Grant Writing
Donges Bay and Forest Beach Migratory Preserve: Land Protection on Lake Michigan – 2008
The Ozaukee 
Washington Land Trust (OWLT) had the opportunity to purchase, protect, and restore dozens of acres of prime international migratory bird habitat adjacent to Lake Michigan in two locations north of Milwaukee. Funding was needed to purchase the property and begin an ecological restoration, especially to deal with severe lake bluff and ravine erosion and invasive plant removal. Controlling the lake bluff erosion is especially critical for the threatened habitat of the only nesting pair of bald eagles in southeast Wisconsin that happened to be residing on a tall pine at the edge of the bluff. Bergner Associates helped the Land Trust raise over $2 million for these two properties. Today, there are two pairs of nesting bald eagles. Restored habitat now includes mixed wetland, upland forest, and prairie. Ultimately, rain gardens, ponds, rain barrels, and pervious trails will be installed to help slow storm water runoff.
Environmental Justice – New Orleans, LA – 2008
The Louisiana Bucket Brigade is the only environmental justice organization in Louisiana, a state rich with unique ecosystems and human culture. We identified strategic foundations to build their program and staff capacity, writing proposals specifically to expand programs that directly address recurring toxic releases at the state’s 17 refineries, give neighbors of petrochemical refineries a simple air monitoring device to record toxic air conditions, and train undergraduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities about the tools of environmental justice work. With our assistance, Louisiana Bucket Brigade has grown from a staff of 1 to an amazing team of 8 environmental leaders who are protecting the ecosystem and the people of Louisiana.
Curriculum for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy – Milwaukee, WI 2009
Technical colleges are where the next generation of environmental sustainability professionals are built. Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings is one of the most effective ways that we can lower our carbon footprint. Milwaukee Area Technical College retained Bergner Associates to create a U.S. Department of Energy proposal to expand their Sustainable Facilities, Operations, and Engineering Technology Certificates for commercial building equipment technicians, operators, and energy commissioning agents/auditors. This $750,000 grant was successfully awarded and the new curriculum is being developed and implemented now.
Sponsorship
East Bank Trail, Milwaukee River – 2007
A 1 ½ – mile pedestrian trail was created alongside the densely populated East side of the Milwaukee River as part of a larger restoration project of River Revitalization Foundation. Bergner Associates recruited a local artist, Marina Lee of Beginning Dreams Forever, to design an ecologically sensitive sculpture to commemorate the trail as well as serve as a donor recognition opportunity. Marina designed a beautiful 4’ turtle made of concrete, clay, and rebar, inspired by the traditional Native American symbolism of the turtle (Mother Earth). The turtle sculpture was also a creative way to encourage public donations to the trail through embedded donor names on the turtle’s front carapace. Bergner Associates raised public and private funds to complete the new trail in addition to a footbridge, decorative retaining walls, native plants, and restored riparian habitat.
