National Rivers Initiative
Historically, rivers have inspired the creation of cities and towns across the country. Where rivers flowed, so did people and goods. Later on, rivers were integral to industrialization. They were a thriving resource for mills and factories. However, the boom of industrialization was followed by the advent of outsourcing to other countries, leading many of these cities to de-industrialize, leaving rivers inundated with pollutants and waste. Many of the rivers lost their identity as natural resources and were treated instead as industrial tools, no longer necessary for production.
Despite years of use and abuse, urban rivers often continue to support a great amount of biodiversity and have an even greater potential as assets to urban areas that lack green space and all of the benefits that come with it. Groundwork has launched a National River Program to re-claim these urban rivers as natural resources through advocacy programs, revitalization projects, and long-term, community-driven land-use planning. The goals of the Program are to improve water quality, encourage sustainable land use, study and restore habitat and wildlife, promote recreational opportunities, and raise awareness of the history and significance of urban rivers.
Sample Projects: