Groundwork USA

Groundwork USA is a non-profit organization that works on behalf of a national network of Groundwork trusts. Groundwork  trusts are non-profits established across the United States in places that have experienced decades of decline in their physical and social environments. Our mission is to foster and awaken the potential of these neighborhoods by working with communities to improve their physical environment.

Featured Trust Projects:
GW San Diego’s Earth Lab

In partnership with San Diego Unified School District and Millennial Tech Middle School, Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek is turning a 4 acre open space parcel into a dynamic outdoor learning lab for Chollas Creek students. Thanks to a grant from SEMPRA, students are engaged in state-of-the-art science and technology education while making valuable contributions to the improvement of their watershed. The Earthlab is serving as a hub for information sharing with nearby schools, neighborhoods and civic groups through students' community service. Most importantly, the Earthlab is creating knowledgeable, caring stewards of the environment who are working to make their community better.

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Brownfield to Greenfield Spicket River Greenway

The Spicket River is a 3-mile tributary of the Merrimack River flowing through Lawrence's most distressed environmental justice neighborhoods. Once the main source of energy for mills and industry perched along the river's edge, the Spicket River had faced years of neglect, deferred maintenance, and illegal dumping; additionally, several sites along the river were contaminated and/or underutilized. In 2002, Groundwork Lawrence facilitated a community planning process that established the vision for an "emerald bracelet" of trees, parks, and habitat that would connect people and places. In the years since, GW Lawrence has championed a decade-long campaign to clean up and reclaim this waterway for recreation, waterfront access, and multi-modal transit.

What is envisioned for this Greenway is a continuous 3-mile greenway trail for pedestrians and cyclists connecting a series of active and passive parks featuring playgrounds, playing fields, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, natural habitats, and communal gathering spaces.

The trail is in final design phase, and will be put out to bid for construction in early 2012, with construction hopefully completed by June 2012.

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News from the Trusts

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  Fitness Deserts in DC

  GW Anacostia DC is working with partners to address the problem... Click Here

• GWHV in Grist Magazine!

  Grist Magazine covers the daylighting of the Saw Mill River... Click Here

• Job Training for Stormwater Control in Providence

  GW Providence and their partners at the University of Rhode Island, Gates Leighton Landscape Architects and the Providence Housing Authority worked with EPA Region 1 on an adult job training program that brought together a diverse group of community residents and industry professionals to install a rain garden at a public housing site in Providence, RI. Click Here

• The Saw Mill River flows in Yonkers!

  After ten years of persistent hard work, by Groundwork Hudson Valley and local and state partners, to get the Saw Mill River daylighted, the river finally flows through dowtown Yonkers, NY. Check out Groundwork Hudson Valley's website for more information. Click Here

• Denver Green Team at Sand Creek Massacre

  Check out a YouTube video of the Denver Green Team's visit to Sand Creek Massacre this summer. Click Here

Groundwork USA News

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  GWARDC recognized by DOI, DOT, EPA & State Officials

  In recognition of Groundwork Anacostia DC's work connecting communities to the Anacostia River, Dennis Chestnut, ED of GWARDC, was awarded a photograph of the Anacostia River signed by DOI Secretary Ken Salazar, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, EPA Deputy Adminisrator, Senator Ben Carden (MD),Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD), Congresswoman Norton (DC), Governor Martin O'Mally (MD), and Mayor Vincent Gray (DC), at the America's Great Outdoors Urban Waters event Click Here

• NPS interviews GW Hudson Valley’s Roger Osorio

  Check out Roger's interview with Le’alani Schaumburg of National Parks Service. Roger Osorio is a 4-year GWHV Green Team member who just began his college career! Click Here

• Groundwork Tip of the Month: Park in the Shade!

  From Peter Payton, GW Dallas E.D.'s motorbike tour of Groundwork Trusts across the country -- he found this Tip of the Month in Los Angeles. Check it out: Want Clearner Air? Park in the Shade! Click Here

• GWUSA Assembly & Youth Summit

  The Groundwork network and its federal partners gathered in Denver... Click Here

• GWUSA/NPS Summer Green Team Partnership Launches!

  Read about our Green Teams’ wide-ranging and fun National Park... Click Here