Nominations for 2022 UWLN Awards are being accepted NOW!
Submit your nominations HERE!
In 2021, the Urban Waters Federal Partnership celebrated 10 years since its inception, with the Urban Waters Learning Network (UWLN) established at the same time. The first UWLN meeting was held the following year at the 2012 River Rally—the annually hosted conference event of River Network—making 2022 the 10th meeting of the Urban Waters Learning Network!
Diana Toledo, originator and current co-coordinator of the learning network, recalls the first meeting fondly as a small gathering of urban waters practitioners that were visited by then EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
“It was a tiny room, but our grantees got a chance to talk to her directly about their work. Unforgettable experience.”
Through the years, the UWLN meeting has turned into a Learning Forum with both morning and afternoon opportunities for the network to connect with upwards of 100 urban waters members. Also added to the forum in 2017, EPA supports signature and expert award winners from the network who are recognized during the learning forum and supported to attend River Rally.
With funds from EPA, award winners have developed new logos, created new informational brochures, and recorded videos (supplemented by additional funds) to promote their work. The projects from the Mystic River Watershed Association, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, Blue River Watershed Association, and San Antonio River Authority are highlighted here: UWLN Awards: Past Recipient Highlights.
For the last two years, River Rally was held virtually. Award recipients were still recognized and honored during an awards ceremony event (view the 2020 and 2021 event recordings). While we’re grateful for the opportunity to have connected online, we are looking forward to reconnecting in person in 2022 in Washington DC! Registration begins February 1st. Before then, submit your nominations for the 2022 UWLN Awards today!
Find more information about past award recipients on our website: