Since 2012, River Network has supported efforts to restore urban waters and the communities around them–many of which have seen decades of disinvestment–through the Urban Waters Learning Network (UWLN). UWLN grew out of the idea that a grant program could to a lot more than simply fund a handful of projects on the ground – it could help leaders working to restore their urban waters in communities across the country learn from one another and build the skills and connections needed for success through peer-to-peer networking. Originally made up of 10 communities, the UWLN has grown to nearly 200 organizations, agencies, local units of government, and academic institutions. We partner with Groundwork USA in coordinating the Learning Network, providing support and opportunities for members to share successes, challenges, and technical resources. 

“Because of the networking opportunities the UWLN provides, we’ve seen leaders learn from each other and replicate projects that were successful in another corner of the country – whether it’s launching a rural-urban youth internship program, deploying devices to capture trash in local waterways, or engaging community members in planning for communities that are more resilient to climate threats. River Network has also benefited from this exchange – as the membership of the UWLN has grown, so has the depth of our own understanding of the issues that contribute to healthy urban waterways and thriving communities.”

-Diana Toledo, River Network Leadership Development Director