Stories of Saving Places, Finding Community
GROUNDSWELL shows how "community building" really works in the hands of
citizens and volunteer leaders, as well as professionals. It reveals the
“kindred spirit” qualities in those who come together to make the projects
happen. The book celebrates the role of land conservation in preserving
community character, building individual character, and connecting people.
It gives insights into how people with diverse interests can find the
leadership skills they need to help guide community growth. Learn from
personal stories of people overcoming challenges—whether they are cultural,
economic, environmental, or all of the above.
Written from a practitioner's perspective, GROUNDSWELL features six stories,
plus a chapter on collaborative environmental art projects - with something to interest everyone:
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Saving, ancient trees in the Pacific Northwest and creating a community forest in the process |
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Restoring a blighted river in New York City's Bronx |
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Collaborating with ranchers and environmentalists along the Rocky Mountain Front to help maintain a way of life amid skyrocketing real estate prices |
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Building support for community-supported agriculture in the Midwest |
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Envisioning and implementing a bootstrap economic development project in a rural community in the South |
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And the author's own experience in growing Portland Trails, a vibrant urban land trust in the Northeast |
This is complex, collaborative, and entrepreneurial work—difficult at times,
yet intensely satisfying. Anyone who wants to give back something to their
community—ordinary citizen, neighborhood activist, technical expert,
municipal official, elected leader—should read this book, whether you are a
beginner or a seasoned expert. You will view the possibilities for your
project in new ways, regardless of your resume. With guidance from
GROUNDSWELL, you'll realize that all you need to do is show up and get
started.
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