We love our home and the lush park system that runs through it, bringing the urban neighborhoods fresh air to breathe and green places to recreate.

The parks are run by Milwaukee County, which has for decades struggled to secure the growing budget it needs to keep these invaluable spaces open to the public. That someone visiting our parks on a Summer weekend will find them thriving with families and activity is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the county team.

Northern Ground has partnered with Milwaukee Parks for years, shooting videos, building websites and running strategic workshops.

We work on advocacy and raising awareness - telling the stories of the parks that are worth fighting for. Imagine a future without them.

We can't.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, the Mitchell Park Conservatory, known locally and colloquially as 'the Domes' is being threatened with demolition due to much needed repairs that the budget shortfalls have prevented. A visit to the Domes as a child is a core memory for any Milwaukeean.

To lose the Domes would be an incalculable, cultural loss.

However, a new initiative spurred by fundraising and reports from expert consultants in engineering has brought new hope. With stakeholders from public works, operations, and advocacy groups, we ran UX workshops that formed the messaging and priority, out of which came the decision to launch a campaign along with new website to inform the public of the options on the table and get their feedback.

We branded this new initiative 'The Future of Mitchell Park' to broaden the public's awareness of not just the Domes but the world class horticultural collection within it and the vibrant neighborhood all around it. The modern and dynamic site is a tribute to rather than a derivative of the iconic design language of the Domes, but the focus is on what the conservatory means to real people. Letting their voices be heard and making sure those voices are informed.

Wehr Nature Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. We launched a new site showcasing their year-round access to nature, environmental education and community engagement through various programs and events for all ages and abilities. The center is committed to inclusivity, ensuring everyone can experience and appreciate nature, and our site continues that focus, meeting AA compliance guidelines and allowing visitors of all abilities to get the information they need in a fun way.

Access for all.

As their primary digital agency, Northern Ground will continue to support Wehr, the Domes, and all of the programs and locations Milwaukee Parks has to offer through ongoing video production, animation, strategic planning and branding.