A vibrant community has a healthy environment and a healthy economy. That’s why we work toward both goals, by helping communities strategically plan development, train leaders in conservation, apply the latest freshwater research and sustainably use natural resources.
By 2050, an estimated 85% of Americans will live in urban areas. As communities grow, leaders look to balance “gray” infrastructure—such as buildings and homes—with the “green” of parks and open space. We help community, government and business leaders strike this balance with strategic conservation planning.
In every community, leaders bring different perspectives to conservation. Before they can agree on land use decisions, they need time—and the right environment —to collaborate. That’s what our Conservation Leadership Network provides, in more than 20
courses and workshops. This year, we’re hosting lead events on climate change and green infrastructure, as well as transportation.
Every community deserves plenty of clean water and good food. With that goal in mind, our Freshwater Institute performs water use and aquaculture research, combining engineering, biology and technology to help partners protect, reuse and restore freshwater resources and habitats. In one example, we’re helping restore a native eastern brook trout fishery in West Virginia’s Rockymarsh Run, as part of a larger initiative to restore the network of waters linked to the Chesapeake Bay.