Green Infrastructure Technical Assistance for Towns

Mt. Crawford, Virginia

Mt. Crawford, a town of less than 500 residents, was the first municipality to participate in the GI TAFT program. During a 2024 regional roundtable hosted by the Local Government Advisory Committee, Mt. Crawford’s town manager emphasized that technical assistance can often determine whether a small town can pursue water resource projects.

After several site visits and meetings with town officials, the Alliance and Mt. Crawford identified the best use for the town’s technical assistance support: combating erosion at the newly installed public access point for the North River. The Alliance connected the town with its local Department of Forestry representative to provide recommendations on native trees and shrubs to plant in the eroded area. The Alliance has supported the town by applying for grant funding to implement the planting in Fall 2026. Native trees have deep root systems that hold soil in place, stabilizing the bank while also increasing wildlife habitat and providing shade along the trail.

Princess Anne, Maryland

Town leadership enrolled in the 2024 Wandering Delmarva’s Waterways Peer to Peer Tour and were exposed to the local government services provided to smaller, under-resourced, and primarily rural communities by the Alliance. Through continued engagement and additional offerings, the Town Council and President joined the pilot year of the Technical Assistance Program on Delmarva. Upon completion of their Green Infrastructure Action Plan, they are now motivated to work with a local land preservation organization to install meadow and conservation landscaping at a waterfront park in town. This grant program is a great first step in implementing the numerous opportunities outlined for the town to improve its impact on the Manokin River and the Chesapeake Bay, while reducing mowing and maintenance costs.

Parksley, Virginia

Town leadership responded to a visit to the Town office, offering no-cost Technical Assistance to address resource concerns within the jurisdiction. The Town Manager suggested that the Alliance engage with a small group of volunteers who were leading an effort to improve the conditions at a local park. As a result of consulting with town residents and elected officials, Parksley Town Park was the subject of a grant application submission to fund the development of a concept plan that aims to outline the community’s input for park amenities and incorporates stormwater practices throughout the property. Parksley hopes to seek additional funding opportunities to design and implement the community’s vision, and construct stormwater treatment opportunities to protect downstream resources and improve local water quality.