Effective Stormwater Outreach

Citizen Engagement | Partner Development | Fund Acquisition

Because most people don’t think about stormwater, education must be clear, experiential, and related to daily life. La Crosse Urban Stormwater Group, with NewGround, sought a way to effectively demonstrate stormwater management to small businesses and homeowners.

When Habitat For Humanity ReStore purchased a new property with stormwater management needs, the three groups joined forces to meet them while educating local citizens. The two-year project (2014-16) integrates site development with outreach and diverse native plants, food, and healthy places for people with stormwater management. Citizens were engaged in project development, construction, design, and outreach. Permanent teaching signs will inspire long-term.

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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