County Grounds Wildlife Enhancements Project (AOC)
This is a Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern Project (AOC). Please visit the Parks and the AOC and the Waterway Restoration Partnership (WRP) for more information on this amazing, multi-partner effort to cleanup waterways and restore habitat across the County.
Updates
5/13/25: Milwaukee County Parks is excited to announce that GRAEF has been selected as the consultant to lead the planning and design phases for this project! The GRAEF team will begin habitat assessments and surveys soon.
Project Background and 
Overview:
The name of this project might be "County Grounds", but this project encompasses much more than that. The full extent of this wildlife enhancement project will cover the County Grounds Park, Menomonee River Parkway Section 9 and Hoyt Park -- we just shortened the name to make it easier! This project area has an impressive 185 +/- acres of natural areas that will be restored and enhanced under the AOC Program!
Restring and enhancing habitats for wildlife species that require forest, grassland and wetland habitat allows them to survive and thrive in an urban environment. With the completion of the County Grounds Wildlife Enhancements project, these sections of land along the Menomonee River will benefit diverse, native habitats increasing wildlife populations!
Not only does this area contain native landscapes, and numerous wildlife species, but it also contains a lot of history, especially within Sanctuary Woods within County Grounds Park. This land once housed farms, businesses, and health facilities that have left many cultural and structural artifacts onsite. Protecting the site's history and these features is an important part of this project. Friends of County Grounds Park (FOCGP) has developed an amazing interactive map where you can view and read about the remaining features of the park. Thank you FOCGP for all you do!
When and Where is Working Happening?
Work will happen in County Grounds Park, Hoyt Park and Menomonee River Parkways section 9 (see map above). The project area contains forest, grassland, shrubland and wetland habitats that provide critical habitat for native wildlife.
Project Timeline:
The project timeline is subject to change.
2025 - 2026: Phase 1 Planning: Habitat and Baseline assessments
2025 - 2026: Phase 1 Planning: Develop an Ecological Restoration and Management Plan (ERMP)
2026 - 2027: Phase 2 Design: Develop Habitat Restoration Plan (HRP) sets
2028 - TBD: Phase 3 Restoration: On the ground restoration work
What to Expect:
The first two phases (planning and design) of the project should cause minimal disruption. Expect to see County staff and consultants in the field, as well as monitoring tools and equipment required for field surveys. However, Phase 3 (restoration) of the project will likely cause disruption as restoration efforts begin on the ground. You may notice…
Temporary trail and recreational amenity closures,
Heavy machinery and landscape equipment,
Herbicide and forestry tools,
Invasive species removal,
Tree removal,
Planting activities,
Loud noises,
Prescribed burns,
Temporary decline of visual aesthetics (how the area looks).
For everyone's safety, please stay on designated trails, do not approach field crews, and be mindful of any signs and notices. We know that this work is exciting and some of the machines are pretty cool, but crews are wearing protective gear for a reason -- use of chainsaws, forestry mowers, herbicide and other restoration tools require total focus. More details at AOC FAQ (coming soon!).
Restoration work is a process. There may be times that the Park is unsightly, and trails may be closed. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
Project Benefits:
Enhance recreation opportunities for the community
Increase wildlife diversity
Maintain and enhance habitat communities
Improve the water quality of the Menomonee River
Address climate change impacts
Not only will this project help to enhance native biodiversity and outdoor recreation for the community, but it is also a necessary action to help delist the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. “Delisting” involves implementing projects that will address issues that have prevented humans, fish, and wildlife from being able to fully and safely use our natural resources.
How Can I Get Involved and Where Can I Learn More?
The best way to get involved is by signing up for project updates on this page! You can also sign up for the WRP newsletter to stay up to date on all things AOC. Your input is valuable to the success of the project, we encourage you to comment and engage online and at events.
There will be opportunities along the way for you to get involved, such as,
Volunteer workdays,
Species monitoring,
Educational hikes and events,
And more!
Are you looking for opportunities to connect with the community and help to continue to improve parkland – then a friend’s group may be for you. Consider joining the Friends of County Grounds Park or the Friends of Hoyt Park and Pool.
Another way to get involved is by helping to keep our parks clean! Illegal dumping has been a big challenge in many AOC project areas. If you see something, please submit a report via the Milwaukee County Parks Issue Reporter.
Still looking for some more information? Check back on Parks’ website for updates, or you can find fact sheets, videos, presentations , and project specific answers to frequently asked questions by visiting Waterway Restoration Partnership.
Land and Water Acknowledgement
Who's Listening
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Phone 414-307-3467 Email mackenzie.franz@milwaukeecountywi.gov -
Phone 414-257-5064 Email natalie.dutack@milwaukeecountywi.gov -
Phone 414-567-8310 Email Antonio.Giron@milwaukeecountywi.gov
Project Partners
