River Sojourn

Positioning | Strategic Planning | Partner Development

When landscape painter Sara Lubinski began an 18-month sojourn in the upper Mississippi River blufflands in 2012, she called on NewGround to bring it into the world. Lubinski set out to explore and paint the region while NewGround developed a project prospectus, outreach work plan, blog and print matter.

Those were used to introduce the project to the six land trusts of the upper Mississippi River, who signed on as partners. Museums reviewed project materials and began booking the show for 2014-16. Exhibitors promoted River Sojourn in publications, media, online, and with speaking opportunities. KSMQ Public Television developed a 30-minute program, which it shared widely with other public media outlets. As project manager NewGround facilitated these agreements, sought funding, and built partnerships.

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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