Watershed Leaders Network

Strategic Planning | Funding Application | Project Launch

Fishers & Farmers Partnership For the Upper Mississippi River Basin was invited to submit a funding application to the McKnight Foundation. The invitation was an opportunity to seriously step up the group’s presence in the Basin, and its influence.

NewGround developed the application, drawing on its network to discern what local watershed leaders need and how Fishers & Farmers can further their work. The result is the Watershed Leaders Network, funded now as a two-year pilot. In this program, farmers and local watershed group facilitators participate in networking/leadership development retreats, building their own skills and network and co-creating a five-state program through regular feedback and program adjustment. NewGround is project lead.

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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