Originally from the Chicago area, Rick discovered Milwaukee while studying for his Bachelor of Science degree at Marquette University and has lived in the Milwaukee area for most of his adult life. In his own community garden plot, Rick found the joy of growing his own food and lowering his carbon footprint while increasing the quality of produce. At Cherry Street Community Garden, he grew passionate about the importance of food choice and the connection to family and culture that gardens can provide.
In 2011, Rick and his wife Lisa led a volunteer effort to build the Cherry Street Community Garden on a vacant lot owned by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee in Milwaukee’s Midtown neighborhood, and in 2018, Rick helped establish another community garden at HACM’s Riverview apartment building.
Rick spearheaded the founding of BloomMKE to ensure that these gardens continue to thrive and become a focal point for community enrichment though adult and youth education opportunities.
Rick leads organizational outreach, building partnerships with other like-minded nonprofits and grant-writing for BloomMKE. In the Spring, Summer and Fall, you will find Rick out working in the gardens and planning our next infrastructure improvements.
Committed to the reduction of food waste and fighting climate change, you’ll find Rick in the kitchen converting excess or “ugly” produce into delicious pickles, soups and sauces. A self-described composting fanatic, Rick has a goal to divert 100% of food waste in his kitchen from landfills.
Contact Rick