Communities near industrial areas

In 2018, the City of Detroit implemented a drainage charge to help cover the costs of capturing, conveying, pumping, treating, and safely returning combined sewage to the Detroit and Rouge Rivers (1). The charge is calculated based on each parcel’s impact on the sewer system, particularly by measuring impervious acreage (1). Since then, this fee has posed significant challenges for one group in particular: Detroit’s houses of worship (2). Churches, with their large roofs and parking lots, face higher monthly drainage charges, creating financial strain for many faith leaders (2).
To support these institutions, Sacred Grounds has been providing grants, labor, and design assistance to install projects that reduce water bills and drainage fees (2). Sacred Grounds collaborates with the National Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Rouge, and Sierra Club of Michigan to implement these projects through the city’s green credit program (2). A recent initiative involved installing four rain gardens located on the perimeter of St. Suzanne Our Lady Gate of Heaven Church (3). These bioretention gardens, funded by several private and public actors and led by Detroit Future City, diverts water from 20 large downspouts, redirecting an estimated 500,000 gallons of runoff annually away from the municipal sewer system (3, 4).
In addition to managing water, the gardens foster a thriving habitat for pollinators and adds beauty to the area (3). St. Suzanne’s commitment to environmental education includes engaging over 130 youth and adults in training programs that build pathways to STEAM careers and opportunities where local residents are often underrepresented (4). The church also features an innovative, eco-friendly outdoor classroom developed by students, further supporting their sustainability mission (4).

The stretch of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem from southern Lake Huron through western Lake Erie forms a unique urban refuge where life thrives with beauty and resilience. Known as Metropolitan Detroit, this region is where the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and many partners are working to create The Great Lakes Way by connecting 160 miles of greenways and 156 miles of water trails (1).
The vision for the Great Lakes Way project is to ensure that all residents and visitors of southeast Michigan—people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, and interests—feel connected to the water resources, welcomed on its trails, and able to enjoy the benefits and opportunities these access points provide (1). To bring this vision to life, the project plans to link 160 miles of greenways and 156 miles of blueways, connecting people to a range of world-class freshwater, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. These include fishing areas, bird migration pathways, parks, working waterways, preserved woodlands, and restored wetlands (2).
The Great Lakes Way project connects existing assets, supports accessibility and equity, and promotes the Great Lakes Way to both residents and visitors through marketing and communication efforts (2). There are 26 points of interest that will serve as connection hubs along the Great Lakes Way (2). In Detroit specifically, the focus is on connecting 13 culturally or historically significant destinations, as well as locations known for their environmental and ecological importance or as regional landmarks (2).
Rich in world-class fisheries, migratory flyways, parks, urban centers, small towns, preserved old-growth woodlands, and restored wetlands, the Great Lakes Way offers unique experiences that can only be found here. By uniting the natural and cultural assets the Great Lakes Way designation aims to emphasize and expand the essential linkages needed to further connect this remarkable region. (2,3)

The project for Tricentennial Park involves a series of improvements aimed at enhancing its overall infrastructure and appeal. Among the planned upgrades is an enhancement of the pavilion, along with the addition of other site amenities (Ref 1). A lake is also being created as part of the project (Ref 2). Currently, work is underway on phase two, which includes landscaping, the construction of a group picnic pavilion, walking trails, a parking area, and even a misting machine to provide relief during hot weather (Ref 2).
One of the key highlights of the project is the opening of a new playground in 2024, featuring a unique design. The park is laid out in a figure-eight pattern, and a sign within the park highlights its recognition for following “best practices in youth fitness,” encouraging children to stay active through sliding, swinging, spinning, climbing, brachiating, and balancing (Ref 2). This park is the first in Mobile designed exclusively for passive use, without ball fields, providing a space for families and individuals to enjoy the playgrounds (Ref 4). The park fosters social interaction, allowing children to build friendships and create lasting memories while spending time with their families (Ref 4). The park also boasts beautiful scenery, adding an aesthetic dimension to the overall experience (Ref 2).
Tricentennial Park is part of the larger Three Mile Green Trail, a 6.5-mile linear park. A one-mile segment of the trail is located within Tricentennial Park. The trail will be expanded east to MLK Boulevard and west to Bush Park by 2024 (Ref 1).

