COVINGTON– Groundwork Ohio River Valley (Groundwork ORV) and Green Umbrella are piloting Northern Kentucky’s first Climate Safe Neighborhoods Campaign. Awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Groundwork ORV in partnership with Green Umbrella are extending the regional effort, Climate Safe Neighborhoods, to cities like Covington to not only educate but advance learnings of environmental justice through community-driven action.
The project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency Local Grants Program for Region 4. The award is to support locally-focused environmental education projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provide the skills that participants in its funded projects need in order to make informed decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.
“We are eager to advance climate solutions with our partners across the river in Northern Kentucky”, says Groundwork ORV’s Executive Director, Tanner Yess.
The jurisdictions bordering the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky are at increased risk of
severe climate-related issues including flash flooding, contaminated sewer overflows, and extreme heat within the next thirty years. Compared to the rest of Covington, the neighborhoods of Eastside, Austinburg, and Helentown will be some of the most affected. In response to the data, Groundwork Ohio River Valley has been working to improve health outcomes and climate resiliency through the Climate Safe Neighborhoods Partnership with Green Umbrella, a network run through Groundwork USA.
“We’re excited to be a part of this project with Groundwork and Green Umbrella to continue our climate resilience efforts in neighborhoods that are vulnerable to climate change,” said Patrick Moore, City of Covington Urban Forester. “This project will help increase the amount of tree canopy and resident awareness of its benefits.”
Awarded last year, Groundwork and Green Umbrella are working with local organizations like the Center for Great Neighborhoods to host environmental education initiatives such as community workshops. The workshops include a presentation on neighborhood climate vulnerability data and activities like mapping to suggest green infrastructure improvements. The maps created from the workshops are transformed into a neighborhood Climate Action Plan to inform policy and become a tool of advocacy for resources. Partners are funded to help bring the vision to life with “boots on the ground” support from Groundwork’s young adult, Green Corps.
“We are very excited to be a part of this process to uplift community voice and equity for our neighborhoods, ” says Shannon Ratterman, Executive Director of Center for Great Neighborhoods. “I want to see the many neighborhoods of Covington have a green and resilient future.”
The City of Covington’s workshop for the neighborhood of Eastside, Helentown and Austinburg is scheduled for June 4th, 2024 at Sixth District Elementary from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. Residents are encouraged to RSVP before attendance. For more information on the project, contact Kelsey, EPA Region 4 Project Manager and CSN Director at khawkins-johnson@groundworkorv.org or 513-301-0310
