Pittsburgh’s history is one of resilience, shaped by the three rivers that flow through the city. For years, the region has focused on using gray infrastructure—dams, reservoirs, and locks—to manage flood risks. But as climate change increases the frequency and severity of weather events, there’s a growing need to rethink flood risk management and restore natural ecosystems. At the forefront of this shift are collaborative efforts that integrate traditional engineering with nature-based solutions, creating a more sustainable future for Pittsburgh’s rivers.
One of the largest initiatives underway is the North Shore Ecosystem Restoration, a project led by Army Corps of Engineers, Riverlife and the City of Pittsburgh. This effort is the largest ecological restoration on the Ohio River, designed to strengthen the riverbanks while restoring aquatic habitats and enhancing the river’s resilience.
Resilience is not just about infrastructure—it’s also about how communities interact with the river. The artist collective Sans facon, including Charles Blanc, Tristan Surtees, and Steve Gurysh, is working with Riverlife on a project to bring the West End and Manchester communities closer to the water. This effort offers residents a new way to connect with the rivers, using public art and interactive experiences to bridge the gap between urban life and nature.
This work underscores a critical point: resilience isn’t just about protecting cities from floods; it’s about fostering a sustainable relationship between people and the environment.
Riverlife is collaborating with partners like the Army Corps and Sans facon to ensure Pittsburgh’s rivers continue to protect and enrich the city while also becoming natural, resilient ecosystems once again.
This conversation on Resilient Rivers will be emceed by Gavin White, Riverlife’s Director of Projects and Planning. Leaders in these arenas will share their insights into how Pittsburgh’s rivers can support safety, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability while offering new ways for people to connect with these vital waterways.
Join us for this important event as we explore how nature-based solutions, engineering, and public engagement are shaping the future of river resilience.
Panelists
Jennifer Cristobal
United States Army Corps of Engineers
Steve Gurysh
Steve Gurysh is an artist living in Lawrence, KS where he is an Associate Professor of Sculpture at the University of Kansas. Recognized by a fluid approach to process and material, his projects are often developed with scientists, engineers, other artists and communities, exploring ecological and planetary perspectives through sculpture, time-based media, and art in the public realm.
Sans façon
Sans façon is the collaborative art practice of Charles Blanc and Tristan Surtees. They have worked internationally on projects ranging from ephemeral performances and temporary installations in public space, large scale permanent artworks, to collaborating with other subject matter experts on major infrastructure projects or developing and implementing city-wide strategies involving artists in discourse with a city. The majority of their work tempts interaction with the surroundings and is developed in close collaboration with communities, organizations and individuals including city councils, scholars, perfumers, composers, architects and engineers.
Gavin White, moderator
Gavin comes to Riverlife from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy where, as their Community Projects Manager, he combined on-the-ground building experience with a passion for public engagement to develop and implement resident-led plans and projects. At work and at home, Gavin organizes and engages in planning and policy discussions, aiming to make Pittsburgh healthier, wilder, and more beautiful.
As a volunteer, Gavin serves as Secretary for Hazelwood Initiative, engaging residents and stewarding property in the neighborhood with the goal of development without displacement. Regionally, he supports grassroots organizations pursuing social change as a member of the grantmaking committee of the Three Rivers Community Foundation. Outside of Pittsburgh, he serves as executive officer for World Urban Parks Climate Change and Resilience Committee, a group of leaders from around the globe dedicated to the role urban parks play in addressing Earth’s greatest threats.
Gavin grew up in Mars (Pennsylvania) and graduated with degrees in Architecture Studies and History from the University of Pittsburgh. When he’s not at work, you can find him on the trails, in the parks, or at home in his workshop building something out of local lumber.
This is one of Riverlife’s “Completing the Loop Conversations.”
These panel discussions bring together thought leaders, designers, engineers, environmental experts and artists to delve into critical themes in our work to create world-class rivers and riverfronts that belong to everyone. Set against the backdrop of our rivers, examine how innovative design and creative expression can transform urban landscapes, making them more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant.
Made possible through the generous support of the
