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.
COMING 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!
Working to restore and enhance 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 the fish and 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 remnants features of the park. Thank you FOCGP for all you do!
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
