Groundwork USA

09/01/2026

“The goal is realizing that the space we have now, even if it isn’t permanent, can still have permanent effects in our community.”

In Somerville, MA, Groundwork Somerville is building more than an urban farm.

South Street Farm is a space for residents to learn about urban agriculture, community science, and climate resilience work, while building connections, skills, and stewardship that carries well beyond the space itself.

Discover what's taking root at South Street Farm.
https://groundworkusa.org/planting-the-seeds-of-long-term-community-resilience-in-somerville/

Discover South Street Farm, a community urban farm in Somerville, MA, transforming a former industrial site into a thriving space for growing food, building skills, and connecting neighbors. Since 2016, Groundwork Somerville has grown about 2,000 pounds of organic produce each year for the local com...

08/31/2026

This summer has pushed communities to their limits, with dangerous heat and flooding causing damage, illness, and safety concerns.

But the impacts of extreme weather aren’t the same everywhere. That’s why residents are best positioned to identify and shape the solutions that will protect their communities.

Across Massachusetts, Cool Spaces for Healthy Places, a Climate Safe Neighborhoods initiative, brings three Groundwork Affiliates and residents together to tackle shared climate challenges with locally informed solutions. From community gardens and shade structures to reflective street art and urban forestry, these projects are helping reduce heat, manage stormwater, and make neighborhoods more resilient.

Learn how collaboration can turn shared challenges into shared solutions:
Cool Spaces for Healthy Places: Turning Collective Knowledge into Local Impact

In 2025, Groundwork Lawrence, Groundwork Somerville, and Groundwork Southcoast launched Cool Spaces for Healthy Places, uniting three MA communities around one goal: turn residents' lived experience with extreme heat, flooding, and poor air quality into real, community-driven change.

08/27/2026

This National Park Week, we’re feeling grateful for the long-standing partnership that helps us do what we do.

Our relationship with the National Park Service has been part of our story from the start, from building long-term investment in land revitalization to supporting the young champions who do hands-on conservation work in the parks themselves.

08/26/2026

Community gardens help residents give back to their communities while creating spaces that are healthier, cooler, and safer.

These shared green spaces do more than grow food and bring neighbors together; they help cool communities, absorb stormwater, support pollinators, and create welcoming places where people can connect, relax, and thrive.

08/26/2026

Across Massachusetts, residents are working hard to create healthier, more climate-resilient communities.

At Groundwork Southcoast, Green Teamers are pitching in to clean up litter and care for shared spaces, making neighborhoods cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable for everyone.

08/25/2026

The latest edition of The Monthly GroundUp is here! This month, we’re celebrating inspiring climate action led by communities across our Network. Read how young people are mapping heat risks and discover how urban farms are helping communities grow food, connection, and resilience.

Check it out now.

The people who know their neighborhoods best should have a leading role in shaping their future. At Groundwork, we work alongside residents to build the knowledge, skills, and leadership they need to turn lived experience into environmental action. From young people mapping local heat risks to resid...

08/24/2026

In Lawrence, MA, residents are seeing firsthand how air pollution affects their community. Through - MA, youth with Groundwork Lawrence are identifying these challenges and working toward solutions that can make a difference.

Hear directly from the young people leading this work and shaping a healthier Lawrence.

08/21/2026

Cool Spaces for Healthy Places is about building stronger, more connected communities.

At Groundwork Southcoast is using community gardens to bring people together, grow fresh food, and create local job opportunities.

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08/21/2026

Groundwork Southcoast's Green Team is tackling extreme with practical solutions like planting trees and using reflective, lighter-colored paint in recreational areas and other hot spots.

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08/20/2026

🚨 Applications close TOMORROW!

Looking to build your skills and capacity to lead a community-centered brownfield reuse project? Apply to Groundwork USA’s FREE Land Reuse Learning Cohort.

This six-month virtual program offers hands-on support through resources, monthly workshops, one-on-one coaching, and connections to a network of nonprofit and community-based practitioners working to transform brownfields into parks, community gardens, trails and more.

Applications are due Friday, August 21, 2026.

Apply now:

Join the FREE six-month Land Reuse and Environmental Justice Learning Cohort to lead impactful brownfield reuse projects.