Tim McCollow

Tim comes by his love of nature honestly: he began his bug collection at age 7 and owned a professional microscope by age 9. Tim is a lifelong Milwaukeean. He received his BS in Zoology from UW-Madison. He stayed at Madison for his Masters coursework, but switched field to Energy Analysis during the Carter energy crisis.

Tim worked for We Energies for 23 years in the areas of natural gas procurement, rate cases, power plant contract administration and risk management. In 2020, he pivoted and began working for the City of Milwaukee in Mayor Barrett’s Environmental Collaboration Office - the City’s team of eco-activists. In 2012, Tim created the program called HOME GR/OWN - repurposing vacant City-owned lots to pocket parks, gardens, orchards and healthy green spaces in challenged neighborhoods. Tim ran the HOME GR/OWN initiative from 2012 - 2020, winning numerous local, national and international awards.Tim brought together disparate groups such as neighbors, water engineers, public health advocates, foundations and numerous City departments to create 34 unique public spaces.

Taking early retirement, Tim focuses on his wife Tracy, the new puppy and his yard -man expression of Tim’s love for nature and landscaping. Tim and his dog have walked scores of area parks, nature reserves and forests in the last three years. Tim also serves on the Board of Groundwork Milwaukee.