Partners

Beyond Housing (24:1 initiative)

http://www.beyondhousing.org/programs/24:1-initiative/

Mission

For 35 years, the mission of Beyond Housing has been to strengthen neighborhoods, one family at a time. Its vision is to alleviate the consequences of poverty in the families and communities it serves. The organization is producing observable successes in Pagedale and over ten years ago began developing a strategic plan to expand its programs and services throughout the Normandy School District. 24:1 embodies that strategic plan; twenty-four communities with one vision.

Participation

Establishing demonstration projects that address flooding and water pollution can simultaneously address several 24:1 impact areas (critical issues to address in order to meet goals of strong communities, engaged families, and successful children). For example, establishing community gardens irrigated by harvested rainwater addresses impact areas like “healthy residents,” and “liveable communities.”

City of Maplewood

http://www.cityofmaplewood.com/

Participation

The City of Maplewood has authorized the RdPWC to work on the Deer Creek Park site and the property immediately downstream of the Laclede Station Road bridge. In addition they have pledged to participate in the long-term maintenance that will be required at the completion of the project.

City of University City

http://www.ucitymo.org/

Participation

We are based in the City of University City, and they have been a close partner since our inception. In fact, Mayor Shelly Welsh was a founding member of the River des Peres Watershed Coalition. Topography, the historic demand to develop all available space, and unmitigated development upstream combined to leave a legacy where a many businesses and a significant population of residents are impacted by floods. The City is not only interested in improving the river and tributary corridors as a cultural resource, but officials are also motivated to work with neighboring cities in the upstream watershed to mitigate rainfall runoff that can reduce the frequency of flooding.

Deer Creek Watershed Alliance

http://deercreekalliance.org

Mission

To help facilitate cleaner, safer water in the Deer Creek Watershed, Missouri Botanical Garden has initiated a Deer Creek Watershed Alliance (DCWA) in partnership with Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Washington University, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Great Rivers Greenway (GRG), Missouri Department of Conservation, American Society of Civil Engineers—St. Louis Section, local municipalities, non-profit organizations, and the Deer Creek Watershed Friends, a citizen-led Missouri Botanical Garden committee.

Participation

Deer Creek is a tributary to the River des Peres with a watershed that comprises approximately 1/5 of the total land area. Because of their focus on this portion of the watershed, RdPWC tends to focus efforts outside of Deer Creek. However, we are currently a partner on DCWA's EPA 319 grant funded work to develop a watershed plan.

Great Rivers Greenway District

http://www.greatrivers.info

Mission

The Great Rivers Greenway District (GRG) was established in November 2000 by the successful passage of the Clean Water, Safe Parks and Community Trails Initiative ("Proposition C") in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, Missouri. They work for a clean, green, connected St. Louis region. To deliver its mission, the District is spearheading the development of The River Ring, an interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails that will encircle the St. Louis region, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Participation

Most GRG trails lie within river and tributary corridors, and are therefore a primary means for St. Louisans to experience river ecosystems. In fact, almost 1/3 of greenways are within the River des Peres watershed including the Centennial, St. Vincent, Gravois Creek, River des Peres, and Shady & Deer Creek Greenways. We work with GRG to develop programming that increases trail useage while raising awareness of river issues.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District

http://www.stlmsd.com/home

Mission

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD or District) provides wastewater and stormwater service to approximately 1.4 million people in a 535-square-mile service area encompassing the independent City of St. Louis and most of St. Louis County. The collection system owned and operated by MSD consists of over 9,600 miles of pipe, making it the fourth largest in the United States.

Participation

Staff members regularly attend our Steering Committee Meetings, and the district became a partner of our annual Trash Bash three years ago helping to greatly expand our attendance number of worksites cleaned. MSD provides data on identified stormwater drainage complaints that may help locate beneficial demonstration project sites.

River Kids

http://www.newcityschool.org/RiverKids_391.aspx

The Green Center

http://www.thegreencenter.org/

Mission

The Green Center (TGC) is an arts and environmental education organization dedicated to helping people understand the natural world through hands-on experiences, restoring native habitats, and encouraging artistic expression inspired by nature.

Participation

Originally a special project of TGC, founders of The River des Peres Watershed Coalition realized early on that our mission would lead us to diverge from our parent group. We have since gained independant 501c3 nonprofit status, but our friends at TGC allow us to store tools and supplies in their beautiful historic home at 8025 Blackberry Ave in U. City, which is extremely helpful as we have several nearby work areas. Stop by their outdoor spaces to see examples of water smart strategies including rain gardens, rain barrels, and constructed wetlands.