Working in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), this Graham Scholars team researched sustainability and climate action plans in five major cities within the Ohio River Basin: Pittsburgh, PA; Louisville, KY; Huntington, WV; Evansville, IN; and Cincinnati, OH. From this research, the team developed case studies on initiatives relevant to the NWF's restoration goals. The students also engaged in public listening sessions to gather community feedback.

Final deliverables comprised five case studies and a Listening Session Report summarizing community concerns and potential solutions to the Ohio River’s water quality issues. The deliverables provide insights into basin-wide sustainability initiatives, community concerns, and existing projects that would benefit from restoration funding. Key recommendations included prioritizing social equity and public health for disadvantaged communities in the basin and increasing community outreach through social media campaigns and public events to garner support for the NWF's Ohio River Basin Restoration Plan.

Project Report