Drawn to Water
connecting communities to native plants and wildlife
Drawn to Water is an illustration and outreach initiative of The Urban Studio supported by the EPA Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program. The project develops illustrated learning materials and public engagement activities that help people recognize and learn about the plants, animals, and landscapes that shape the Mid-Atlantic environment.
Through workshops, community events, and partnerships with schools, libraries, and arts organizations, the project introduces participants to the natural systems around them and builds interest in environmental stewardship, watershed awareness, and nature-based design.
The Project
•November 2025–November 2026•
The project also supported the creation of the Nature Art Collection, a growing library of illustrated learning materials celebrating the flora and fauna of the Mid-Atlantic region. These hand-created coloring sheets, educational pages, and activities invite people to slow down, observe their surroundings, and connect with the ecosystems that shape their communities.
By highlighting local plants, animals, and waterways, the collection encourages curiosity about the natural world and helps people see how their neighborhoods are connected to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the broader watershed.
Our Approach
We combine art, observation, and local ecology to create materials that make environmental learning approachable. Each piece encourages curiosity about the plants, animals, and waterways that shape everyday environments.
Our Impact
By connecting creativity with place-based learning, the project helps people understand how their neighborhoods relate to the broader Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and inspires long-term environmental awareness.
