WRWC Leads the Charge for Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Management in Downtown Providence

In a initiative aimed at addressing flooding and stormwater management, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) has partnered with Groundwork Rhode Island’s GroundCorp and WRWC’s River Rangers and Campeones de Combate Climático to kickstart a critical green infrastructure project in downtown Providence. Supported by funding from the Southeast New England Program (SNEP), this collaboration has already begun to make a significant impact on the city’s landscape and climate resilience efforts.

A Step Towards Greener, Flood-Resilient Providence

The project involved the depaving of a parking lot in downtown Providence, turning an area of impervious asphalt into a lush, vibrant green space. This innovative approach not only reduces runoff but also allows water to be absorbed naturally, minimizing flood risks while enhancing urban ecosystems. The project saw the installation of native trees and shrubs, including Red Maples and Winter Berry and Summer Sweet shrubs, which will help improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and contribute to the beauty and sustainability of the area.

Funding from SNEP: Strengthening Communities and Ecosystems

Funding for the project was provided by the Southeast New England Program (SNEP), a vital network dedicated to advancing stormwater and watershed management, ecological restoration, and climate resilience across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The SNEP Network works closely with municipalities, organizations, and tribes to build capacity in these areas, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Southeast New England Program (SNEP) within EPA Region 1. The SNEP Network’s support has enabled WRWC, Groundwork Rhode Island, and community leaders to take significant steps toward transforming urban landscapes into more sustainable, climate-resilient spaces.

This project would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of several key groups, each contributing their unique skills and knowledge to make it a success.

  • Groundwork Rhode Island’s GroundCorp: As the social venture of Groundwork Rhode Island, GroundCorp is a landscape design-build and maintenance service that specializes in urban landscape restoration and stormwater management. Under the leadership of their Director of Field Operations, GroundCorp provides valuable paid, hands-on work experience to graduates of their job training program. By employing local talent, GroundCorp has been a driving force in creating sustainable landscapes while providing job training to individuals seeking permanent employment. Their involvement in this project showcases their dedication to enhancing urban communities in Rhode Island through sustainable design practices.
  • WRWC River Rangers: The River Rangers, a group of dedicated WRWC staff, played a key role in overseeing the implementation of this project. WRWC River Rangers will ensure that the project will continue to thrive and grow as a model for future green infrastructure projects.
  • WRWC Campeones de Combate Climático (Climate Champions): This group of resident leaders, all Spanish-speaking graduates of WRWC’s Nuevas Voces program, has become a vital force in driving nature-based climate resilience projects in the Olneyville neighborhood. Campeones are dedicated to learning about and participating in climate resilience efforts, ensuring that the community is actively engaged in the transformation of their environment.

A Vision for a Greener Future

Peter Dear, Greenway Manager, shared his vision for the future: “I hope this is just the beginning. Many small green infrastructure systems along the river will add up to a BIG change for our City.” This initiative marks an important step towards a greener, more sustainable Providence. As more green spaces and stormwater management systems are implemented, the collective impact on the city’s climate resilience and flood mitigation efforts will grow exponentially.