Bringing Community Green Spaces to Life
Rhode Island municipalities and nonprofits have an exciting opportunity to receive free design assistance to help transform community green spaces. Through a partnership between the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Forest Environment (RIDEM-DFE) Urban & Community Forestry Program and the University of Rhode Island’s Regenerative Community Design Lab (RCDL), selected applicants will receive conceptual designs that offer both a long-term vision and a concrete starting point for seeking future funding and implementation support. Up to three communities will be selected for support in Summer 2026. Successful applicants will benefit from the expertise of URI Landscape Architecture students and faculty, while committing to the following:
- Designating a point of contact and forming a local advisory committee
- Participating in regular meetings with RCDL staff
- Hosting at least two public review meetings for community feedback
- Tracking and reporting their time throughout the process
Final conceptual designs will be owned by the community and can be used to guide future improvements, apply for grants, or inform local planning efforts. Implementation and funding beyond the conceptual stage will be the responsibility of the applicant.
Applications will open in Fall 2025 for Summer 2026 design support. For more information about the program or application process, please contact
Dr. Jane Buxton, RCDL Program Director
jabuxton@uri.edu
Join the Regenerative Community Design Lab
Are you interested in exploring a different side of Landscape Architecture?
Do you want to work on real-world projects and gather feedback directly from the communities your designs will serve?
Are you passionate about giving back—and committed to the idea that everyone deserves access to quality green spaces?
Do you want to sharpen your design and presentation skills in a collaborative, community-centered environment?
If so, we want you on our team.
Each year, the Regenerative Community Design Lab (RCDL) accepts 5–6 undergraduate Landscape Architecture or Master’s in Environmental Science and Management students to join our immersive, hands-on design program.
Applications will open in Spring 2026.
For questions about the program or application process, please contact:
Dr. Jane Buxton, RCDL Program Director jabuxton@uri.edu