Build Skills

Field Trips
Water Leaders follow the path of water through the city by bus and foot to understand better the elements of our current water systems, including storm drains, pipes, canals, and pump stations. We also look at the impact of subsidence on neighborhoods, and visit examples of green infrastructure. We explore the history of the city by observing changes in elevation, waterways, and neighborhood development.

Drawing and Research
Water Leaders locate their home on a map of the city’s drainage system and trace the flow of water from their home to the lakefront or wetland where it is directed. We explore how neighborhoods are connected, and the entities that are responsible for managing the movement of water. We discuss bottlenecks and challenges, and identify where opportunities for adaptation exist.

“I liked the tour- intellectually I knew where water flowed, but didn’t know really how to visualize it.”

– WLI Participant