A five-year, 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 funders including the William Penn Foundation, Knight Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 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 39 culturally rooted programs throughout the Watershed, developed in collaboration with the L~W team of Community Liaisons.
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 · 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, Camden · L. A. Enck · La Puerta Abierta, Camden · Lauren Garrett · LEAP Academy, Camden · Misty Sol · Monica Perez · Priscilla Rios · DJ Rana Ransom · Raúl Romero · Rob Zverina · 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.
Photos 1. Al Mudif at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, photo credit: Ricky Yanas · 2. Al Mudif, interior view · 3. Portal sculpture with DYNAMO program, photo credit: Teresa Jaynes · 4. and 5. DYNAMO program · 6.