Thrive Regional Partnership is enrolling communities for the pilot program, designed to engage local residents in environmental planning.

Thrive Regional Partnership, in collaboration with the Open Space Institute, is launching the Resilient Communities pilot program, designed to engage residents across the tri-state region in building nature-based solutions that address environmental challenges and enhance quality of life, especially in underserved areas. 

From intense summer heat to increased severe weather such as flooding and tornadoes, communities across our region and beyond are experiencing the impacts of a changing environment. 

Through community engagement and planning with the environment in mind, people can work together to lessen these hazardous impacts and support basic community needs such as clean air and water, access to food, and shelter from storms. 

Thanks to generous funders, the Merck Family Foundation and the Footprint Foundation, the Resilient Communities program is offered at no cost to participating communities. 

Who can apply?

Any group of community stakeholders, such as residents of a city, town, county, or neighborhood, in the tri-state, 16-county Thrive region is welcome to apply. Organizations such as nonprofits and anchor institutions (churches, schools, libraries) who convene community stakeholders are eligible and encouraged to organize these groups.

What to expect:

A hands-on, 12-month program in your community, alongside experts in environmental science, planning, and placemaking, that empowers you to develop nature-based solutions that support the future of the special place you call home.

What’s the result?

A resident-led plan for environmental solutions in your community, and an opportunity to receive seed funding to kickstart the first phase or project of your community plan.

To learn how to participate in Resilient Communities, contact John Bilderback, Program Director of Natural Treasures at jbilderback@thriveregion.org.

About Thrive

Thrive Regional Partnership inspires responsible growth through conversation, connection, and collaboration in the tri-state, 16-county region of northeast Alabama, northwest Georgia, and southeast Tennessee. Learn more at www.thriveregionalpartnership.org.

About Open Space Institute

Open Space Institute is a conservation organization that seeks to preserve scenic, natural and historic landscapes for public enjoyment, conserve habitats while sustaining community character, and help protect the environment. Learn more at www.openspaceinstitute.org.