WRWC Celebrates Nature-Based Solutions at the 2026 Stormwater Innovation Expo
Yesterday, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) was proud to sponsor and participate in the Eighth Annual Stormwater Innovation Expo at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence!
This year’s Expo, themed “Nature at Work – Water, Soil, Plants & Trees Protecting our Communities,” brought together environmental professionals, municipal leaders, engineers, advocates, and community partners to explore innovative approaches to stormwater management and green infrastructure across Rhode Island.
Hosted by the Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition, the Stormwater Innovation Center, and the Providence Parks Department, the event highlighted the power of nature-based solutions to reduce flooding, improve water quality, restore ecosystems, and build more resilient communities.
Showcasing Green Infrastructure Along the Woonasquatucket Greenway
One of the day’s highlights for WRWC was seeing our own Jarrod Holgate take the stage alongside Jonathan Ford, PE, NCI, of Horsley Witten Group to present “GSI: Woonasquatucket Greenway Providence Improvements.”
Their presentation showcased improvements along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway in Providence, with special emphasis on stormwater management and green infrastructure incorporated into the Kinsley Avenue corridor.
These improvements demonstrate how urban infrastructure can do more than connect people and places. By integrating green stormwater infrastructure into public spaces, projects like these can help manage runoff, improve water quality, and create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.
We are incredibly proud of Jarrod and grateful to Horsley Witten Group for helping bring these important projects to life and sharing their impact with stormwater professionals from across the state.
A Day of Learning, Collaboration, and Community
Beyond the presentations, the Expo offered an exciting opportunity to connect with the many organizations and individuals advancing green infrastructure throughout Rhode Island.
We were especially thrilled to see such a strong WRWC presence, with staff, board members, volunteers, and TerraCorps Service Members all joining us for the day. Seeing so many members of our watershed community together, learning from one another and celebrating this work, made the event even more meaningful.
The day’s program featured discussions on climate resilience, urban forestry, stormwater funding, environmental justice, green infrastructure maintenance, and innovative restoration projects throughout Rhode Island. From the keynote on productive planting to presentations on community-scale resilience, the Expo reinforced a message central to WRWC’s mission: healthy natural systems are essential infrastructure.
Putting Nature to Work
For WRWC, green infrastructure is about more than managing stormwater. It’s about creating places where people and nature can thrive together.
Whether we’re restoring river habitat, expanding the Greenway, planting trees, or improving public spaces, our work demonstrates how thoughtful environmental investments can benefit entire communities.
A huge thank-you to the Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition, Stormwater Innovation Center, and Providence Parks Department for organizing another fantastic Expo. We’re grateful to have participated as a sponsor and to have spent the day alongside so many friends, colleagues, and partners who share our commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Rhode Island.
And congratulations again to Jarrod and the Horsley Witten Group team for showcasing the exciting work happening along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway!
Learn more about the Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition: www.greeninfrastructureri.org