Implementing Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Suburban Philadelphia Communities

Implementing nature-based stormwater management projects in municipalities often involves coordination among private, nonprofit, and public stakeholders to overcome political resistance, parochialism, resident perceptions, and uncertain funding.

Through the Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI), partners working together in geographically based regions are bringing technical assistance and funding to encourage investment in nature-based stormwater control measures. These are needed to reverse trends in stream degradation and foster collaborative approaches to stormwater management among upstream communities and the city of Philadelphia.

Travel to the upstream townships of Abington and Cheltenham to visit three unique project sites featuring multiple nature-based features and learn how they were made possible by public and private collaboration efforts. Staff from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, and Wissahickon Trails will detail each project’s history, funding, and process. Speak with project designers, property owners, and the officials who helped make them possible and learn how the DRWI has been instrumental in changing attitudes, land-use policies, and approaches to upstream/downstream cooperation to benefit communities in local watersheds. Presenters offer insights on landowner outreach and engagement strategies to build support, including working to overcome reluctance among neighbors and public officials.

This workshop includes walking outdoors and takes place rain or shine.