A Walkable Watershed integrates the flow of water and people into a cohesive strategy to improve the overall health of a community and the surrounding watershed. The concept is based on the idea that high-quality water goes hand-in-hand with a high quality of life, supporting access to the outdoors, enhanced community infrastructure and services, and stronger health.
Click here to download the Guide!
A Walkable Watershed process…
- provides an integrated planning approach to improve
water quality and community health - engages a broad range of stakeholders
- links environmental and social equity goals
- generates innovative, community-based solutions grounded in technical analysis
- creates multiple benefits, such as walkability, outdoor learning, revitalization, community stewardship and improved water quality
- attracts and leverages multiple funding sources
- provides a replicable process for any watershed
Background…
At Skeo Solutions, our planning work with hundreds of communities has left us convinced that water can be a significant revitalizing force. We completed our first Walkable Watershed pilot in early 2012 in a community in Richmond, Virginia. We’ve since led Walkable Watershed projects benefiting communities with environmental justice concerns in more than seven locations across the country.
In partnership with the James River Association, Skeo summarized lessons learned in this new guide that includes tips for more effectively engaging underserved communities in watershed planning that results in community benefits. The Walkable Watershed Guide is available to download here!
We are committed to promoting the Walkable Watershed concept and supporting communities by helping them adapt this approach to their unique geography, resident needs and vision for creating a thriving future. Please visit the Communities page to learn more.