Inspired by Groundwork UK, Groundwork USA began as a pilot program in five cities with a specific focus to engage community members in the transformation of brownfields* into accessible community assets like parks, trails, river corridors, and food gardens.
Today, 21 Groundwork Trusts are changing places, changing lives, and changing systems in cities across the United States. The Trusts share a vision and mission, but each is as unique as the community it calls home. They work with partners to clean-up and reuse brownfields and vacant lands, while also:
-
Transforming neglected land and waterways into community assets like parks, trails, and natural areas.
-
Improving resilience to climate events through “green infrastructure,” community forestry programs, and sustainable design projects.
-
Providing access to fresh food through community gardens, urban farms, and nutrition assistance programs.
-
Cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders through workforce development programs.
*land with the presence/potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
Last updated: March 22, 2024