Meet the Protectors

Concept | Interviews | Photography | Audio Production

This story archive on LaCrosseWaters.org features people in La Crosse County who act every day to minimize storm water runoff and pollution of area streams. Builder John Lautz meticulously uses best practices for erosion control on the area’s hilly home sites, and teaches others to do the same. Mike Pieper, Vice President for Finance at Wisconsin Technical College, makes visionary investments to minimize runoff, create beautiful environments for people, and improve the institution’s bottom line.

NewGround connected with these people, heard and produced their stories, and made them public on the group’s website. The stories can be used for presentations at events, group discussion starters, and teaching. They are part of an expanding chorus of “ordinary” voices speaking up for smart action to protect our water.

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.

Learn how people like you are connecting for community action.