Groundwork USA

06/09/2026

Climate planning in cities has historically been driven by officials and institutions, leaving the communities most impacted by flooding, extreme heat, and poor air quality out of the decision-making.

In order to understand what changes when communities are central to the decision-making process, a recent study took a close look at Groundwork Ohio River Valley's Climate Safe Neighborhoods program in Cincinnati, where residents, city officials, and nonprofits work together to build community-led climate resilience plans.

Researchers found that participants came away more informed, more connected, and more confident in their ability to drive change.

Read the full report to learn more:

Urban climate vulnerability is shaped by enduring legacies of racialized disinvestment and exclusion from decision-making. Advancing equitable resilience therefore requires approaches that are justice-oriented and participatory. Using a convergent mixed-methods design integrating surveys, interviews...

06/01/2026

You don't need acres of land to make a big impact — just a small pocket of nature.

In dense urban neighborhoods, space for large-scale greening is often scarce, but the need isn't. Microforests help address flooding, extreme heat, and poor air quality while fitting into places other solutions can't: vacant lots, schoolyard edges, and overlooked parcels of land.

Across the Groundwork Network, five microforests are already growing, with more on the way!

Follow along to see how these small forests are delivering outsized benefits for communities with little space to spare.

05/30/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who showed up for our National Service Corps this month. 💚 From the people who shared their stories to the ones who gave what they could, this work exists because of you.

05/29/2026

From early mornings on the trail to learning moments with friends, our National Service Corps is helping shape a new generation of environmental leaders.

And the impact goes both ways: parks benefit from the care and commitment young people bring, while youth gain confidence, skills, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Who better to hear it from than the people who've lived it?
Read their stories and learn how you can help keep this work going.
https://groundworkusa.org/who-will-protect-our-national-parks-youth-are-rising-to-the-challenge/

America's national parks need more hands. For 15 years, Groundwork's National Service Corps has been sending youth to do the work — and this summer, 50+ are ready to go.

05/28/2026

Tanner has seen it firsthand: young people come through the National Service Corps and go on to become environmental leaders, some even landing jobs at the parks themselves.

This program has a major impact on young people and the parks. Learn how you can help keep it going.

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/groundwork-usa-inc/for-our-parks-for-our-future

05/27/2026

From Green Team youth to Director of Sustainable Education, Ashley has lived the impact of Groundwork's programs. These aren't just jobs, they're futures. Learn how you can support the work. groundworkusa.org

05/26/2026

Riley sees it every year: the National Service Corps gives Green Team youth the opportunity to take their skills to the next level!

They head to national parks to do important conservation work, and bring that experience back to their communities.

Learn more and support the work.

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/groundwork-usa-inc/for-our-parks-for-our-future

05/22/2026

This summer, 50+ young people are ready to protect public lands, restore ecosystems, and build careers in conservation.

But we're still short of our goal to make it happen.

Right now, a generous donor is matching every dollar given this month. Help us unlock the full match before May 31.

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/groundwork-usa-inc/for-our-parks-for-our-future

05/21/2026

Good things are happening. And we've got the proof.

Young people stepping up for the national parks we love, stories of community-led change, and ways to join the work happening across our Network.

Check it out and spread the joy!

For over 15 years, Groundwork's National Service Corps has connected youth from across our Network to national parks every summer to do urgent conservation work and become the environmental champions we need.

05/20/2026

Jade is living proof of what Groundwork’s National Service Corps makes possible and why every young person should have the opportunity to experience it.

There are many more people like Jade ready to help this summer. But we need our community of supporters to make it possible.

Give today and watch the work continue. Groundworkusa.org