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Archive for May 2013

NewGround Earns Communicator Award

By Amy Smith
Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Communicator award2013“Conserved,” a publication developed by NewGround for Mississippi Valley Conservancy, received the International Academy of Visual Arts 2013 Communicator Award of Distinction this month. The magazine showcases the beauty of the upper Mississippi River region, the work of the Conservancy, and landowners who’ve protected their own land with conservation easements.

Categories : Uncategorized

Citizens Connect In Root River Community Conversations

By Amy Smith
Tuesday, May 14th, 2013
DSC03564As a resident of the Root River watershed in southeastern Minnesota, I’ve participated in civic engagement training during the past year. About 15 residents from throughout the watershed met monthly to learn about the landscape, the condition of the Root River and its tributaries, and how to lead public conversations about water. Six community gatherings were held this spring, and we just met to share experiences leading those conversations.

About 150 people attended meetings in our rural area. They walked in with purpose and curiosity. One participant Read More→

Categories : Uncategorized

NewGround Honored At National Press Club

By Amy Smith
Monday, May 13th, 2013

On April 16, 2013 NewGround was honored with a ClearMark award at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. It recognized clear presentation of a complex topic—in this case, the purpose and function of a land trust. The 48-page magazine developed for Mississippi Valley Conservancy tells the Conservancy’s story and is used as a tool to engage people in protection of working lands and native habitats.

Categories : Uncategorized

Shifting Beliefs About Water

By Amy Smith
Friday, May 10th, 2013

A bowThis PBS News Hour story is a beautiful reminder of how respectful conversation can shift community norms. In the Midwest, conversations like this are beginning to change the way we think about water. At watershed gatherings, farmer-led councils, friendship tours and summits, we’re learning how to listen and act for everyone’s well-being.

Categories : Uncategorized

Call for Clarity

By Amy Smith
Thursday, May 9th, 2013

Recently, two meetings reminded me again of a crying need for clarity and plain language in environmental work.

Meeting #1:  A network of scientists reviewed a new website design. They’d hired me specifically to help them create new discussions and communicate with non-peer audiences.

I felt their pain as we worked with the word “belief” and others that make sense in everyday conversation, but aren’t part of the professional language of science. We agreed in the end that some discomfort is necessary to expand the impact of their work. Read More→

Categories : Uncategorized

Archives

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  • May 2013

rootriverhouse_NG_LINK

On the Street

Soil Profile
August 2015
Soil Profile
Northfield, Minnesota

Poster | KennedyPrints!
September 2014
Poster | KennedyPrints!
UW-Madison Library

Mississippi River, La Crosse, WI
October 2013
Mississippi River
La Crosse, WI

Rain Gardens, Washington DC
April 2013
Rain Gardens, EPA Washington DC

Women's Suffrage Banner
April 2013
Suffrage Banner, DAR
Washington DC

Conserved
March 2013
Conserved
La Crosse, Wisc.

Natives In City, Western Technical College
October 2012
Natives In City
Western Tech College

Green Alley, Detroit, MI
August 2012
Green Alley
Detroit, Mich.

    • Newground Clearly Presents Issues    |   Mississippi Valley Conservancy has permanently protected more than 16,000 acres in Wisconsin. NewGround developed an award-winning magazine, other publications and consulted for strategic outreach.
    • NewGround Connects People    |   During Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) development, three Winona, Minn. citizen summits drew 100+ people each. NewGround played a central role in planning, organizing, promoting, hosting, and reporting on the events.
    • Newground Positions Organizations    |   Fishers & Farmers Partnership For the Upper Mississippi River Basin reduces erosion and nutrient runoff in the Midwest. NewGround interviewed stakeholders, contributed to a strategic plan, obtained funding, and developed identity and outreach tools.
    • Newground Mentors Leaders    |   Client Ohio River Basin Fish Habitat Partnership took time to understand opportunities and priorities in their complex region. NewGround facilitated a "meeting of the minds" and taught communications basics.
    • NewGround Educates    |   La Crosse Urban Stormwater Group educates to protect the Mississippi River from polluted runoff. NewGround developed its stormwater management learning site at Habitat For Humanity ReStore, engaged media, and involved citizens in construction.
    • NewGround Develops Strategy    |   Sara Lubinski's exhibit River Sojourn: A Painter's Portfolio of the Mississippi River Blufflands launched in 2014. NewGround developed outreach strategy, blog, and prospectus; secured bookings with museums; and developed relationships with conservation and funding partners.    
    • NewGround Builds Participation    |   Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center and Eagle Bluff Skills School serve 22,000 people annually. Strong leadership and professional staff are growing that number with branding and production support from NewGround.
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