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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Watershed Learning Network
Interactive website
Introduction video
Introduction to the Watershed Learning Network on Youtube.com