Watershed Management Group (WMG) will be holding three Green Infrastructure Workshops this fall,
each free and open to the public. Green infrastructure refers to constructed features that use living,
natural systems to provide environmental services, such as capturing, cleaning and infiltrating
stormwater; creating wildlife habitat; shading and cooling streets and buildings; and calming traffic.
Participants in workshops will learn about these innovative alternatives to neighborhood design and
how to bring them to their own communities.
Green infrastructure approaches seek to address environmental and livability issues through strategies
like water harvesting, removal or shading of impermeable surfaces, urban forestry, bicycle and
pedestrian improvements, and the creation or enhancement of greenways, parks, and wildlife corridors.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “forward-thinking communities in water
limited regions are increasingly recognizing green infrastructure as a cost-effective approach not only
to stormwater management, but to water conservation as well.” Green infrastructure provides a number
of environmental, economic and social benefits, including beautification, reduced flooding and
infrastructure maintenance costs, and water quality and habitat improvement.
All workshops will include: an introduction to green infrastructure concepts, a tour of local green
infrastructure sites, and a hands-on visioning session in which participants develop strategies for
implementing green infrastructure in their own neighborhoods using a grassroots community
development model. Identical workshops will be held at various Tucson locations on October 23,
November 20, and December 4, from 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
WMG’s Green Streets – Green Neighborhoods program works with neighborhood groups to implement
green infrastructure by mobilizing residents and volunteers to improve their communities. These
workshops are open to anyone with an interest in green infrastructure and its implementation at the
neighborhood level. Participants from outside the region are encouraged to attend. The workshops
will also serve as an introduction to WMG’s new Neighborhood Leaders program, available to Tucson
residents (more information on this program is available at watershedmg.org/node/194).
To register: contact Tory Syracuse at 520-396-3266 or tsyracuse@watershedmg.org. Workshops are
limited to 15 participants each, and pre-registration is required. For more information on WMG and its
programs, visit www.watershedmg.org.