Partner Profile

Gabi Kinney, Wetlands Watch and Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Program

Two people looking down at a table with a spray bottle and plastic trays

Tattered bark of American Sycamore with leaves and sun shining through in background

Favorite riparian plant: American Sycamore

Photo (above) of the American Sycamore from Rivanna Conservation Alliance

Photo (left) of Gabi at the Benthic Monitoring Station at the Consortium’s 2024 Buffer Summit

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How does your work support healthy streamside ecosystems in the James River watershed?

My work supports healthy streamside ecosystems by building workforce capacity through the delivery of CBLP-Buffers training programs, as well as amplifying the resources and tools developed by the diverse network of Virginia’s riparian buffer partners, such as the Upper & Middle James Riparian Consortium and the Department of Forestry! CBLP-Buffers is a 3-day hybrid course that engages riparian buffer professionals, contractors, and businesses in the basics of buffer planning, implementation, and maintenance. CBLP programs prioritize using native plants and conservation landscaping practices that promote water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health benefits to achieve holistic habitat restoration in urban, rural, and agricultural environments.

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What do you love most about your work?

I love this work because it truly gets down to the nitty gritty of how Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration is implemented. The robust network of partners working on riparian buffers across Virginia are a passionate and innovative group, and the role of CBLP is to help develop the workforce needed to install and maintain riparian buffer practices throughout the region. I am most inspired to work with youth and rising professionals as they pursue career paths in restoration and water quality!

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What was your journey/career path that led you to the work you do now?

I come from an academic background of coastal ecology and marine biology with a diverse professional background in youth and adult environmental education. Having grown up in the river systems of the northeast, I have broadened my love for coastal aquatics to include riverine ecosystems — and as such, I have fallen in love with riparian buffers work as a perfect intersection of my upbringing, passions, and experience. In addition to my work at Wetlands Watch developing a deeper understanding of floodplain management and climate adaptation, I believe teaching others about green infrastructure practices is pivotal to achieving the Bay’s restoration goals and helping people feel more connected to the land and watersheds they live, work, and play in.

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What do you value most about the Consortium? How has it positively impacted your work?

I value the networking through the consortium immensely! It was clear to me from the very beginning that this is a fun, passionate, and welcoming group of people who care deeply about getting the good work done.

About Gabi Kinney

Organization: Wetlands Watch

Title: Assistant Director of Living Infrastructure; Virginia Co-Coordinator of the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Program