Integrating Education, Evaluation u26 Partnerships into Large-Scale Sustainable Stormwater Management Programs

摘要

Integrated stormwater management using green infrastructure shows promise in saving money and mitigating environmental impacts caused by urban development. Equally important are the potential community benefits, including better understanding of ecological systems, increased access to urban green spaces, safer and healthier neighborhoods, and informed residents that are equipped to take action to improve watershed health. As a partnership between the City of Portland Environmental Services, Portland State University, and residents of the Tabor to the River (T2R) neighborhood, we conducted a survey to understand the role of civic ecology in green infrastructure projects. The survey results indicate a high interest in certain stormwater strategies and highlights information gaps among T2R residents. Supportive strategies that might improve the civic capacity for residents to steward green infrastructure project include financial incentives and technical assistance, and reducing costs and limiting time commitments. Outreach through classes and hands on training also seem appealing to respondents. These results help to frame an outreach strategy that leverages involvement from multiple partners to advance our understanding of the role civic ecology in large-scale, urban, green infrastructure projects.