A multi-site public art initiative bringing artist-led programs to 20 environmental education centers along the Delaware River Watershed.

Lenapehoking~Watershed (L~W) was a multi-year art and community initiative developed for the Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River, a network of organizations focused on land and water restoration. The nonprofit consortium is committed to serving under-served communities and sought a cultural program that would create inclusive experiences and economic opportunities for Black, Brown, AAPI, and Indigenous communities.

The project brought artist-led programs to 20 environmental education centers along the Delaware River and its tributaries, located within the historic homeland of the Lenape and Nanticoke Nations across present-day New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The project name — meaning "the land of the Lenape people" — was selected in consultation with Lenni-Lenape advisors, reflecting commitments to Indigenous knowledge, stewardship, fair compensation, and cultural autonomy. Trinity Norwood and Priscilla Bell advised on the area's Indigenous history, protocol for working with the Lenape Tribes, and suggested using the place name Lenapehoking in the project title.

Teresa led planning, fundraising, and implementation over five years, raising $1.24 million from foundations and government grants. She convened educators, artists, community organizers, and advisors to shape a watershed-wide approach — designing the project to help people feel seen and welcomed at environmental education centers, with artists serving as interpreters who create meaningful, nature-based experiences of inclusion.

Lead artists Sarah Kavage and Adrienne Mackey grounded the project in social engagement. Kavage created Water Spirits, site-specific installations at 15 centers activated through community-led programs. Mackey developed Aqua Marooned!, an interactive card game with custom decks for all 20 centers, including one focused on Indigenous teachings. Altogether 27 artists and artist collectives created 46 culturally rooted programs throughout the Watershed, developed in collaboration with the L~W team of Community Liaisons.

Lenapehoking~Watershed was made possible by the William Penn Foundation, Knight Foundation, NEA Our Town, The Barra Foundation and the Delaware Division for the Arts.

Press  

A program with Al Mudhif, a traditional Southern Iraqi guest house, was covered in the Philadelphia Inquirer: "On 9/11 anniversary, veterans and refugees seek healing through nature, art, and heart-to-heart," Kevin Riordan, September 9, 2021.

Community Organizers 

Priscilla Bell · José Ortiz-Pagan · Ricky Yanas · Kiriaki Anastasiadis · Leon Rainbow

Collaborating Artists 

Yaroub Al Obaidi · Aymar Ccopacatty · Logan Davis · Meg Lemieur · Bri Barton

Advisory Group 

John Brady · Christina Catanese · Doryán De Angel · Justin Dennis · Leah Douglas · Genevieve Leet · Jacque Liu · Tina Plokarz · Zach Webber · Cari Wild

Partnerships and Program Artists (Philadelphia-based unless otherwise noted) 

Abbott Marshlands, Mercer County · Adriana Amador-Chacon · Amber Arts · Andrea David · Awafi Kitchen · Bethel AME Church, Camden · Brein Garcia · Brenda Howell · Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia · Camden Historical Society · Capital City Farm, Trenton · CCATE La Artivistas, Norristown · Chaplain Christopher Antal, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Cherry Hill · Christina Cantanese · Danza Azteca del Anahuac · Heidie Mojica · Hike+Heal · Jello Vibes · Juntos · Katie Rose Davis · La Calaca Flaca · L. A. Enck · La Puerta Abierta, Camden · Lauren Garrett · LEAP Academy, Camden · Misty Sol · Monica Perez · Priscilla Rios · DJ Rana Ransom · Raúl Romero · Sarah Kim · Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education · Tchin · Tina Plokartz · Tiny Room for Elephants · We Are the Seeds

For a full list of participating Alliance for Watershed Education centers, visit watershedalliance.org.

Follow the project on Facebook · Instagram (archived)

Photos (all works were completed in 2021-2022)

1. Portal sculpture with DYNAMO program · 2. Al Mudhif installation at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education · 3. Al Mudhif, interior view · 4. Reconciliation - A Healing Encounter, 9/11/2021 · 5. The Artist Is In, monthly gatherings with Yaroub Al Obaidi and Sarah Kavage · 6. Misty Sol performing at Lehigh Gap Nature Center · 7. Brenda Howell and Sarah Kavage with Dreaming Fields at Bartram's Garden · 8. Grass braiding workshop at Audubon Center at Mill Grove · 9. Día de los Muertos altar by La Artivistas at Mill Grove · 10. Aqua Marooned!, game cover art · 11. Nature Palooza event at The Discovery Center · 12. Expansion pack for Bartram's Garden · 13. Playing Aqua Marooned! at John Heinz Wildlife Refuge

Photo credits: Teresa Jaynes · Sarah Kavage · Ricky Yanas · Rob Zverina