The Park People is pleased to announce the formation of Friends of County Grounds Park (FOCGP) to protect and improve the natural areas and wildlife habitat of County Grounds Park and to continue the tradition of using this land to promote community health and wellness. Friends of County Grounds Park is forming now in response to the City of Wauwatosa’s recent re-zoning of 58-acres, including Sanctuary Woods, into conservation status. This land will be annexed to the existing 55-acre County Grounds Park. 
 
Friends of County Grounds Park is hosting a kickoff event at the Wauwatosa Library Firefly Room on Sunday, February 16 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The kickoff event will include pizza/snacks, staffed information stations, signups for 2020 events and volunteer coordination. Registration is appreciated. The event is free and open to the public.
 
Upcoming FOCGP activities will include regular seasonal guided tours, additional removal of invasive species, and a popup beer garden and kite event on July 11. The group's initiatives also include developing ecosystem and wildlife revitalization, native plant restoration, uses of the park that promote health and wellness, signage that improves access and consistency of usage and collaboration with Milwaukee County Parks. 
 
More information on the history of and access to County Grounds Park and Sanctuary Woods is available at: www.countygroundsfriends.org. FOCGP is sponsored by The Park People as a 501(c)(3) and donations can be made here. For additional information, contact FOCGP President Jonathan Piel here.