Implementation of Green Infrastructure Conducted by a Community-based Non-profit Organization in the Gowanus Canal Watershed of the City of New York

Abstract

The purpose of this case study research is to examine the area-scale implementation of green infrastructure (GI) conducted by Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC), a community-based non-profit organization, in the Gowanus Canal watershed of the City of New York (NYC). The study discusses strategies and pathways that may be useful when considering community-wide GI deployments. Based on interviews, field surveys, observations of field programs, and literature surveys on GCC and NYC's Department of Environmental Protection, this paper clarifies the city's GI policy, the characteristics of the study area, GCC organizational structure, GI implementation and maintenance, related volunteer and education programs, and the design process of the area master plan. Conclusions of this paper are as follows: GCC involved various stakeholders, implement various GI reflecting local characteristics, and maintained it; Various programs according to the characteristics of the participants were developed to create various participation opportunities; As a local community group who connects institutions and projects, GCC implement GI according to local conditions.