow cover had melted, followed by some big rainstorms, meaning that in the wetland near me, water covered much of the ground. Last night, we got one of the best snows to appreciate afterwards … Continue reading →

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De-wintering: enjoying seasonal transition by soaking in joys of melt and ice

Posted on March 29, 2014 by MilwaukeeSnow

Late March where I am, this year, means one can experience this combination: 1. Spring-like weather warm enough that I don’t need bulky winter clothing anymore, plenty of sunshine, and birdsong 2. a winter-like woods where the floor is mostly … Continue reading →

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My thoughts on winter 2014; snow that stays around

Posted on March 2, 2014 by MilwaukeeSnow

As we exit the three coldest-average-months of the year (or ‘meteorological winter’), I will begin to wind down my promotion of winter appreciation for the season. Now seems like a good time to reflect back on what I have observed … Continue reading →

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Roundup of writing about winter 2013-4

Posted on February 23, 2014 by MilwaukeeSnow

As we enter late winter, I thought now might be a good time to share some of my favorite essays about appreciating the season which were published this winter. Elegant explanation of an interesting project that connects past experiences of … Continue reading →

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