Promoting a Healthy Watershed Through Community Engagement: The West Atlanta Watershed Success Story

The West Atlanta Watershed Sixty+ years of watershed degradation PCB’s and other toxic chemicals Overflows of the combined sewer overflow system

The West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) Who is WAWA? Community-based non-profit Environmental justice and health initiatives My Experience with WAWA Service Learning Course at UGA Interactive Modules

The Role of the Government Not enough funding for new storm water infrastructure “Quick-fixes” provide the cheaper alternative, at the cost of watershed health Gentrification as a growing issue

The Role of the Community The importance of a policy-science connection Requires the community’s understanding of: Their impact on the watershed Engagement in mitigation techniques

Community Action in WAWA Green Infrastructure What is green infrastructure? Community-funded Public park, rain gardens and bioswales…oh my!!

The Importance of Service Learning Service learning as an educational approach Combining education and community service Positive benefits to the students and the community as a whole

The Importance of Service Learning Two major benefits Educates future scientists and policy-makers on the importance of the science-policy connection Brings together communities to work toward a healthier watershed

Watershed Learning Network Interactive website http://wln.ecology.uga.edu/ Introduction video Introduction to the Watershed Learning Network on Youtube.com