Advancing Green Infrastructure in the Blackstone Watershed: Identifying Municipal Priorities, Workshopping Solutions, and Mapping Implementation

Nature-based solutions and green infrastructure, such as the planting of trees for cooling and the use of roadside vegetation to mitigate pollutant runoff, are nothing new. However, many Blackstone Watershed communities are still not including nature-based solutions as a priority for new developments at the scale or frequency of what is possible. This proposal seeks to build long-term relationships with community stakeholders to identify local goals that can be addressed through nature-based solutions and remove barriers to implementation. The Blackstone Watershed Collaborative will provide technical assistance and identify potential funding sources. The project will initially focus on two communities with significant environmental justice populations: Worcester, MA and Woonsocket, RI.