Land, air, and water systems are deeply interconnected – and our approach to healing past harms and creating a more just future needs to be as well. Our Silos to Synergy series, running between Sept 2024 – May 2025, is designed to help land and water practitioners think beyond traditional program silos to create a more holistic vision for your program–unlocking new funding and technical resources to advance your projects. This curated series of webinars, workshops, and speaker sessions brings together learning opportunities hosted by Groundwork USA’s Brownfield Technical Assistance Program, the Urban Waters Learning Network, and other land and water organizations to provide a foundation for understanding and navigating funding opportunities, technical assistance programs, and data-gathering tools at the intersection of land, and water.
A Practical Guide to Engaging and Activating Community Voices
Hosted on Sept 12th 2024
Groundwork USA (GWUSA) and the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) led this interactive session designed to help land reuse practitioners with varying levels of experience and capacity integrate best practices into their land reuse projects. The session features case studies and tools from their recently published toolkit, “A Practical Guide to Engaging and Activating Community Voices” and provides guidance to embed healthy principles in every phase of the land reuse process. This session is valuable for all people working with non-profits, community groups, and local governments dedicated to fostering equitable land reuse. (Recorded Sept. 12, 2024)
Federal Tools: Understanding and Addressing Health Disparities and Community Impacts
Hosted on Nov 14th 2024
- Elizabeth Pembleton, Senior Project Coordinator with the Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program (GRASP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (CDC/ ATSDR).
- Benjamin McKenzie, Geospatial Epidemiologist and Health Scientist with the Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program (GRASP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (CDC/ ATSDR).
- Mitra Kashani, ORISE Fellow with National Environmental Health Public Tracking Network.
Community-Centered Solutions for Green Gentrification and Displacement
Hosted on Jan 9th 2025
In this recorded webinar, presenters from River Network review the recently published “Community-Centered Solutions for Green Gentrification and Displacement” and outline historical context, common barriers, and suggested practices to incorporate similar efforts into urban waters work. The webinar also highlights a case study example as well as additional resources and training opportunities.
Community Science Solutions: Documenting the Impacts of Contamination in Land, Air, and Water
Recorded on March 13th 2025. Access here!
In this recorded webinar, we dive deep into three case studies of effective community science efforts around the country focused on pollutant monitoring in surface water, drinking water and air. Learn how practitioners leverage funding sources and technical support to engage their communities in data gathering and analysis, and work together to develop solutions that contribute to overall community health and well being.
- LaVeesha Rollins, Executive Director of Concerned Citizens of Charles City County
- Kennedy Moore, State Policy Coordinator at The Water Collaborative of New Orleans and EPA Urban Waters Ambassador
- Javier (Javi) Cardenas, Green Team Coordinator & Earth Lab Educator of Groundwork San Diego
Workforce Development and Brownfield Revitalization: The Emerald Trail Stewards Program
Date: Tues, May 6th 2025, 1-2:30pm ET
Recorded on May 6th 2025. Access Here!
In our Brownfield Nonprofit Speaker webinars, we explore the intersection of community development and brownfield revitalization. These webinars are designed to inspire and inform nonprofits interested in leveraging brownfields to meet their community-centered missions. Through engaging discussions and real-world case studies, we aim to showcase the potential of brownfield land reuse as a powerful tool for positive change. In this webinar, Groundwork USA and Groundwork Jacksonville will explore brownfield revitalization and workforce development, highlighting The Emerald Trail Stewardship Program, which hires and trains local residents to construct and maintain The Emerald Trail, a 30-mile urban trail and park system connecting multiple former brownfield sites.
Stronger Together: Creative Partnerships for Environmental Change
Date: Tues, June 10th 2025, 1-2:30pm ET
Recorded on June 10th 2025. Access Here!
Join us to learn about innovative partnerships between local governments, community organizations, and residents who are working together to influence policy and create projects that protect them from extreme heat and flooding. Speakers will share success stories from San Diego, CA and Yonkers, NY where local government and community partners are working together to expand urban tree canopy and engage residents in identifying local priorities for adaptation planning.
Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of how to build mutually beneficial partnerships that will bring more resources and long-term improvements to communities that have been hit hardest by extreme weather.