The Grand Parc des Aygalades project involves the creation of a 14-hectare metropolitan park (connecting Aygalades Park with Bougainville Park and François Billoux Park) that will connect the northern neighbourhoods of Marseille to the port located further south (Ref 1). This project is part of the green conversion of Marseille's northern districts, historically among the most disadvantaged areas in France (Ref 1). The Grand Parc des Aygalades project will enhance the city's greenery, reduce flood risks, create cool zones, restore and develop biodiversity, and significantly improve residents' quality of life and air quality (Ref 1, Ref 2). The environmental and social challenges include reconnecting the populations of these neighborhoods to green spaces, services, education, sports opportunities (Ref 2).
The park project includes redesigning urban infrastructure to improve rainwater absorption and reduce flood risks, addressing the issue of impermeable and artificialized soils that exacerbate flooding during heavy rainfall (Ref 1). It also involves renaturing a 17-kilometre-long stream currently buried under railway tracks, improving flood management and rainwater drainage (Ref 1, Ref 4). The project will also convert a heavily degraded former industrial site, requiring the rehabilitation of polluted soils (Ref 1). Additionally, creating green corridors aims to mitigate the heat island effect, particularly severe in these northern districts due to the high concentration of buildings and concrete surfaces, and the lack of green spaces. Public participation will be encouraged through information meetings, thematic workshops, and an online platform for submitting ideas and feedback (Ref 4).

The "Plan Arbre" is a tool for ecological planning and renaturation aiming to plant 308,000 trees between 2023 and 2029, sourced from the municipal nursery with seeds purchased from local suppliers (Ref 1, Ref 2). In 2023, 14,922 trees were planted, with plans to double this number in 2024 (Ref 1). The project addresses the loss of 50% of Marseille's natural spaces over the past 75 years, aiming to reverse this trend and reintroduce nature into the urban environment (Ref 2). It also tackles issues like drought and heatwaves, particularly in summer, by using trees and shrubs to cool the air, restore biodiversity, reduce air pollution, and enhance public spaces while absorbing CO2 (Ref 2).

The plan is divided into two phases. Phase I focuses on planting in Marseille's 58 parks and 273 squares and gardens, as well as around childcare centres, schools, socio-cultural centres, and sports facilities (Ref 2, Ref 3). From 2020 to 2023, various improvements were made, including playground renovations, installation of misting systems, automatic watering, and the creation of a CrossFit area (Ref 3). Phase II will involve identifying major boulevards, avenues, and streets lacking trees to enhance the urban canopy (Ref 2).
A diverse range of tree species were selected for their drought resistance, water efficiency, and ability to attract biodiversity (Ref 2, Ref 3). The project also focuses on increasing biodiversity and managing invasive species through natural methods to protect trees from pests without chemicals (Ref 3). Furthermore, the initiative includes de-impermeabilizing soils and implementing a smart irrigation system with tensiometric sensors, developed with the start-up GreenCityZen, which has saved 66% of water in two years (Ref 3). The Plan Arbre also promotes citizen participation, with 23 parks selected for community gardening projects, where ten winning associations will receive plants from the municipal nursery (Ref 1).

The Green Wall of Tomesti was an initiative launched by the commune of Tomesti to combat air pollution from the nearby city of Iasi, which often drifted into the area (1, 2). The municipality decided to implement this solution after consulting specialists on how to address pollution from the main urban area. It was also integrated into the objectives of their 2014 General Urbanistic Plan, which aimed to transform Tomesti into a "modern, clean, and ecological area" (1, 2, 5). In addition to mitigating air pollution, the forest wall was expected to help lower local air temperatures (1).
The municipality purchased seedlings and planted the trees at the end of 2019, near the D.D. Patranascu school (1-3). While the overall goal was to protect the entire commune and improve the health of Tomesti's residents, particular attention was given to safeguarding the school closest to Iasi (1, 2). Before planting, the organizers called for volunteers to help with the plantation (3). In total, approximately 1,500 trees were planted (linden, acacia, oak and willow), with a space of 1,5 m between each other (2).
The action also follows on a 20-year national plan to increase forest walls to improve the quality of the air in the country (6).

