Sign with information about Willow Reserve plants and wildlife

Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD)

Educating park visitors through vibrant visual storytelling

Our work includes:

Client focus:

Telling visual stories of ecology and restoration

In collaboration with CRWD, we developed several interpretive signs and kiosks to be installed around some of Minnesota’s most-visited lakes and nature reserves. We used engaging infographic elements, a vibrant color palette, and dynamic layouts to catch the eye of park visitors. The resulting signage invites people to learn about the area’s history and connect with their local wildlife.

Capitol Region Watershed District

Friendly and informative signs tell the story of Willow Reserve, a 23-acre urban oasis in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Sign with illustration highlighting plants and wildlife that visitors can find in Willow Reserve
Detailed illustrations educate and orient visitors to the history of the reserve.

Accessible visual stories to accompany a walk along the trail

Interpretive signage and trail markers bring awareness to the reserve’s unique features.

Illustration with infographic elements and a map of Willow Reserve
Educational illustration with plant and wildlife details and map of history of the region
Vertical trail marker with hiking imagery
Black and white rough sketch of Willow Reserve signage
Rough mockup of the signage that was shared for feedback.
Black and white rough sketch of Willow Reserve signage
Rough mockup of the signage that was shared for feedback.

Facilitating a collaborative and community-informed process

To ensure the designs reflect their local roots, we led community discussions and collected input from multiple groups throughout the development process.

Throughout the years, we’ve developed several story-driven interpretive signs about the district’s waters.

Colorful illustration of the Midway Peace Park ecosystem with text detailing how water is important to Minnesota communities
Signage features native wildlife and highlights the diversity of communities within the district.
Illustrated map diagram showing where water flows under Midway Peace Park to a rain garden
An infographic-style map shows park visitors how water infrastructure helps rainwater move through the area.
Cross-section illustrated diagram showing the clean water system under a school hill
An eye-catching diagram helps the viewer understand the district’s new clean water project.

Explore related projects:

Web infographics and annual report created for Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program

Raising awareness of local ecosystem health

Bringing solar and pollinator stories to life with interpretive signage

Communicating science-driven fisheries conservation