The municipality of Ciudad Juarez, in collaboration with UN-Habitat, has drafted a redevelopment strategy for an area known as "Paso de Oñate." This intervention falls within the broader framework of "Vision Ciudad Juarez 2040." The plan involves constructing a forested green belt along the southern edge of the Rio Grande (/Bravo) in the northwest part of Juarez, bordering the USA.
Currently in the planning stage, the project aims to restore the ecological function of various degraded areas along the Rio Grande, transforming them into a continuous, green, walkable, and recreational space. The strategy includes allowing vegetation to recover, introducing native plant species, and increasing tree cover to rehabilitate unmaintained parks, derelict areas, and degraded riverbanks. These areas will be equipped with new features and integrated with existing parks, schools, and playgrounds. The envisioned green corridor will enhance walking conditions, improve the perception of safety, offer recreational opportunities for all age groups, and deliver valuable ecosystem services such as temperature regulation, improved air quality, and water retention.
In addition to its ecological goals, the project has a historical and geographical dimension. It aims to incorporate cultural heritage elements, such as the monument of the New Citizen, Paso de Oñate, Turtles Park, and the beginning of the Acequia Madre. It will also connect with other green space initiatives, including the Mega Park "El Chamizal" and the "Corredor Cultural," which runs through the city center.
This intervention is being prioritized due to the area's ongoing social and ecological decline. Paso de Oñate is a critical border crossing point, which negatively affects mobility and air quality. The area also suffers from a high concentration of vacant housing, which contributes to the residents' perception of insecurity. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4)

Fondo Unido Chihuahua, in collaboration with its corporate partners, is committed to raising awareness about environmental care and reforestation. One of its flagship initiatives is the annual tree-planting campaign, "Planting Today to Have Oxygen Tomorrow," organized by United Way Chihuahua in Ciudad Juárez. This environmental initiative focuses on improving the quality of different urban green spaces (parks, school grounds, streets) while fostering ecological awareness in vulnerable communities across the city. The primary objective is to plant a significant number of trees throughout Ciudad Juárez, using native species that are water-efficient and well-adapted to the local climate and soil. In 2022 the initiative aimed to reforest 18 parks located mainly in the south-eastern part of this border city with 1,000 trees. In 2023 and 2024 the intervention focused on planting 850 trees scatted all over the city.

The campaign brings together donations and volunteers through partnerships with various stakeholders, including local and regional governments, private companies, community organizations, and the general public.
United Way Chihuahua oversees the planning, coordination, and logistical efforts for the campaign. On planting days, volunteers gather at designated sites, guided by the organization to ensure successful planting efforts and community engagement (Ref 1-4).

The Africatown Connections Blueway project aims to create a recreational water trail by linking 14 culturally and historically significant points along a 10-mile route (Ref 1). Central to this initiative is the preservation of Africatown's rich heritage and natural resources. The project seeks to reconnect residents of Africatown, descendants of the original founders of this self-governing community, which maintained a strong sense of African cultural heritage, to waterways that were historically vital for food, transport, and spiritual practices (Ref 1). By restoring access to these waters, the community can address both environmental and social issues, promoting eco-tourism and business growth while safeguarding cultural heritage (Ref 2). Local leaders emphasize the environment’s role in healing the community and preserving history, highlighting how this initiative can provide economic opportunities and improve quality of life (Ref 2). The project seeks to address the environmental injustices that Africatown communities have endured for decades. The area surrounding Africatown has long been dominated by harmful industries, including aluminium plants and paper mills, which have heavily polluted the water and restricted residents' access to it (Ref 1). With support from the National Park Service and contributions from Mississippi State University, the Blueway transforms neglected river access points into recreational areas, promoting environmental stewardship and cultural awareness (Ref 2).

The Three Mile Creek Watershed project is part of the City Council watershed management plans (Ref 2) to stabilize the banks and the stream along the Twelve Mile Creek and Langan Park Lake, both of which drain into Three Mile Creek and Mobile Bay (Ref 1). The project aims to address the issues of degradation of the banks and destabilization of the creek, undercutting of sanitary sewer crossings and sedimentation in the creek and Langan Park Lake because of the increased water flow speed due to stormwater conveyance (Ref 2). Besides, major pollutants from run-off and sewage water contribute to the degradation of Three Mile Creek (Ref 5). Key initiatives include stabilizing the banks and streambed of the Twelve Mile Creek, dredging and restoring Langan Park Lake, and implementing instream structures to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure (Ref 2). The project also emphasizes reducing pollutants from stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and helping to protect the area’s estuarine and marine water resources (Ref 1). The project will increase natural habitat and contribute to regulating biodiversity by aiding in the abatement of invasive species such as the apple snail (Ref 2). It is expected to contribute to enhancing recreational access through the development of trails, educational programs, and water sports facilities. The overall goal is to restore ecological health, support flood control, improve the quality of life in the Mobile and Prichard communities and make the Three Mile Creek a recreational destination (Ref 6).